The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2025 - Issue 37

bitemusic anthems, infusing them with emotional depth. Boney M’s fusion of disco, reg- gae, and pop also helped bring Car- ibbean rhythms to a global audience, influencing artists across genres. Their songs touched on historical, biblical, and social issues, making them cultur- ally resonant. Boney M officially disbanded in 1986 after celebrating their 10th anniversa- ry. Their final studio album, Eye Dance , released in 1985, was poorly received. Following the break-up, Liz released a solo album titled No One Will Force You in 1988. She also toured extensively, in- cluding a tour in Spain to promote the album and singles like ‘Mandela’ and ‘Niños De La Playa’ (Children of the Beach). She also defended claims that the band’s music was manufactured by singing Boney M songs cappella on tours. Beyond her musical achievements, the singer has been deeply involved in char- itable work, particularly supporting Windrush elders and community initia- tives. While on tour in 1989, she formed the Let It Be Foundation when she ob- served children harming each other and desired to provide them with purpose. She followed in her father’s footsteps, who arrived in the UK in 1955 and ded- icated his life to aiding elderly members of the Windrush generation, establish- ing the West Indian Senior Citizen Or- ganisation in 1980. Dawn Butler MP hosted a special recep- tion at the Houses of Parliament in the Jubilee Room at Westminster to mark her MBE honour. The event celebrated Liz’s achievements and paid homage to the Windrush generation, recognising their contributions to British society. Reverend Minister William Karikari from Power Centre Church sang Good- ness of God, followed by a few words from the Right Honourable Julian J Johnson, MP for Saint Andrew South Eastern in Jamaica. The singer, backed by a small choir in- cluding Carol Grey and Patricia ‘Lorna’ Foster, who accompanied her on past tours, captivated the audience with a stunning performance of the bestsell- ing Rivers of Babylon. While her son, Twan, played music, delicious food was served by Port Royal Patties, a Jamaican restaurant in Wembley. British lovers rock singer Sylvia Tella, who was once a backing singer, praised Liz for her inspi- ration. Carl Macintosh and Steve Nich- ols from the 1980s band Loose Ends were among the attendees. Liz revealed she came to England with a strong Jamaican accent and discovered fellow students singing in the cloak- room at school, introducing one of her best friends. The duo often sang at her parents’ Jamaica National organisation events. The singer recalled her time with the Les Humphries Singers, Boney M, and her first gig as Liz Mitchell, the original lead singer of Boney M, after the group disbanded. She explained that the tour didn’t go to plan initially but was rectified, and she continued to sing globally for years. After singing Bob Marley’s Redemption Song , joined by the choir, Liz stressed that Boney M’s music is authentic and full of truth, made by Frank Farian, Marcia Barrett, and herself. “It has been a long road, I think thirty-plus years of trying to rectify what was made wrong.” She felt God didn’t want her to go any- where until she set the record straight. “It is important people understand that the power in music is not empty. When you have God in your music, it repre- sents him and cannot be false.” She reiterated what she told a visitor at the event: Boney M was not just a Ger- man or British group; they were a world group. Songs like Sunny, Brown Girl In The Ring, Daddy Cool, Rivers of Babylon, Ma Baker and Rasputin kept and made people happy even in the most remote places. She recalled the story of a man who survived three days after falling through the ice, and Brown Girl In The Ring in his head kept him going. “I am grateful for this recognition because it helps me tell the story of the work done.” The evening was heightened by the presence of her 96-year-old mother, Lowess, who watched proudly as her daughter was honoured. Guests, includ- ing MPs andWindrush elders, were also treated to a heartfelt rendition of How Great Thou Art, with Mitchell, joined by friends and family in a moving tribute that left many in tears. Reflecting on her career, Mitchell expressed gratitude for Boney M’s enduring success, not- ing that their music resonates with new generations. https://lizmitchell.com