Ujima Radio pays tribute to the Sound System Legend Jah Shaka when Peter D Rose will be dropping a 1 hour show dedicted to the Warrior of Dub!
Peter D Rose of Smith & Mighty & More Rockers fame and himself a real legend will be paying tribute this Saturday to the Zulu Warrior.
Peter D Rose from Smith & Mighty & More Rockers said:
“Jah Shaka was my favourite roots dub sound system.He was very influential and inspirational to my musical growth who played an integral part on the jungle drum and bass scene and dance music as a whole.”
Jah Shaka, also known as the Zulu Warrior, was a Jamaican reggae/dub sound system operator who operated a South East London-based, roots reggae Jamaican sound system since the early 1970s. His name is an amalgamation of the Rastafarian term for God and that of the Zulu king Shaka Zulu.
A regular here in Bristol and at the legendary Teachings In Dub Sound system Clashes, the lost of Jah Shaka will be greatly missed. The system pioneer was born in Jamaica, part of the post-Windrush wave of Caribbean immigration which so enriched this country. Based in South East London, he melded the Rastifarian term for God with the legendary Zulu leader to become Jah Shaka, spearheading one of the city’s most popular sound systems.
A by-word in cultural excellence, Jah Shaka paid supreme attention to sound, giving his system a boost that others lacked. Tapping directly into Jamaican culture, he also looked to the UK, becoming a focal point for African-Caribbean communities in London and beyond.
A key player in bass culture, Jah Shaka featured in seminal 1980 film Babylon, and stayed true to the spiritual elements inherent within dub and roots reggae even as Jamaican music strayed towards the more lavish colours of dancehall and ragga.
An inspirational figure, his influence – both direct, and more subtle – arguably changed the face of British music. Grime pioneer Wiley, for example, recalled sitting outside a Shaka dance in the 80s, feeling the Earth rumble under his feet.
Countless producers, DJs, and MCs worked with Jah Shaka over the years, testimony to his spirit, and his ability to draw the best out of those around him.
News of Jah Shaka’s passing was confirmed by a number of sources.
Jumpin’ Jack Frost added: “The king of Kings has left us. The greatest soundman that ever lived.”
Don’t miss this tribute show to Jah Shaka this Saturday 13th May at Midnight on Ujima Radio!
Farewell, Jah Shaka – enjoy your next journey.
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