Jaki Graham to headline two city events

The singer will headline the Wolverhampton Black History Month launch event on September 29, before appearing as one of the star performers at Wolves Pride the following day.

Wolves Pride, on September 30, is the largest event of its kind in the city’s history.

It will take place from noon to 9pm on Wulfruna Street, the Civic Centre ceremonial car park, St Peter’s car park and the pedestrian area outside the University's Ambika Paul building, and feature a mix of stalls, food and drink vendors, music performances and talks. It will also include The Big Howl world-record attempt.

The sell-out Black History Month launch event at the Arena Theatre will feature a hot African-Caribbean buffet before a series of talks and performances from local figures and artists. It is the start of a four-week celebration of black history, encompassing more than 20 events across the city.

Jaki Graham, one of the UK's leading female soul vocalists for over 30 years, lives in Wolverhampton and was awarded an honorary degree from the University in 2013 for services to music and the creative industries. She was inaugurated as a Pro-Chancellor in September 2015.

She started out as a backing vocalist for Birmingham band UB40 but in 1983 signed with EMI as a solo artist, releasing her first single, What's the Name of Your Game, the following year.

To date, she has had six UK Top 20 singles and two Top 5 singles in the US dance charts, including the Number 1 hit, Ain't Nobody. She achieved a Guinness World Record as the first Black British female solo artist to have six consecutive Top 20 hits.

Requests to be added to the waiting list for Wolverhampton Black History Month Launch Event can be made by visiting https://wlv.ticketsolve.com/shows/873580926.

Free tickets for Wolves Pride 2017 can be reserved by visiting: skiddle.com/e/13027620.