Music / community
Musicians unite to support Bristol artist through ‘unimaginable loss’
Musicians at the heart of Bristol’s hip hop, jazz, bass and jungle scenes are rallying to support a core member of their community in the wake of devastating loss.
They are urging music lovers to support a fundraising gig, featuring some of the scene’s freshest and finest, that will help the musician’s family to regain some security while they navigate their grief.
Hip hop artist Jack Wisdom, who performs under the name Dur Brain and as one half of hip hop heavy-hitters Binbag Wisdom, recently lost his father under tragic circumstances which has left his family in extreme financial difficulty.
Large amounts of debt accrued by his father including remortgaging of the family home, where Wisdom’s mother and sister hope to remain, were only revealed after his father’s death.
“Sadly my Dad felt the only way out was to take his own life,” he said, paying tribute to his father’s “many wonderful characteristics” and the “incredibly happy times” they had.
“We would do anything to get him back and would have supported him however deep the mess. This is sadly another too frequent reminder that we need to be speaking about what’s going on inside with those we love. It is never a burden.”
The musical community of which Wisdom is an integral part is holding a fundraiser on July 10 at the Attic Bar on Stokes Croft.
The bill features a wealth of local talent in what organisers promise will be a musical feast.
Dr Syntax, formerly of the Mouse Outfit, will appear alongside Kathika, known for spitting blazing raps as part of ‘pyro punk’ rave collective Slamboree, and the smooth French flow of MĀDŁY.
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Mr Fitz, a DMC world championship finalist and producer of Bristol’s collective hip hop project JAMU of which Wisdom, Jake MC Binbags Blackmore and MĀDŁY are also a part, will DJ and Franz Von of TC and the Groove Family will be supplying his brand of Afro-fusion hip hop.
Favilla’s upbeat, energising performance will unite afrobeat-inspired rhythms, hip hop and global genres, and Rwkus will bring their finely-tuned live jungle show, ahead of their Jazz Café London debut.
Binbag Wisdom will also make an appearance. The Attic Bar, which has hosted Wisdom’s many projects and others on the bill countless times over the years, is providing the venue for free, so all funds raised can go directly to the cause.
The event has been organised by Tristan Shaw, aka DJ Hiphoppapotamus, purveyor of ‘sweet audible sunshine’ who heads up the Hippo Sound System, also performing on the night.
“This event is extremely close to our hearts,” said Shaw. “Not only did our boy Jack tragically lose his father, but his family have now been left in the most precarious financial position as a result.
“So naturally we – some of Jack’s musical friends – want to do all that we can to support our dear friend and his family. We have pulled together this feast of a night of live and electronic music where all proceeds will be directly going to support the Wisdom family.
“This is a special, one of a kind event, so please grab your tickets ASAP to help us show the love and support!”
Find details and buy tickets at headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/the-attic-bar/thu-10-jul-wisdom
Main image: Jack Wisdom
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