Sunday 28th November is a very special date – it sees the return of Legends of UK Soul, and this year they will be honouring the late Lynden David Hall, the South London singer/songwriter who lost his cancer battle in February 2006.
This time around it will feature some of the UK’s most prolific British soul staples including Mica Paris, Don-E, Andrew Roachford and Sinclair. All the acts will perform a classic of Lynden’s, so guest can expect to hear an array of some of Lynden’s most memorable hits, think Sexy Cinderella, Do I qualify and medicine for my pain.
Also, a percentage of proceeds from the event will go to the African Caribbean Leukaemia Society (ACLT) charity. The ACLT held a very important place in Lynden’s heart and Legends of UK Soul will donate to the ACLT at the request of Lynden’s wife Nikkie Hall.
Winner of best newcomer at the 1998 MOBO awards and awarded Best Male artist a year later for Blues & Soul magazine, Lyndon’s talent was widely recognised and he was an influential and successful figurehead for the black British music scene. His premature death shocked the music world and this November’s event gives fans the opportunity to respect his memory, support a good cause and revel in the sounds of some of the UK’s soul pioneers.
We spoke to Nikkie Hall Lyden’s widow to find out what she thinks about the event:
Are you excited about the event?
Yes I am extremely excited about this event, it has been almost 5 years since Lynden passed away and I feel honoured and humbled that an event like this is being held in remembrance of his music. I feel that it is going to be a very special evening filled with smiles, and some tears but hopefully quite a lot of dancing!
What do you think about the line up and are you excited about a particular performance?
The line up is wonderful and will bring back happy memories of The Lyndens Wish event that we held for him at the Jazz Cafe. I am most looking forward to hearing both Andrew Roachford and Don E. Andrew worked with Lynden and also performed one of his songs at the Jazz Cafe and it was very moving. Don E is one of my most favourite artists to see live, he really rocks the stage!
How are you feeling about the event?
I am sure it will be emotional hearing Lyndens music performed, however it is also such a very very special blessing. I am certain that Lynden would feel honoured to have his music performed live again. I know that my husbands contribution to British soul music was great and because of that his legacy will always live on, many people still continue to write to me to express how his music has affected they’re lives, this always makes me smile. He lives on in peoples hearts, I feel blessed that when I am sad and miss him I am able to watch his videos on Youtube and I can always hear his heart when I listen to his music.
Any last words…
I will continue to endeaver, with Gods help, to put out the music he left behind, as I am sure this is what he wanted. The last song that Lynden wrote is an unfinished track called ‘Stones’, this and Blessings, which was on his third album The Other Side are my favourites, alongside Medicine for my Pain….
For tickets click here
