On 20th October, Cultural Historian Colin Grant comes to Harrow Arts Centre to showcase his incredible book 'I & I- The Natural Mystics', which details the impact and relevance Bob Marley & the Wailers had on the World.

From ghetto life, to world wide phenomenon, The Wailers managed to achieve a level of critical acclaim that put them on a par, and it could be argued, exceeded, some of the big rock and pop acts at the time, which even carries through to the present day. It is the timelessness of this sensational group that is striking.

The Wailers, among other notable groups such as The Toots and the Maytals, can be credited to have given Reggae the recognition that it enjoys to this day. Starting out in the Caribbean, it quickly moved into early Ska and Reggae clubs in 1970's England. It took a dramatic rise in popularity with the explosion of artists like the Wailers, who made Reggae one of the most listened to genres of music in the world, and has influenced many other genres including Hip Hop, Jazz and even elements of modern Rock. Of course, the most famous Jamaican export came from the Wailers in the form of a certain Bob Marley.

Colin Grant, a cultural historian and producer for the BBC, digs deep into the politics and ideologies behind the Wailers that provoked their spirit. It is a truly remarkable story, how this group was able to rise from their ghetto upbringings to becoming the most respected and important reggae band to emerge from Jamaica in the 1960's carrying through to the death of Marley in 1981, and living on through the very recordings that established them. Colin Grant uses rare film footage and music to send you on a journey that looks into the Wailer’s fascinating history.

'Colin Grant is an accomplished storyteller and writes with an elegance leavened by wit and cynicism' The Guardian

Marley, Tosh & Wailer: In Conversation with Colin Grant appears at Harrow Arts Centre on Thursday 20th October.

Call Box Office on 020 8416 8989 to book or visit Harrow Arts Centre's website www.harrowarts.com

WHEN: Thursday 20th October 2011

WHERE: Harrow Arts Centre

Click here for more Black History Month Events guide