• Jimi Hendrix mural installed as the first in a series of 12 street art pieces across Newham.
• ‘Colours of Newham’ street art project is another milestone in the Council’s Building Newham’s Creative Future cultural strategy.
• Residents co-produce mural design with celebrated street artist Zabou, to commemorate the former Uppercut Nightclub in Forest Gate which hosted an array of famous singers and musicians.
As part of the Newham Council’s cultural strategy, a bold street art installation series was launched this week (7th August) in Forest Gate with a commemoration of legendary singer and guitarist Jimi Hendrix. He wrote his infamous Purple Haze lyrics at the iconic 1960s Uppercut Nightclub, which is being celebrated for its musical and cultural contribution to the Forest Gate neighbourhood through the Council’s ‘Colours of Newham’ project. Other famous artists that performed at the Uppercut included Nina Simone, Otis Redding, Small Faces and the Who.
In the 1960's, Forest Gate played a crucial role in in developing London's Afro-Caribbean community. The arrival of the Windrush generation brought a large number of Caribbean immigrants to this neighbourhood, establishing a vibrant centre of culture and strength. Despite encountering numerous obstacles and challenges, the community united to overcome them with determination, paving the way for future generations and enriching London's diverse history.
Painted by former Newham resident and celebrated street artist Zabou, the giant 9.78m by 11.73m Jimi Hendrix mural was unveiled during a launch event at the location of the former Uppercut Nightclub, off Woodgrange Road E7 and now the site of a chemist. It is the first in a series of 12 street art installations in Forest Gate, Green Street and Manor Park, which will be completed by the autumn 2024 and have been developed in collaboration with local residents.
Street artist Zabou said: "I'm delighted to create a mural in honour of Jimi Hendrix and The Upper Cut Club, in a location with such a powerful history where I once lived. I hope it can bring joy and pride to the residents over the years to come, while celebrating Newham's music legacy and memory."
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE added: “I am really excited by the first in our series of twelve Colours of Newham street art pieces across our neighbourhoods for local residents and businesses to enjoy. Already, the Jimi Hendrix installation has brought much joy and has become an amazing focal point for the local community. It’s all part of us showcasing how Newham is the beating heart of London culture and how we make art and culture accessible to everyone. We are also celebrating the important cultural contributions made by our diverse communities to our heritage over the years.”
As part of the Colours of Newham project other street art murals will feature famous local artists such as Plan B and DJ Randall, and designs inspired by the fabric merchants, jewellery and food; as well as those that celebrate Newham’s diversity.
Zoe Alleyne, Managing Director of BUD Studio, who have been commissioned by Newham Council to lead the Colours of Newham project said “It's fantastic to have started installing the Colours of Forest Gate artworks. It's awesome to see all the hard work from the community and London Borough of Newham finally come to fruition.’’
Neandra Etienne is one of the Stakeholders, Local Journalist and Arts & Culture Producer: "I successfully campaigned for Jimi Hendrix to receive a new Newham Heritage blue plaque in 2021 so I’m happy that the ‘Jimi Hendrix at the Upper Cut Club’ mural, which has been installed on the same wall as the plaque, will tell the history of Woodgrange Road. Now every time the song Purple Haze, or songs by Otis Redding, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder and David Essex OBE are played everyone will know they are listening to music with a connection to Forest Gate in Newham."
The comprehensive and co-designed public art project which has been running for the past year, involved local workshops with a range of residents of all ages, businesses and specific groups such as Forest Gate Youth Zone, local art and culture networks, as well as events and online polls.
