A Fire Rush playlist, curated by Jacqueline Crooks

Fire Rush is the electrifying state-of-the-nation novel by Jacqueline Crooks, publishing in March 2023. A story of dub reggae, love, loss and freedom, it’s an unforgettable portrait of Black womanhood that combines the musicality of Steve McQueen’s Small Axe: Lovers Rock, the ambition of Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other and the unforgettable love story of Caleb Azumah Nelson’s Open Water, with a truly original storytelling voice, this is a novel that moves and enchants everyone who reads it.

Music is the soul of the book, and author Jacqueline Crooks has created a playlist for you to listen to while you read.

Track list

Ghetto of the City, Misty in Roots – Opening scene, referencing the subterranean world

Sing Me a Love Song, Carroll Thompson – Yamaye communing with Muma

Bad Boy Rhythm Dub, King Tubby – Dancing with Crab Man

London Town, Light of the World – Asase, Rumer, Yamaye, Moose, driving through London looking for a rave

Love Has Found Its Way, Dennis Brown – Yamaye and Moose falling in love

Lady of Magic, Bunny Maloney – Moose gives Yamaye the ring and mix tapes

Babylon, Sugar Minott – Campaigning marches

Jah War, The Ruts – Riot scene

Even Though You’re Gone, Louisa Mark – A grieving song

Cover Up, Misty in Roots – Herbert and Yamaye know the police are following them

Jammin’ for Survival, Prince Jammy – Yamaye playing tunes for the men in the Safe House

Night Nurse, Gregory Isaacs – Monassa coming to Yamaye’s room every night

Pimper’s Paradise, Bob Marley & The Wailers – Arrival of Charmaine

Stir It Up, Bob Marley & The Wailers – Yamaye decides to take Monassa’s money and go on the run

City Too Hot, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry – Yamaye feeling the pressure from Monassa and his men in the Safe House, wanting to escape, talking to Charmaine

I Need a Roof, Mighty Diamonds – Yamaye on the run, sleeping in the park

Hopelessly in Love, Carroll Thompson – Yamaye thinking of Moose

Country Living, Sandra Cross – Yamaye settling in to Cockpit Country

Natural Mystic, Bob Marley & The Wailers – Yamaye and Granny Itiba decide to use obeah and herbs to deal with Monassa