DJ Derek Heartbreak as mural painted over
THE family of an adored Bristol reggae DJ have spoken of their anguish after his tribute mural has been painted over.
DJ Derek Serpell-Morris’ twin sister Shirley Griffiths said it’s “hard to believe” that the iconic figure’s portrait had been removed from Richmond Avenue.
Great-niece Jen Griffiths helped to have the Montpelier wall repaired and painted so it could become the base to honour her much-loved uncle’s legacy following his death in 2016.
The 34-year-old said she had an agreement with the owner to keep the huge street art on his property.
With no prior warning, she woke up days after Christmas to discover the creation had been removed.
“It’s very sad,” said Jen. “A lot of people put in a lot of time and good will to have it put there in the first place.
“I know it’s his house and he has the right to do as he wishes, but we had a deal. And this was for Derek.”
The accountant, who became an iconic figure in the Bristol music scene, went missing for nine months in 2015 and the early part of 2016. His body was found in undergrowth close to The Mall at Cribbs Causeway.
A coroner was unable to conclude what had happened to him, but police ruled out foul play.
“I’m really upset about it,” said Shirley, aged 79. “It’s hard to believe because he meant so much to so many people. In the 1960s he did a lot for the Black movement.”
For 50 years, DJ Derek had been a fixture of the Bristol music scene, DJing reggae, ska, rocksteady, dancehall and R&B.
And during the last two decades of his life, he had become a national cult figure, playing in huge venues across England.
Massive Attack’s Daddy G hailed Derek as an “ambassador for cultural exchange”.
“We want to find another wall, artists, people who can donate paint so we can create another mural,” said Jen.
“He should have a place somewhere in Bristol.”
Once a new wall has been located, the family will look into launching a crowdfunder.
“We will pay for it out of our own money as well,” said Jen. “He was someone amazing and should be remembered.”
Anyone who is interested in helping build the new mural should email jen86griffiths@gmail. com.
❝ It’s hard to believe because he meant so much to so many people Derek’s twin sister Shirley