BBMC -Brent Black Music Co-operative
The Theorem Music Village, formerly known as the Brent Black Music Co-operative (BBMC), has been a cornerstone of Willesden Green's rich musical heritage since its establishment in July 1985.
Inaugurated with the support of prominent artists such as Brinsley Forde of Aswad, Suliman El Hadi of The Last Poets, and Ali Campbell of UB40, BBMC was created to address the mainstream music industry's lack of investment in reggae music. With funding from the Greater London Council (GLC) and Brent Council, the co-operative aimed to generate employment, provide training, and create opportunities for the community and its musicians.
Over the years, BBMC earned the moniker "Home of Reggae Music," becoming a hub for both UK and international reggae artists. The studio's walls have resonated with the sounds of legends like Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, John Holt, Alton Ellis, and The Mighty Diamonds. British talents such as Carroll Thompson, Janet Kay, Peter Hunnigale, and Sylvia Tella also graced its spaces, contributing to a vibrant musical community that bridged cultural and generational divides.
In its current incarnation as Theorem Music Village, a short walking distance from the London Apollo Club / Brent Trade Hall, the venue continues to honour its legacy by hosting events that celebrate reggae's enduring influence.
Notably, in October 2022, it was the site of the 1970s Lovers Rock Exhibition, curated by Colin "CeeBee" Brown. This exhibition delved into the foundational years of the genre, highlighting both overlooked and celebrated artists, and charting the evolution from a Jamaican sound to a distinctively British one.
Through such initiatives, Theorem Music Village remains a vital part of Willesden Green's cultural tapestry, preserving and promoting the area's rich musical history.