Disco legend Liz Mitchell has blasted the current Boney M line-up for performing at Nigel Farage’s annual shindig – but the band said its appearance should not be seen as an endorsement
A disco legend has launched a scathing attack on her old band for performing at Reform UK’s conference.
Liz Mitchell, former lead singer from Boney M, voiced her fury that the current line-up appeared at Nigel Farage’s annual shindig in Birmingham. She said she was incensed that they had chosen to perform at an event “that has not embraced people who are in need”.
And in a furious statement she accused the current line-up of selling their souls for money – branding it “wrong”. Liz, 74, who sang on hits including Daddy Cool, Rasputin and Christmas blockbuster Mary’s Boy Child, said it is important the UK is a welcoming place for immigrants and those seeking asylum.
But representatives for the band shot back, saying their presence was not an endorsement of Reform UK and that the four-piece act plays for audiences regardless of their colour, creed, beliefs or political views.
They also pointed out that The Jacksons had played at a previous Reform conference after-party. In a blistering attack on the group – which includes original member Maizie Williams – Ms Mitchell said: “It saddens me that reckless fake people who have no idea how these songs were sung and the powerful meaning behind them could dare to pretend to be who they are not.
“As they all know without a doubt in their minds that they did not sing any of the Boney M songs. Knowing that the only reason they were invited was to use the songs that have been proven to mean so much to people all over the world (they) could stand before the world at an event that has not embraced people who are in need.
“To sell their souls for money. To try to involve the work that has been tested and survived is clearly wrong.” And she continued: “My father came to the UK as part of the Windrush generation, building a life here where he was very happy.
“I too came here from Jamaica and was awarded an MBE for my services to music and charity. It’s important that the UK continues to be a welcoming place for immigrants and those seeking asylum.“
The performance happened on Friday night, hours after Mr Farage had given an address that was repeatedly interrupted by hecklers. In response to Ms Mitchell’s attack, a representative for the band told The Mirror: “Our role is, and always has been, to entertain audiences through music.
“When my agent first approached me regarding this engagement, I was informed that it was a conference after-party at the NEC, where The Jacksons had performed at the previous event. On that basis, we agreed to the performance.
“I was also told that the organisers specifically wanted Maizie Williams and her show, as they considered her performance to represent the energy, spirit and class associated with Boney M. It subsequently became clear that the event was connected with Reform UK.
“Nevertheless, our position remained the same: we were engaged purely as entertainers, not as political participants or supporters. We believe entertainers should be extremely careful about becoming involved in politics, and our performance should not be interpreted as an endorsement of Reform UK or of any other political party.
“The performance was a 60-minute entertainment show, intended to bring enjoyment to everyone, regardless of their colour, creed, beliefs or political views. Music should have the ability to bring people together rather than divide them.”
And the statement pointed out that Ms Williams is a founding member of Boney M, having joined in 1975, the year before Ms Mitchell. It went on: “I therefore do not understand the basis upon which Ms Mitchell can suggest that she is the only original member entitled to perform as Boney M. There are surviving original members of the group, and the history and success of Boney M cannot reasonably be attributed to one individual….
“I am sorry that Maizie Williams’ appearance has been misconstrued as a political statement. It was not. It was an entertainment engagement, and the music of Boney M continues to be performed for audiences of every background, belief and political persuasion.
“I hope this clarifies our position and reaction is from Liz is just bitter due to the large global volume of work that Maizie Williams obtains instead of her.”
Reform UK has been contacted for comment.