D Double E and Ghetts for “once-in-a-generation” ‘More Life’ event in memory of Stephen Lawrence

The Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation has announced a ‘More Life – Pass The Mic’ concert at the O2 in London featuring D Double E, Ghetts and Mahalia.

The event, taking place on September 13, will celebrate Black culture and honour Stephen’s birthday on what would be his 50th birthday. Other artists set to feature include Nao, Wretch 32, and the Kanneh-Masons.

Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Stephen’s mother and the foundation’s founder, said: “Music has the power to touch people’s hearts and inspire shifts in how they view themselves and the world around them, much like Stephen did for those who knew and loved him, and the many who only know his story. The 13th September will be a time for reflection and celebration and a moment to uplift the beauty and brilliance of our community. Together, we can make a collective commitment to building a kinder, more equitable society in Stephen’s name.”

Jessica Neil, the foundation’s CEO, added: “Harnessing the transformative power of music, we are inviting the next generation to reclaim Stephen’s legacy as their own. Stephen was an ordinary young man whose life and death have created extraordinary impact.

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“This event is about demonstrating the power of ordinary people to drive extraordinary change when their talents and aspirations are nurtured. ‘More Life – Pass the Mic’ is a celebration of culture and community and a once-in-a-lifetime musical moment that we hope will spark a generation-defining movement for change.”

Tickets will go on sale on Friday (July 12) at 10am BST. You can find tickets here.

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In 1993, Stephen was murdered in a racially motivated attack on April 22 while waiting for a bus in Eltham, southeast London.

In 2013, 20 years after his death, a ‘Unity Concert’ was held at the O2. Organised in support of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust and hosted by Nick Grimshaw and Reggie Yates, it featured artists including Emeli Sande, Tinie Tempah, Labrinth, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding and Rudimental.