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. . . CLL & LRF Music presents . . . Riddim Full of Culture 2008 . . . . . . live on stage . . . MACKA B & THE ROYALE ROOTS BAND PRINCESS PAVILION - FALMOUTH : SATURDAY 9th FEB 2008 + support from TOXIC SOUND CREW feat. TEACHA
Macka B is one of Britain's most influential reggae artists, consistently pushing the music towards Rastafarian and political consciousness, with his rough, gravely vocals giving an instantly identifiable sound. His productions - most notably handled by Mad Professor - updated dub reggae techniques for the dancehall age, proving that the two sounds weren't mutually exclusive and while focussing material on hard-hitting social commentary and spiritual messages, nimble rhymes and his well noted and sharp lyrical wit are a hallmark of his delivery.
Born in Wolverhampton, Macka B started playing music from a young age, but was also impressed by heavyweight sound system Lord Barley, playing in the ‘blues’ next door. The vibrant reggae beat found a place in his heart that remains there to this day. Influenced by early Deejays [sic] like U-Roy, I-Roy, Big Youth, and Prince Far, he made his mark toasting for Birmingham sound system Wassifa when a session tape found its way to London-based Fashion Records. Here he made his first solo record. Bible Reader, released in 1985, subsequently signing with Mad Professor's Ariwa label, after Prof saw Macka B perform on T.V. and he issued his debut album, Sign of the Times, in 1986. An immediate hit among British reggae fans, it went on to top the reggae album charts; hailed as a masterpiece in some quarters, it remains a milestone in British reggae.
Other notable releases from his prolific output include Peace Cup [1991] and Jamaica, No Problem? [1992], which earned him Best Male DJ awards in Britain both years, Proud of Mandela [Natural Suntan –1990] and Looks Are Deceiving [1988]. Staying true to the sound and spirit of reggae's roots, he has also recorded for Jamaican labels including Xterminator, Penthouse and Black Scorpio, and in combination alongside Gregory Isaacs, Tony Rebel and Steel Pulse, as well as with Baba Maal for Island Records.
Macka B continues to record for Mad Professor into the new millennium and 2002 saw him teamed up with The Royale Roots Band. In 2004 he signed to Jet Star (Charm), for the release of Word, Sound and Power. His latest release, a live showcase on CD/DVD, was in 2007.
He continues to tour the world; from Hawaii to Australia, with everywhere from Africa, Eastern Europe - and Cornwall - in between (though the last chance to see him this far west in the UK, was at Carlyon Bay in the late Eighties!!!).
More Info & Refs: Ariwa Sounds Website - Ariwa Sounds; 2005 Official Macka B Website - Mackab.com; 2007 Official Macka B Myspace - 2007 www.myspace.com/mackab1 Toxic Sound System i-space - 2008 www.myspace.com/toxicsoundsystem Macka B - Steve Huey, All Music Guide; 2007
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