Passing the torch in Ty's honour

Tuesday the 17th August marked what would have been the 49th birthday of UK hip hop legend Ty. Like any other year, a big bash was thrown full of friends, family and great music. But, unlike any other year, the guest of honour was conspicuously absent, unless you count his Brixton street art portrait projected above the stage, from which he serenely gazed down on the performers. 

Known for supporting up and coming talent, Pass The Torch Music Foundation was set up in Ty’s honour to support independent black talent. It was under this guise that artists new and established came together at the Jazz Cafe to celebrate his life, performing a mix of their own tunes, his tunes and collaborations which involved them trying to fill in his parts, clutching paper with his lyrics on and admitting that they didn’t quite know them. If this were any other night it might have seemed amateurish or lazy but somehow it felt respectful, like they didn’t want to fill his boots or try to out perform him. Those parts were his and not up for grabs.

On the line up: Terri Walker, Richard Spaven, Seanie Tee, Breis, Truemendous and Frshrz along with Ty’s band including Ashley Henry and DJ’s Psykhomantus and Chris Bounce. The night was warmly hosted by Iyare Igiehon and included a special performance by Atypical With Attitude dance crew, showcasing the talents of the differently abled - able being the key word there. 

All the performances were top notch, full of energy, organic and heartfelt. No mean feat when you consider that, for many, this was their first time up in front of a crowd in 18 months. And all while carrying the weight of heartbreak. The evening was peppered with stories of Ty, things he liked, conversations they’d had. There were tears both on stage and in the crowd, most especially when a framed disc was presented to his Mum and Sister on stage. 

Like most of his fans, I didn’t know Ty personally but what is absolutely inescapable is how much love he gave to his community and how much he was loved in return. The Mercury Prize nominated lyricist and spoken word poet managed to do what many who touch fame don’t - use it for good and surround himself with genuine people. I can’t imagine that anyone fake would have lasted long around all the friends who had his back. 

Sitting 2 tables away, I looked at his Mum and Sister and thought how very proud they must be, not only of his musical accomplishments, but of the impression he has made on the world around him. Although his parents wanted him to become a doctor I’m sure there was not a moment of remorse at the path he took in the end. He practiced what he preached with his community work and the warmth of the messages sent from around the globe from artists such as Ghetts, Roots Manuva and De La Soul show how he left a mark on peoples’ hearts wherever he went. 

“if you were honoured to have him seated at your table….consider yourself extremely lucky to have called him your friend and your brother.” 

Cookie Pryce

With thanks to DJ Chris Bounce and H Langton for the assistance.

Photo by Kate Vice