In July 2021, the British Film Institute (BFI) proudly released a Blu-Ray edition of Babymother—Britain’s first Black British reggae musical feature film. You can purchase the Blu-Ray at the BFI Shop.
Babymother is also available for on-demand streaming on Amazon Prime, iTunes, and BFI Player. Watch the trailer here.
This Blu-Ray release, 23 years after the film’s debut includes several unique features: the 1992 short musical film “We the Ragamuffin“, also directed by Julian Henriques; interviews with the lead actress Anjela Lauren Smith, music director Carrol Thompson, Julian, and myself; an illustrated booklet exclusive to the first pressing, featuring essays and original press material.
The release sparked renewed interest in the music, style, and fashion of Harlesden NW10, the vibrant and often-overlooked area of London that serves as the film’s backdrop. Originally released in the summer of 1998, Babymother continues to resonate with audiences, now embraced by a generation barely born when it first premiered.
We never fully understand the impact of our work in the moment. When Julian and I embarked on this journey in 1993, creating a reggae musical film felt exciting and daunting. It was a labour of love and learning as we navigated the challenges of independent filmmaking.
Written and directed by Julian Henriques and produced by me, Babymother tells the story of Anita (Anjela Lauren Smith), a young woman with dreams of dancehall stardom. With her two best friends, Yvette (Jocelyn Esien) and Sharon (Caroline Chikezie), Anita forms a vocal group and sets out to make her mark. The film features an all-Black credited cast and music by renowned artists like Beres Hammond, Carroll Thompson, and Cinderella, alongside specially commissioned songs from Harlesden musicians.
Watching Babymother today, with the benefit of hindsight, reveals how much has changed—and remains the same—in the social, cultural, and political Black British experience. The film endures as a time capsule of its era, yet its themes still resonate, allowing us to revisit and reimagine it with an entirely new audience.
The Blu-Ray release has been a rewarding opportunity to delve into the archives, revisiting everything from our initial pitch to Film Four in 1993 through script development, production, postproduction, and its eventual release in 1998. It’s been a joy reflecting on the film’s journey and legacy as a groundbreaking piece of Black British cinema.
