ONE OF LANJARÓN’S most renowned ‘international residents Sorrel Badger – known to some as “DJ Sosmix”, or simply “Soz” – saw her life and work celebrated on 16 March, 2026, with the unveiling of a commemorative bench in the spa town of Lanajarón. Designed by Neil Seabourne, the bench looks out towards Sorrel’s house, with a beautiful vista of the spa town behind. It was inaugurated by Lanjarón mayor, Eric Escobedo Jiminez, in a ceremony attended by about 50 people.
Sorrel sadly died during February 2024. The community was shocked by the loss of a great friend, musician, designer, activist, and humanitarian.
Sorrel was previously celebrated on the XX poster for the town’s annual fiesta of San Juan.
A diverse life encompassing music, activism, and community
Born in west London in 1961, Sorrel Badger trained in graphic design and worked as an illustrator and signwriter before moving on to a more unconventional path that combined travel, practical skills, and community life.
She spent time living in alternative communities in Wales (including Tipi Valley), and France, was involved in the Greenham Common peace movement. Sorrel Badger and developed a reputation for doing things thoroughly – whether that meant carpentry, sailing, playing accordion, or qualifying as a Master Scuba Diver. She eventually settled in the Alpujarran spa town of Lanjarón, where she built her home over the years, and was proud of the variety of plants in her garden.
She was a familiar presence in the town – whether having a coffee with her friends, or dressing up for one of the town’s fiestas or carnival parades, where she always felt at home!
Music was a constant theme. As DJ Sosmix, Sorrell Badger played vinyl sets at local events, festivals, and benefit nights. She once set the street alight (metaphorically speaking!) with a vinyl set at San Juan 2023. She also performed live with the duo, Las Favoritas, being a dab hand at playing accordion.
RFK and other charities
Equally important was Sorrel’s work to help other people – sometimes through charity ventures.
Sorrel Badger was an active supporter of the Refugee Community Kitchen (RFK), returning more than once to volunteer and regularly contributing supplies from Spain. She also worked with Sea Shepherd, helping efforts to protect marine life in the Mediterranean. She helped greenhouse workers in Almeria. She never sought even a trace of ‘main character’ recognition.
Although frequently feisty, Sorrel was kind. She would be the person who quietly visited someone who was having a bad time in hospital, or a community member in need – without making a show. Her network of friends and collaborators was vast, and her presence is missed in a number of scenes and communities.
A bench with a view
The contribution of Sorrel Bader was recognised with the unveiling of the memorial bench in Lanjarón, positioned to look towards the area where she lived. “So people can visit it every day.” The ceremony brought together a group of Sorrel’s friends, of mixed nationalities.
Amongst those present was her mother, Gillian, who had travelled from England and was pleased with the tribute.
The unveiling of the bench was followed by an informal gathering at local arts and music venue. Here, guests gathered afterwards to share food, drinks, memories, a slide show, and live music.
Sorrel would have liked it.