Wham! How immigration shaped the soundtrack of Britain.

In the 80s and 90s, Wham! was the soundtrack of a generation. Their infectious hits like Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and Club Tropicana had everyone dancing - from teenagers blasting their music on cassette tapes to housewives humming along as they went about their day.

George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley’s music brought people together with its feel-good energy, and decades later, it’s still standing the test of time. Wham! isn’t just a part of British pop culture; it’s woven into the fabric of what makes modern Britain so vibrant. Decades later, their songs still get played at parties, in living rooms, and on the radio.

Wham! is more than just good music - it’s a symbol of the richness that immigration has brought to the UK.

Last week, a huge pro-immigration billboard featuring the iconic duo popped up on Shepherd’s Loan in Dundee. The bold caption beneath the familiar image of George and Andrew reads, “Thank God for immigrants.” This timely message reminds us of the often overlooked truth: immigrants, including those who came seeking refuge, have shaped and enriched British culture in profound ways.

The billboard was on Shepherd’s Loan, just off Perth Road, Dundee, but has now been removed. Image Credit: James Simpson/DC Thomson.

The powerful pro-immigration billboard featuring Wham! was created by renowned British artist Jeremy Deller. Deller, known for his socially conscious artwork, installed the billboard on Shepherd’s Loan in Dundee as part of his ongoing work in the city. The bold message, 'Thank God for immigrants,' has appeared in various locations across Scotland, sparking conversations about the vital role that immigrants play in enriching British culture. This installation not only highlights the immigrant heritage of beloved pop icons like George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley but also serves as a reminder of the broader contributions of immigrant communities to the UK.

Both George and Andrew had fathers who arrived in the UK fleeing conflict. Michael's father was a Greek Cypriot who immigrated to escape political turmoil, while Ridgeley’s father was expelled from Egypt during the Suez Crisis. Culturally, Wham! are accepted as a British institution but they have come from families who immigrated to the UK.

Their immigrant backgrounds didn’t hinder them but instead added to the uniqueness that made Wham! such an iconic British band. Their songs became the soundtrack to a generation, and their legacy continues today.

As award-winning policing and inclusive culture expert Sal Nazeem pointed out this week:

“Immigrants add a richness to British culture in a way that the hateful far-right would never have you believe. As for all those trying to demonise immigrants, if you don’t like all of us running about and enriching society, perhaps it’s time to look at emigration.”

The Dundee billboard couldn’t have come at a better time, especially as conversations about immigration continue to dominate political discourse. But this isn’t just about Wham! It’s about all the people who have come to the UK seeking safety and opportunity and who have enriched our culture.

Some of the people that AARC support are musicians, poets, dancers, artists, and authors - they all contribute to the vibrancy of our community, just as George and Andrew did through their music.

The use of terms like “immigrant” and “asylum seeker” too often dehumanises people, turning individuals with real stories into faceless statistics. That’s why at AARC, we consistently use the term “people seeking asylum.” These are real people, with rich histories, talents, and dreams. They are not just numbers; they are individuals seeking a better life, and their contributions are invaluable.

This pro-immigration message extends beyond Wham! Take Freddie Mercury, for example. Born Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar, Freddie’s family fled to the UK to escape political unrest. He went on to become one of the most iconic rock stars in the world, leading Queen to international fame. More recently, pop singer Rita Ora, who fled Kosovo with her family to escape the violence of war, has also become a global sensation. Their success stories, like those of countless others, are a reminder that immigrants are part of what makes Britain great. You can read more about famous Refugees who have enriched global politics, music, fashion, business, art, science, sport and literature (you get the idea) here.

As we celebrate Wham! and their contribution to British pop culture, let's remember that behind every success story is someone who sought refuge and found a way to belong.

The next time you hear “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” or “Last Christmas,” reflect on the countless immigrants and people seeking asylum who continue to enrich our society with their stories, talents, and resilience. Because just like Wham!’s music, their presence makes the UK a more vibrant and diverse place to live.

You can find out more about AARC’s work supporting people seeking asylum here and support us by donating using the link at the top of this page.