Liz Mitchell MBE, the original lead singer of Black British disco band Boney M, shared her personal stories at the event of the band’s 50th anniversary in the University of Westminster’s Regent Street Cinema.
Liz Mitchell is the original lead singer with Boney M, a Black British band formed in Germany in 1976, who, for a period in the late 70s, were outselling chart rivals ABBA, including hits such as Daddy Cool, Rasputin, Rivers of Babylon, Rivers of Babylon and Mary’s Boy Child, with total record sales estimated at over 150 million. She was awarded the MBE for Services to Music and Charity in 2024.
The anniversary event was held on 21 May, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Black British group forming. Mitchell was interviewed by Professor Mykaell Riley, Reader, Director for the Black Music Research Unit (BMRU) and Principal Investigator for Bass Culture Research at the University of Westminster and founder member of iconic British Reggae band Steel Pulse. Professor Riley was also the Music Director for the BBC TV series Boarders, which generated 35 IMDB credits for the University’s Music, Production Performance and Business BA Honours students.
She shared her story of life in the music industry, how she is continuing to entertain audiences with her unique singing voice and her charity work, including her connection with the Windrush community.
The interview was followed by a short film featuring Boney M music videos including Daddy Cool, Rasputin, and Rivers of Babylon (1978).
Billy Watson, Managing Director at RSC, added: “Liz Mitchell spoke of her career in Boney M. with a heartfelt and humorous candour that enraptured the audience. The 1970s and 80s were not an easy time for female artists in a male dominated music industry and being Black added another barrier to the struggle in being taken seriously. Liz talked of how she managed to retain her sense of self, stay true to her creative roots and find strength through her Christian upbringing. Professor Riley explored how her contribution as a cultural icon had not been fully recognised at the time and the research work he is undertaking as the Director of the BMRU, will help prove Liz’s creative influence lives on to this day.”
The event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about Music courses at the University of Westminster.
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