U Roy – Reggae superstar Ewart Beckford (U-Roy) has been the king of toasting for 40 years now and no, that doesn’t mean he’s a dab hand at warming up bread. Toasting is the art of talking or singing over bass heavy reggae riddims. U-Roy is the elder statesman of reggae and has been awarded the Order of Distinction for his services to music by the Jamaican government. A direct influence on early hip hop, his lyrical dexterity and word play is breath taking. Backed by Birmingham’s very own Scientist Sound System expect the woofer rumbles to shake your bones loose.

Sat 2 Jul, The Irish Centre 9pm, Plunkett Room, 14-20 High St, B12 0LD, Birmingham £17.60 http://www.songkick.com/concerts/26665799-uroy-at-irish-centre