The Beat ft. Ranking Jnr + Pama Int'l Trojan songbook show

Event information

The London Int’l Ska Festival presents…
an incredible double headline show with

The Beat ft. Ranking Jnr
AND
Pama Int'l Trojan Records songbook show!
+ DJ tba

The Beat were undoubtedly one of the most original bands the UK has produced. Their unique mix of ska, reggae, punk, disco and afrobeat styles stood them apart from their 2 Tone and other contempories. They gave us such incredible hits as Mirror In The Bathroom, Too Nice Too Talk To, Hands Off She's Mine, Stand Down Margaret, Best Friend, Can't Get Used To Losing You, Drowning, Tears of A Clown, Rankin Full Stop, I Confess, Save It For Later and more!

Over the last two decades fans around the world watched Ranking Roger - one of the UK's most beloved frontmen - performing with his son - Ranking Jnr by his side, keep The Beat alive! The pairing was nothing short of electric. And the results on record as equally dynamite! A fact born out in the BBC 6 music adding the Ranking Jnr/Ranking Roger penned - Side To Side, to their A playlist.

And now, Ranking Jnr follows in his father's footsteps as the lead singer... carrying The Beat's flag into a new era with a turbo-charged live set guaranteed to raise any roof. With new material on the horizon, and sold-out shows around the world, The Beat's legacy is in phenomenal hands!



Pama International’s connection to Trojan Records is a long one. In 2006 they became the first new band to sign to the iconic record label in 30 years! The, critically acclaimed, resulting album 'Trojan Sessions’ featured original songs penned by band writer/producer/keyboardist - Sean Flowerdew for reggae royalty; Derrick Morgan, Dawn Penn, Dave & Ansel Collins, AJ Frankin (Chosen Few), Dennis Alcapone and Winston Francis. In 2016 Pama International launched the official Trojan Records club night at Heavenly Records' London venue - The Social. And in 2018 they performed a highly popular two month ‘Trojan Records songbook’ UK tour, which culminated in two sold-out shows at the O2 Academy Islington.

We are now delighted to announce that Pama International return with The Trojan Songbook part 2 tour in spring 2025! A brand new show that not only stars unique interpretations of Trojan Records' iconic back catalogue, but also original material from the bands first reggae album in eight years - Return of the Unity Rockers, (a “sensational soul induced reggae crossover, inspired by the late 70’s/early 80’s dancefloors”).

Every customer attending the show will receive a free collectors Trojan songbook (only available at the shows), which features the lyrics and history of each song, interviews and more!

From its launch in the summer of 1968, Trojan Records enjoyed no less than 36 major UK hits between 1969 and 1975 and in so doing introduced the likes of Ken Boothe, Bob & Marcia, John Holt, Jimmy Cliff, Dave & Ansel Collins, The Pioneers and Toots & The Maytals to a global audience.

Since their formation in 2001 Pama International have released 18 albums, recorded 5 BBC sessions (for Radio One at Maida Vale, Radio 2/Janice Long, and BBC 6 music's Craig Charles at Abbey Road). They’ve also been championed by BBC’s David Rodigan (who first played them back in 2001 on his Kiss show), Steve Lamacq, Gideon Coe, Don Letts, Huey Morgan and Chris Hawkins and xfm’s Jon Kennedy.

They have collaborated with the aforementioned reggae royalty, and Ken Boothe, Mad Professor, Billy Bragg, Wrongtom, and Snowboy. The band line up has starred members from; The Specials, Madness, Galliano, Steel Pulse, Lee Perry’s Upsetters, the Style Council and the Paul Weller band!

Not content to keep his music to record alone, band founder/songwriter - Sean Flowerdew, has had his music included in over 20 film and television shows, the most successful being Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels and Hollywood blockbuster Fools Gold.

Live, the band built a huge following playing and touring with; The Specials, Madness, Jimmy Cliff, Toots & The Maytals, Prince Buster, Lee Perry, Max Romeo, Georgie Fame, Bob Andy, Misty In Roots and The Clash’s Mick Jones. Their reputation was further cemented with festival performances at; Glastonbury, Womad, Boomtown, Beautiful Days, Big Chill, Wickerman, Respect, Bestival and Kendal Calling, sell-out shows at London’s iconic 100 Club and Jazz Cafe, and in 2018, they launched their soul revue to 7000 people at Alexandra Palace.

Come join us for a truly unique celebration of the world’s iconic Trojan Records presented to you by Pama International.


“premier rocksteady” David Rodigan BBC1xtra

“as ever, their productions & taste are faultless” Craig Charles BBC6music

“they’re right up there with the best soul & reggae bands in the UK” Chris Hawkins BBC6music