Welcome to the Roots Studio website

Roots Studio started in November 2001 as a weekly event for reggae lovers in the bar of a well-known recording studio – The Strongroom in Shoreditch, East London – hence the name Roots Studio. This night became a very successful event during which many people came to link up - those already working within the reggae industry and those who came to enjoy a night out with friends.

The night progressed from strength to strength with Kofi who played in the international roots & dub sound-system - The Tribe of Kings. Kofi took the night to a different level with his style & accompanying party companions. Unfortunately Kofi left London to attend to other commitments overseas and Roots Studio began to promote the Mighty Tabot Sound who worked alongside DJ Yanzoh, both began DJing at the weekly Thursday night. During this time - flyers were starting to be spread over London & the surrounding areas which brought about a whole new meaning to spreading the word. We were quickly introduced to so many new faces that we were blown away by the response. Many new friendships & acquaintances were made and out of these were DJ's who could extend the style of music being played such as Ron - Cultural Vibes, Stamina-Li - Wass'Muffin Sound, Terry Gad - Jah Trinity Sound & Nick Manasseh.

During each session the microphone was open to anyone who felt they can contribute to the style of the DJ on the night. A lot of the voices that have contributed are Jazzbo Victor Evans (The Amharic), Headless, Brother Culture, Sandeeno, Anthony John, Mystic Messenjah, Ramon Judah, Benji Roots, Sister Millie, Stamina Li and many others whose names are not mentioned here.

Things may have come to an untimely end when the bar at Strongroom was closed in March 2003 and with it the weekly Thursday night session. Decisions had to be made – so we decided to carry on with Jah works and for the next 2 years various events were held at venues within the Shoreditch & Hackney areas. Due to venue management and arrival of babies! the night was given a new lease of life by moving to bigger & more professional venues – Cargo in Shoreditch & The Concorde in Brighton to showcase the many talents of both the sound system and the artist. Contacts were made with other promoters as well as sound systems in the UK & Europe who promoted dances such as - Jason Rootical, Rebel Lion, Musical Riot, the Dour Festival, Irie Vibes Festival & also all our friends in France – Jah Militant, Nico & friends, Red Lion Sound, Coptic Sound, Jah Garden Sound, Reality in Paris, OBF Sound who we thank for helping forwarding the works.

It became apparent that some who work within the reggae industry went along their way without any specialist knowledge of the music industry & had little contact with other promoters & often were not recording in a productive way. The recordings that did end up being pressed were increasingly hard to come by & many DJ’s both in the UK & overseas just wanted the tune to play on their sound system that was being built or a night they were DJing at - never mind if the general public wanted to buy the tune also. Back in the day you could go ask the sound man whose tune he was playing & the next day go buy the tune in the record shop! The sound systems are a way to break artists even into the mainstream market – Saxon Sound from the UK & many JA sound systems have progressed the artist over the years. So the artist would always want to remain involved with the sound systems that they worked alongside, however, on a level to gain more recognition then they also have to work towards being recognised for their music – & therefore try to get ‘out there’ in a way many found difficult to break into - the barriers of commercial radio play for example.

It was here that Roots Studio became involved in artist management – one thing that has remained the same over the last 30 odd years is that reggae in perceived as an underground music –specialist to some – but really with so much talent going un-noticed & not much positive promotion. Many promoters both in the UK & overseas promote JA/USA based artists & it is always the UK or home grown talent that misses out at the events where the promoter could more actively involve artists who already live in the country. To this end it was decided that the artists that were involved with Roots Studio who were fast getting their just recognition, had to become involved with the live band to gain entrance to areas where we had not yet ventured.

Unfortunately, unforeseen events unfolded towards the end of 2007, which led to the works of Roots Studio to stop & re-evaluation had to take place. In this meditation we withdrew to review the situation & spend time contemplating the next move.

So Roots Studio has moved on to break out of the boundaries that hold reggae music & especially Roots & Culture, the last year has been spent in the commercial music industry in Touring & Financial Management enabling us to progress with more knowledge – as knowledge is the key to all things. To this end Roots Studio was approached by those who have ambitions & with whom we will combine the talents of others & will continue to work towards the same goal.

We give thanks to the venue management, promoters, producers & artists who have provided the insight to enable Roots Studio to move forwards. Life continually teaches us & lessons are learnt – these lessons become steps in which we climb higher to achieve whatever we want to achieve and so we say all things in their right time - & the time is now. Jah Guidance & blessings to those who remain faithful.

With special thanks to you who have made the next move possible.

Sista Kat

If you wish to book any of the artists or DJs featured on this website visit the contact page.