October is of course Black History Month, and as part of the borough’s culture programme, there is a series of events happening on the last weekend of the month, called Reclaiming Narratives, which shines a light on Black voices past and present as well as celebrating Croydon’s vibrant community.

Kicking off the weekend on Friday 25 October, will be an evening dedicated to iconic musician Desmond Dekker – the ska, rocksteady and reggae legend. You may or may not know that Dekker spent the last decade of his life in Croydon, and even if ska and reggae aren’t your music genres, you’ll know his world famous song, Israelites (a UK hit not once but twice, in 1969 and 1975) and recognise his face from the Music Heritage Trail mural in Queen’s Gardens.

Desmond Dekker’s daughter, Desrene Dacres will be performing at the event, so we caught up with her for a chat.

Croydonist: Firstly Croydon native or convert?

Desrene: My father was a resident in Thornton Heath from around 1996 to 2006, and I lived there too at that time.

Croydonist: What was it like growing up with an international music star for a father?

Desrene: Awesome. My father was very creative and was also writing poetry.  Some became music which we hear today on his albums. He was a fun loving father.

Croydonist: Being a musician and designer yourself, did your father encourage your creativity?

Desrene: From the age of 7 years old my father taught me guitar and various instruments in his spare time. He often encouraged me to practise regularly and go to some of his recording studio sessions to watch and learn.

Croydonist: Tell us more about the upcoming event at the Braithwaite Hall that kicks off the Reclaiming Narratives weekend?

Desrene: The event is called ‘You Can Get It If you Really Want’. It will be held at the Braithwaite Hall, on Friday 25 October at 7:30pm. There will be live music performed by myself and some of the Aces Band (originally my father’s backing singers). This will be followed by exciting tributes, a Q&A with the audience and more music.

Croydonist: Of course, your father is also celebrated in the Rewind exhibition and Croydon music walk which both were part of the Borough of Culture programme. Were you involved in the development of these? 

Desrene: Yes I was involved. My brother Desmond Jr. and myself donated as loan some of my father’s artefacts you see now at the Rewind Exhibition.

Croydonist: The Queen’s Gardens artwork hasn’t been the only mural in Croydon that depicts your father – tell us about the one in Thornton Heath’s Trumble Gardens.

Desrene: Trumble Gardens had a Desmond Dekker Day Mural. It was an awesome day.  The community came together to paint a Desmond Dekker portrait mural, live music was performed by myself and the band, there was poetry reading from my Father’s archive, refreshments and more. It was such a lovely day meeting everyone and seeing what Graham and Friends of Trumble Gardens did to revive the Park to its glory again. Wonderful!

Croydonist: What’s your view of Croydon’s arts community and music scene?

Desrene: Croydon’s arts and music scene is very educational for upcoming young creatives. It opens doors of inspiration and encourages opportunities to the community.  It’s awesome.

Croydonist: Where do you like to go in Croydon for creative inspiration?

Desrene: I visit the Museum of Croydon, the libraries, Fairfield Halls, murals, shopping centres and parks.

Thank you to Desrene for chatting with us. ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ takes place on Friday 25 October 2024, 7:30-10pm at the Braithwaite Hall, Croydon Clocktower. Book your tickets here. You can still visit the Rewind exhibition at the Museum of Croydon until the end of December.

Images courtesy of Desrene Dacres.

Posted by Julia