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View AllTOMMY MACHINE KENNEDY : BOXING
Discover the thrilling journey of Tommy Machine Kennedy, a young boxer whose passion for the sport began at age 8. Written by his father, Tommy Kennedy IV, this unique blend of fact and fiction follows Tommy from the Cuban Boxing Academy in London to the Gosport Boxing Club in Hampshire, and even to the vibrant rings of Havana, Cuba. After an...
Nightmare in Jamaica
Tommy Kennedy IV’s extraordinary life began against the backdrop of the northern town of Warrington. In this honest autobiography, Tommy describes a chaotic childhood where home is variously in a caravan, a convent and care homes. His parents are childlike and irresponsible, and his life is unpredictable and unstable. Without any parental...
Notting Hill Ponces (Justommy Book 2)
Tommy Kennedy IV’s final autobiography enters the millennium years with energy, pace and sincerity. Immediately, we are swept into the heart of London’s Notting Hill and into the hypnotic centre of its vibrant music scene. Tommy’s management of the bands in his care is in equal measure affectionate, creative and dedicated. Characters such as Big...
Tommy Kennedy IV is an acclaimed author, music promoter, and creative visionary whose life story is a powerful testament to resilience, passion, and the transformative power of art. Born in Warrington, Northwest England, Tommy’s early years were shaped by a challenging childhood marked by institutionalisation. Yet, his unyielding desire to explore the world led him from his hometown to the vibrant streets of London, igniting a lifelong journey of adventure and self-discovery.
A passionate entrepreneur, Tommy immersed himself in the music industry, running a bar in Thailand and organising electrifying parties and raves. Returning to London’s iconic Notting Hill, he founded a music promotions company, managing and promoting bands for over two decades. Despite facing significant setbacks, including bankruptcy and homelessness, Tommy’s determination never wavered. His love for music became a cornerstone of his resilience, inspiring him to rebuild his life and career.
As a prolific writer, Tommy has authored ten books, drawing on his extraordinary life experiences to craft vivid, evocative narratives. His latest work, a biography exploring the life of fashion designer Ossie Clark, highlights his meticulous research and creative storytelling.
His upcoming novel, The Devil Went Down to Doah, the second instalment in the El Peculiar series, further demonstrates his dedication to his craft. His acclaimed autobiography, Nightmare in Jamaica (second edition released January 3, 2022), offers readers an unflinching look into his tumultuous journey, including his incarceration in Thailand and Jamaica, where he faced unimaginable challenges. During his time in Jamaica’s General Penitentiary, Tommy found solace in music, joining the prison band Bloom of Light and performing alongside notable figures from the reggae world.
Tommy’s life has been a whirlwind of global travels, cultural immersion, and personal reinvention. From the Northern Soul scene at Wigan Casino to the punk and rave movements, he navigated a hedonistic lifestyle that ultimately led to a profound transformation. His encounters with figures like Howard Marks and a German spiritualist shaped his path, helping him confront and overcome the shadows of his past. In the 2000s, Tommy found redemption through music and community on London’s Portobello Road, where he rebuilt his life with purpose and creativity.
At Birkbeck University, Tommy has been pursuing a four-year degree in creative writing since 2022. Tommy is a participant in advanced writing courses at the Chelsea Theatre, and his commitment to honing his craft is evident in his work. His writing has earned praise from notable figures, including best-selling author Mandasue Heller, who calls Nightmare in Jamaica “a gripping journey into a nether world of violence and mayhem,” and NME journalist Chris Salewicz, who describes it as “a life lived on the dub side of life.”
His devotion to his children, Sophie and Tommy Jr., anchors Tommy's personal life, inspiring and grounding him. His work reflects his adventurous spirit, entrepreneurial mindset, and unwavering commitment to creative expression. Through his writing and music, Tommy Kennedy IV invites readers to explore a world of raw honesty, resilience, and triumph over adversity. This inspiring narrative resonates with dreamers and creators alike.
Tommy Kennedy IV is an acclaimed author, music promoter, and creative visionary whose life story is a powerful testament to resilience, passion, and the transformative power of art. Born in Warrington, Northwest England, Tommy’s early years were shaped by a challenging childhood marked by institutionalisation. Yet, his unyielding desire to explore the world led him from his hometown to the vibrant streets of London, igniting a lifelong journey...
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Explore Cuban Boxing and Culture in Havana
Train at the Heart of Cuban Boxing
Join an immersive experience in Havana, Cuba, combining intensive boxing training with authentic cultural engagement. Inspired by a personal journey shared with my son, this programme—organised by the Cuban Boxing Academy—offers the opportunity to train at the historic Rafael Trejo Gym and experience life in Old Havana.
What the Programme Includes
Boxing Training
Train twice daily for one or two weeks under the guidance...