London's Channel One Sound System, established 1979 by Mikey Dread and Jah T, delivers roots and dub reggae globally, renowned for their hand-built bass, Notting Hill Carnival presence, Red Bull Culture Clash win, and "Down In the Dub Vaults" (2023) release.
British reggae singer Maxi Priest rose to international fame blending lovers rock with pop and R&B. Best known for his chart-topping hit Close to You and a cover of Wild World, he achieved major commercial success with his 1990 album Bonafide and collaborated with artists like Shaggy.
Born in the Bronx and raised in Jamaica, roots reggae singer Tarrus Riley is known for his tenor vocals and albums like Challenges, Parables, and Healing. The son of singer Jimmy Riley, he has won multiple Reggae Academy Awards and released major hits like She's Royal.
Formed in West London in 1975, Aswad is a pioneering British reggae band known for their eclectic mix of roots reggae, soul, jazz, and funk. They made history as the first British reggae band signed to Island Records. Their career highlights include the UK chart-topping single Don't Turn Around and a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album with Rise and Shine.
British ragga DJ General Levy, born Paul Levy in London in 1971, emerged in the late 1980s through sound systems like Tipatone. Known for his energetic live shows and rapid-fire rhymes, he released albums including Double Trouble and The Wickeder General before signing with ffrr Records.
Jamaica-born dancehall/reggae singer Wayne Wonder (Von Wayne Charles); later hip-hop-leaning. Hit “No Letting Go”; albums "Da Vibe", "No Holding Back". Worked with King Tubby & Dave Kelly; collabs incl. Foxy Brown, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, J’son; wrote early Buju Banton hits.
Leeds dub sound system and production duo active since the early 90s, made up of Mark Iration and Dennis Rootical. Known for orchestral melodies, heavy bass and stepping drumlines (“Dub inna year 3000”). UK dub classics include Scud Missile (Remix), Kilimanjaro and Reminiscence.
Born Neal Fraser in Guyana, dub reggae producer and remixer Mad Professor is best known for his Dub Me Crazy albums and his 1995 remix album No Protection for Massive Attack. He founded the Ariwa label and studio, and has collaborated with Lee Scratch Perry, Sade, and The Orb.
