George Brade

DOZENS of people attended a commemoration event for a pioneering musician described as a “true legend” of Islington’s Caribbean community.

A steel pan band played as a green heritage plaque for George Brade was unveiled by his family and the Mayor of Islington on the wall outside the Whittington Community Centre. He had worked there as a caretaker for more than 30 years.

Mr Brade moved to the United Kingdom from Montserrat in 1958, a part of the Windrush Generation that emigrated from the Caribbean in the post-war period.

He moved around Birmingham and Preston early in life before he eventually settled in the Six Acres Estate in Finsbury Park, where he lived for over 40 years, until his death aged 85 in 2024.

Alongside his care-taking duties, he initiated community programmes supporting local youth, helping them navigate racism and violence they experienced in the community.

But perhaps what he will be remembered for best was his deep passion for music, and his pioneering work propelling forward the Whittington Steel Band, where he was known as “King George”.

Speaking to the Tribune, his daughter Diane Brade said: “He was referred to as a king because he behaved like one. And he deserved it as well.

“Today has all been a bit emotional, but it feels absolutely amazing to have the plaque now for him. I’m so delighted that so many people turned up, I wasn’t expecting so many but that’s the type of person he was.

“He was a legend in his own community, he would always set up his steel pans in the outside space on his estate and host little mini festivals for all the people there. He loved music so immensely and hence that’s why everyone came today to celebrate this momentous occasion. He was phenomenal, he was a legend.”

Cllr James Potts, Diane Brade, Mayor Rosaline Ogunro, Cllr Saiqa Pandor

His nephew Philip Brade added: “Like so many from the Caribbean he left behind family, friends and familiarities of island life to build a future in Britain.

“He brought with him determination, resilience and above all, commitment to serving others.”

Mr Brade cared deeply about bringing the culture of Montserrat to the local community around him, inspiring young people to carry on the cultural traditions that he was so passionate about.

And he was an innovator – he hand-built all of the steel pans that his band used from oil drums, taking them to play shows across London, on television and radio.

The BBC has an archive of the Whittington Steel Band performances that can be found online.

His band-mate and friend of 29 years, Jay Paine, added: “Our band had no manager, no contracts, no promoter. It was all George. He used to go to children’s schools, nursing homes, where he would volunteer. Sometimes with the band, but often just on his own.

“He was obsessed with music, he couldn’t stop it. There’s been thousands of musicians in London, right? But how many have a green plaque?”

Speaking at the event, Islington Mayor, Councillor Rosaline Ogunro, said: “Today, as we come together to commemorate the life of George Brade, I’m reminded that Black history is Islington’s history, regardless of the month.

“George was a real explosion of colour in the local arts scene. His infectious love for steel pan music was a fundamental part of his every day life.”

In 2025, Mr Brade was posthumously given a Mayor’s Award for his “lasting impact” across Islington.

Mayor Ogunro was joined by Junction ward Cllr James Potts, Cllr Saiqa Pandor, and former Finsbury Park ward Councillor Gary Heather, who was instrumental in securing the plaque for Mr Brade.

Mr Heather said: “There’s a lot of great things you can say about George but for me his real attribute was the friendship and the love that oozed out of him, and the way he attracted people to what he was doing.”

Mr Brade’s family members told how they intend to set up the “George Brade Foundation” in memory of his life, to “continue his legacy of music and community service.