Dub Producer Mad Professor, Ariwa Sounds Label Mates To Host One-Off Show And Mini Exhibition
One of the leading producers in dub reggae’s second generation, Mad Professor, is to host a one-off celebratory music showcase and life-spanning art exhibition calling attention to his storied career.
A disciple of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and with production credits as wide-ranging as Massive Attack, Sade and the Orb as well as reggae legends Jah Shaka, Horace Andy, Macka B and U-Roy, the show will demonstrate Mad Professor’s unique live dub mixing prowess as well as invite resident artists of his label Ariwa Sounds to the stage.
Spotlighting the best in reggae, joining the jam will be inspirational award-winning singer, songwriter and actress Sandra Cross and her choir, along with emerging artists such as reggae-rooted, R&B singer-songwriter Abel Miller, reggae empress Askala Selassie and neo UK reggae artist I Jah. Supporting the impressive roster of artists will be live band, The Robotics, known for accompanying Mad Professor, U-Roy and many more. One of the UK’s best known and most loved sound systems, Channel One will also turn out to play their signature selection of conscious reggae, exclusive dubplates and uplifting steppas.
Commenting on the upcoming live show, Mad Professor said: “I am so honoured to be representing Croydon as London’s Borough of Culture with this show. Let’s dub! ”
Celebrating Croydon as London’s Borough of Culture, gig-goers will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a mini exhibition chronicling the rich career of the reggae maestro and Ariwa Sounds through original artwork and cover art illustrations over the decades. Displaying many of the artist’s iconic series’, from Dub Me Crazy to Black Liberation, the exhibition will be a journeyed illustration of Mad Professor’s ever-evolving approach to the dub, lovers rock and roots reggae genres.
Commenting on the upcoming spectacle, Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, said: “London’s grassroots music scene and artistic talent are the envy of the world and have produced great music that is enjoyed and celebrated by people across the world.
“This show and art exhibition will give reggae lovers the chance to experience performances by some of the true legends in the genre. I am delighted we are supporting this project through the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture as we build a better London for all.”
Early bird tickets are available; general sale begins in early 2024.
The forthcoming show is promoted by leading music consultancy and podcast producer Drop Da Biscuit.