When writing In 5 Days’ Time, I was deeply inspired by the stories of those who journeyed from the Caribbean to the UK in search of new opportunities. These men and women were trailblazers, shaping a new cultural landscape while navigating the challenges of post-war Britain. Their resilience, talent, and ambition left an indelible mark on British society—especially in the music scene.
Jazz in London: The Soundtrack of a Changing Era
As a jazz lover, I was drawn to the vibrant club scene of 1940s and 1950s London, where Caribbean musicians made their mark. Legendary venues like Ronnie Scott’s, which opened in 1959, and earlier jazz spots that welcomed both local and international talent, became hubs for a new fusion of sounds. British jazz pioneers like John Dankworth, who later collaborated with artists from all backgrounds, helped shape the UK’s music scene, offering a space for talent that might otherwise have been overlooked.
This world is echoed in In 5 Days’ Time, where Mona Baptiste, my protagonist, longs to be a jazz singer. In reality, Mona did go on to record jazz songs, becoming well-known in Germany, though her dreams of success in London never fully materialized. Her story mirrors the struggles of many Caribbean artists who faced barriers despite their immense talent.
In 5 Days’ Time is set in 1948 at a time before Ronnie Scott opened the doors to his world famous club but I have featured him, as well as John Dankworth, in the novella at a jazz club at which they were known to hold buzzing jazz sessions. It was an early incarnation of the Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club and Mona gets to go up on stage and perform with these jazz giants before the world recognised them as such.
The Nearness of You: A Song of Longing and Dreams
One song that resonates deeply with Mona in the novella is The Nearness of You. Originally written in the late 1930s, it became famous in the 1940s, recorded by legends like Glenn Miller and Ella Fitzgerald. The lyrics—filled with yearning and the dream of closeness—reflect not only Mona’s aspirations but also the emotional journey of so many who arrived in Britain, carrying hopes of a brighter future.
The themes of jazz and music also echoes greatly in my novel, When Skies Are Grey, where Caribbean jazz musicians bring their culture, music, and flair to a post-war London still recovering but full of possibility.
1940s Fashion and Making Do on Rations
Beyond music, I was captivated by 1940s fashion. Despite post-war rationing, people found ways to express themselves through style. Women repurposed fabrics, learned to sew their own dresses, and used accessories to create glamorous looks. The Caribbean influence brought bold prints and tailored suits, adding vibrancy to London’s streets.
I looked into archives photographs of the real-life Mona Baptise and couldn’t stop admiring the glamour of her clothes, especially on stage outfits. I got samples of her voice and acting skills from YouTube footage, too and thought it was a shame that she never quite made it as big in the UK as fictitious Mona hoped she would.
Honouring the Trailblazers
Telling these stories is my way of honouring the pioneers who helped shape modern Britain. Their music, style, and resilience continue to inspire me, and I love weaving these elements into my fiction.
If you love jazz, vintage fashion, or the untold stories of Caribbean migration, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you ever listened to Mona Baptiste’s recordings? Do you have a favourite 1940s jazz song? Drop a comment below and let’s chat!
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