“Creating Black Jam highlights the punk and grime elements of upcoming local Irish/African performers, while keeping the gig free for asylum seekers and the homeless, is the least I can do for a group of people who are financially barred from so many normal situations we take for granted…”

We’re big fans of Fried Plantains Collective. They’re an Irish crew pushing the boundaries of art and music unlike anyone else in the country, and they do so with “direct community action”.

On September 7, in association with Dublin Fringe Festival and Abbey Theatre, they’re taking over the revered venue for another edition of their Black Jam series. Black Jam has sold out for two years running, winning ‘Judges Choice of the Year’ at the 2018 Fringe, and now the Afro-Irish punk experience is coming back.

This time they’ve invited London-based, Irish alternative hip hop collective Blackfish Experience, UK “crustpunk rapper” Bob Vylan, Dublin post-punk Trad group The Deadlians and finally the “she-witches of performance art” Spooky Beure.

The show is free for asylum-seekers/homeless as Amanda of Fried Plantains, who herself came to Dublin as an asylum seeker, now wants to give something back to the community.

“I’m very interested in combining direct action in a social setting. Creating Black Jam highlights the punk and grime elements of upcoming local Irish/African performers, while keeping the gig free for asylum seekers and the homeless, is the least I can do for a group of people who are financially barred from so many normal situations we take for granted such as, having a pint with friends, going to gigs, even bus fare – having little access to these things can have a huge impact on one’s self esteem and independence.

“Asylum Seekers for example are paid less than €20 per week and are legally barred from working. That’s not even enough to feed yourself and your kids, forget trying to socialise with anyone. Dublin is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, with a troublingly high rent price – it’s difficult enough for those with a roof over their head and some work, it’s even worse for those who have neither.

“I’m a punk at heart and strive to give something back in the community – organising a return bus that can bring asylum seekers to Black Jam to listen to some kickass spoken word and dance their feet off to some hard punk and grime music without worrying about the cost of anything – that’s direct action to me.”

Click here for more or contact friedplantaincscollective@gmail.com to avail of free tickets.