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PIONEER: Daddy Vego

VON BARRINGTON Adams, better known as Jamaican reggae promoter Daddy Vego of The People’s Sounds record shop in North Kensington, died on January 3 after a long illness. He was 74.

Daddy Vego arrived with the Windrush generation in 1956 and settled in North Kensington, west Lonson, as it was cheap to rent and had a large African Caribbean population. It is said that at the time he was the only Jamaican in the area. Part of his legacy is a dynasty of children, grand-children and great grand-children totalling 124 at last count.

In 1958 the unprovoked murder of carpenter and law student Kelso Cochrane in North Kensington, allegedly by a follower of British fascist leader Oswald Mosley, was the positive turning point for severe racial tensions and race riots in the area.

CRIME

Following the crime which was never solved, the local community, both black and white came together and the Notting Hill Carnival was born.

Originally a small Trinidadian festival held indoors, it grew over the years to steel pan bands at street parties, progressing to the street carnival that we know today, a two-day event attracting up to a million people from all over the world.

The first Jamaican to set up a static sound system in All Saints Road was Daddy Vego. He was the ‘original selector’ playing an amazing variety of reggae, ska and ragga, introducing new sounds and new artists to the public, in clubs around London. Eventually he was able to set up his shop The People’s Sounds in 1988, opposite the Mangrove Club.

Daddy Vego was a tireless promoter of Jamaican reggae and culture, encouraging new talent at open mic events, and spreading his Rastafarian beliefs based on peace, love and unity. He spent hours talking to those in trouble, was never judgmental, and as one said ‘his love was unconditional’.

In 1994 he and the Mangrove Community Association twinned All Saint’s Road with Vienda Street in Soweto, and ran Free Mandela street parties, culminating in a huge celebration when Mandela was elected President. Between 1999 and 2005 Daddy ran a free children’s carnival in the street, with music and attractions, showcasing local musicians.

Another North Kensington legend may have left us, but his legacy will continue.