Black Plaque Project
13
John
Lagey Musician and Wrestler
1920 — 1994
Plaque
Category

Entertainer

Location

Peckham, South London

Visit location

The musician who wrestled his way to the top

John Lagey was an accomplished drummer and pianist. A man of many talents, Lagey often played in nightclubs across London with his brother, Cyril, who was a regarded musician in his own right with the comedy orchestra known as Sid Millward & His Nitwits.

Lagey was also more commonly known by ring name Johnny Kwango, a professional wrestler who achieved fame in Britain through televised matches on ITV. He enjoyed popularity in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

From South London, he lived in Peckham and died at the age of 74.

Historic Locations
30
Frank
Arthur Bailey
Firefigther
1925 — 2015
29
Earl
Cameron
Actor
1917 — 2020
28
Mona
Baptiste
Entertainer
1928 — 1993
1
Robert
Wedder­burn
Politicial Activist and Abolitionist
1762 — 1835
2
Ladipo
Solanke
Activist
1886 — 1958
3
Sarah
Baartman
 
1789 — 1815
5
Dyke
Dryden & Wade
Entrepreneurs
6
Ethel
Scott
Athlete
1907 — 1984
7
Errol
Brown
Musician
1943 — 2015
8
Val
Mccalla
Entrepreneur
1943 — 2002
9
George
Bridge­tower
Violinist
1778 — 1860
11
Phil
Lynott
Rock Star
1949 — 1986
12
Fela
Kuti
Entertainer and Activist
1938 — 1997
13
John
Lagey
Musician and Wrestler
1920 — 1994
14
Kathleen
Wrasama
Community Activist
1917 — UNKNOWN
15
Adelaide
Hall
Entertainer
1901 — 1993
16
William
Brown
Armed Forces
1789 — 1835
17
Ken
'Snakehips' Johnson
Entertainer
1914 — 1941
19
Winifred
Atwell
Pianist
1914 — 1983
21
Kenny
Lynch
Pop Star
1938 — 2019
22
J.SCelestine
Edwards
Academic and Activist
1858 — 1894
23
Lilian
Bader
Armed Forces
1918 — 2015
26
Alice
Kinloch
Activist
1852 — 1915
27
Fanny
Eaton
Artist's Model
1835 — 1924
More unsung heros View all