Singing sensation Jaki Graham to headline Wolverhampton events

Soul star Jaki Graham will lead Wolverhampton in a weekend-long celebration of diversity by singing at two special events.

University of Wolverhampton Pro-Chancellor Jaki Graham will headline the Wolverhampton Black History Month Launch event on 29 September, before going on to be one of the star performers at Wolves Pride the following day.

Wolves Pride, on 30 September, is the largest LGBT+ event in the city’s history and will take place from noon to 9pm on Wulfruna Street, the Civic Centre Ceremonial car park, St Peter’s car park and the pedestrian area outside the University's Ambika Paul building. The event will feature an eclectic mix of stalls, food and drink vendors, music performances, and talks. It will also include The Big Howl world-record attempt.

The Black History Month Launch will feature a hot African-Caribbean buffet before a series of talks and performances from local figures and artists. It is the start of a month-long celebration of Black History, which will encompass over 20 events across the City.

Jaki has been one of the UK's leading female soul vocalists for over 30 years. Born in Birmingham, she joined UB40 as a backing vocalist. In 1983, she signed with EMI as a solo artist, releasing her first single, What's the Name of Your Game, in 1984. To date, Jaki has scored six UK Top 20 singles and two Top 5 singles in the US dance charts, including the Number 1 hit, Ain't Nobody. She achieved a Guinness World Record as the first Black British female solo artist to have six consecutive Top 20 hits.

Jaki was awarded an Honorary Degree for the University in 2013 for her services to music and the creative industries. She was inaugurated as a Pro-Chancellor in September 2015.