The Black Fire Documentary (2023): Presented by Steppin' Into Tomorrow

Music platform Steppin' Into Tomorrow presents an evening of three short Afro-jazz documentaries at Melkweg, followed by an online Q&A with saxophonist James 'Plunky' Branch.

Juju to Oneness of Juju (2026) traces the development of the legendary African spiritual jazz group Juju to Oneness of Juju, known for tracks like 'African Rhythms'.

The Black Fire Documentary (2023) tells the story of Black Fire Records, the independent, black-owned jazz label founded in the 1970s in Washington D.C. - also known as 'Chocolate City', after Parliament's 1975 album of the same name. The label was established by DJ and producer Jimmy Gray and saxophonist James 'Plunky' Branch of Oneness of Juju, following in the footsteps of labels like Strata-East and Tribe.

Tony Williams in Africa (1973) is a 37-minute documentary by bassist and educator Willie Ruff, following American jazz drummer Tony Williams on a journey to Senegal and Gambia in 1972. The film features Super 8mm footage of Williams jamming outdoors with West African drummers, plus an introductory section where Ruff, Williams and pianist Dwike Mitchell screen the film on 16mm to local children. The film has been restored by the Yale Film Archive and is not yet available to stream.

Following the screenings, there will be an online Q&A with James 'Plunky' Branch about Black Fire Records and Oneness of Juju. Melkweg runs multiple programmes simultaneously - including concerts and club nights - so there may occasionally be sound bleed from other rooms during the screening.