The Legacy of Conrad Kelly
Conrad Kelly's photograph graciously provided by Derek Bishton
The untimely death of Conrad Kelly, one of Birmingham’s finest musicians and an exceptional drummer, has sent shockwaves throughout the reggae fraternity, both locally and internationally. Social media has been ablaze with tributes and expressions of grief, reflecting the profound impact of Conrad’s sudden departure. Birmingham Dub Poet and keeper of stories, Moqapi Selassie, poignantly lamented:
"Brumtown will never be the same again...too many fallen soldiers. The once famed 'Rastafari capital of Europe' Burningstrong, is sent reeling from another loss. Conrad! Conrad? Another name on the list? Is there a list? (Who kyan think a list in a time like this) Are ones documenting this? Pole sana (very sorry) the mind talkings of a Rastaman..."
Conrad Kelly, a talented musician renowned for his extraordinary drumming skills, once played with the Handsworth reggae band Corner Stone, known for their conscious and militant form of 80s’ reggae. He later joined the internationally acclaimed band Steel Pulse, further solidifying his place in the music world. Conrad’s versatility and exceptional talent made him a highly sought-after session drummer, collaborating with numerous bands in Birmingham and beyond. His contributions to the music scene spanned various genres, showcasing his adaptability and commitment to his craft.
In addition to his work with Steel Pulse, Conrad played drums with Steve Morrison’s Bob Marley Tribute band Legend and was a key figure in the popular touring stage show "Rush," which celebrated the history of reggae music and collaborated with Mark Magoo and others in the Overproof Sound System collective. Growing up in Handsworth and later moving to Kings Heath, Conrad became a regular at both Jam Jah Mondays and the Kalab Lounge, where his presence was always felt and cherished.
One personal recollection of Conrad's generosity and community spirit was when he attended the sound check for the Skatalites at the MAC outdoor theatre during the Simmer Down Festival launch. As we watched the sound check, Conrad expressed his desire to take a break from touring to give back to the community by running drumming workshops for the next generation. His commitment to nurturing new talent and his eagerness to share his knowledge highlighted his selflessness and dedication to the music community.
I had the privilege of collaborating with Conrad on several projects, including Dub Qalandar, where reggae and Sufi musicians came together for a sell-out performance at the Symphony Hall. More recently, he participated in an international collaboration with Mast Qalandar Dancehall, performed at the Simmer Down Festival in Handsworth Park. These projects showcased Conrad’s ability to transcend musical boundaries and bring diverse cultures together through his drumming.
On Friday, May 19th, at the last Kalab Lounge, we paid a special tribute to Conrad by dedicating the night to his memory and honouring his remarkable musical legacy. The evening featured a performance by the Basil Gabbidon Band, with Basil himself, a founding member of Steel Pulse, leading the tribute. Simultaneously, in North Birmingham, Conrad’s family and friends gathered in Perry Barr for a nine-night celebration of his life and achievements. The event was attended by members of Steel Pulse, including Selwyn and Amlak, along with many of Birmingham’s reggae artists, musicians, and people who knew and loved Conrad.
Conrad was not only a beloved and respected artist but also a proud representative of Birmingham on the international stage. Despite his immense talent and success, he always remained humble and a friend to all who knew him. The outpouring of tributes and the large turnout at the nine-night celebration, Kalab Lounge, and the live stream by Amlak from Steel Pulse are a testament to his enduring impact on those around him.
We send our sincere condolences to Conrad’s family and friends. We salute Conrad’s passing and thank him for the music, memories, and enduring friendship. You will be dearly missed, brother. Your legacy will continue to inspire and resonate within the hearts of many. Rest in power, Conrad Kelly.