Located in the heart of South London, Brixton Market stands as a vibrant hub of cultures, with voices of generations past and present being echoed within the market. Throughout its rich and storied history, Brixton Market has been the subject of numerous literary references within works by immigrants, whether it be in a poem such as "In-a Brixtan Markit" by James Berry, or a song such as "Electric Avenue" by Eddy Grant.
In his poem "In-a Brixton Markit", Jamaican-British poet James Berry tackles social issues such as the racial profiling of black immigrants by police officers, with Brixton Market being the setting of the poem. In the poem, the speaker is racially proflied by a police officer who demands to search the man's bag. The describes what is in his bag, finding things such as yams, bannanas, and a Bob Marley CD. Brixton Market is "known as London's most diverse and vibrant market," (Brixton Village), and with a large Afro-Caribbean population, many of the residents of Brixton fall victim to larger social issues like systemic racism and racial profiling. The items found within the bag provide a glimpse into the culture of Brixton at large. With over 100 vendors, a wide variety of items can be found at Brixton Market, whether it be something such as food or vintage clothing (Brixton Village).
Guyanse-British artist Eddy Grant's hit 1982 song "Electric Avenue" is one of the most famous pieces of art related to Brixton. "Electric Avenue" was written as a response to the 1981 Brixton riot (Genius). The riot started as a result of the growing tensions between police and the residents of Brixton due to rampant police brutality issues. The lines, "Now in the street, there is violence / And a lots of work to be done / No place to hang out the washing / And I can't blame all on the sun," (Grant) reference the riots of Brixton, as well as the infrastructural problems present in the town.
The people of Brixton have historically had to deal with traumatic systemic issues. With race riots starting such as the aforementioned riot in 1981 and another large riot which started in 1995 (Wikipedia), racial tension is ever present in Brixton.
But through all of the challenge and strife faced by the residents of Brixton, Brixton Market stands as a testament to the unity and resilience of the Brixton community. Many of the people living in Brixton have to deal with larger systemic oppression on a daily basis, but despite it all the market continues to be a place that radiates a welcoming and overall positive aura. The Brixton Market is an outlet for the cultural diversity of London to truly shine, allowing people from all over the world to express their creativity through their heritage.
Works Cited
Berry, James In-A Brixtan Markit.” Poetry Archive, 5 Feb. 2020, poetryarchive.org/poem/brixtan-markit/.
“Brixton.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Dec. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brixton.
Grant, Eddy – "Electric Avenue.” Genius, genius.com/Eddy-grant-electric-avenue-lyrics
Limited, Alamy. “British Crime - Civil Disturbance - the Brixton Riots - London - 1981 Stock Photo.” Alamy, www.alamy.com/stock-photo-british-crime-civil-disturbance-the-brixton-r….
Limited, Alamy. “Stay in Peace Sign on Railway Bridge over Brixton Road and People, Traffic in Street in Brixton, South London SW9 England UK Kathy DEWITT Stock Photo.” Alamy, www.alamy.com/stay-in-peace-sign-on-railway-bridge-over-brixton-road-an….
“London United Kingdom May 14 2016 Stock Photo 423394834.” Shutterstock, www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/london-united-kingdom-may-14-2016-4233….
“London’s Most Diverse Market – Shop, Eat, Drink.” Brixton Village, 6 Dec. 2023, brixtonvillage.com/.