A fund-raising single has been released by the Nubian Jak Community Trust in the UK in aid of a new memorial honouring African and Caribbean troops who fought for Britain in the First and Second World Wars.

‘I Have a Song’, by the Grammy-nominated rhythm and blues star Eric Roberson, has been chosen for the campaign. 

The US singer supported the remake, adding his vocals to the track.

Guests and journalists gathered for the launch at a reception in the Houses of Parliament on February 26th 2016, hosted by Baroness Howells of St Davids. 

Proceeds from the track will fund the permanent installation of the distinctive war memorial in London in June.

It will be the first and only monument of its kind in the UK and Europe, the Nubian Jak Community Trust explains.

The memorial’s two obelisks, sculpted from Scottish whinstone, are engraved with the names of every African and Carbibbean regiment who served during the two world wars.

‘Remembering the many forgotten is long overdue,’ the trust says.

‘The resolute courage of these volunteers which held true in the face of antagonism, the rigours of combat and discrimination must now be acknowledged and appreciated, along with the ultimate sacrifice they made for King and Country.’

Nubian Jak Community Trust’s founder, entrepreneur and musician Jak Beula, initiated a series of plaques to remember historic black figures 12 years ago.

The African and Caribbean Memorial was temporarily displayed at an Armistice Day ceremony in Brixton, South London, in November 2014 – marking the centenary year of the outbreak of the First World War.

It’s now due is to be unveiled on a permanent site in Windrush Square, Brixton, on June 22nd 2016 – Windrush Day. 

‘I Have a Song’ is available as a download from the main digital vendors. For more information about the project, visit the African and Caribbean Memorial website.

Image: Centenary News Jak Beula talks about the African and Caribbean War Memorial during the launch of ‘I Have a Song’ at the Houses of Parliament in London (Photo: Centenary News)

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