Earl Gateshead
Earl’s career began in the late 70s, when he built his own Sound System, one of the first built by a European. Earl had a 23 year weekly residency at The Dive Bar, Soho, London.
In 2000 Earl began to organise and perform at a series of events called “Reggae Nights” at seminal London club “Plastic People.” This legendary series of concerts received worldwide attention, with performances from international legends such as Alton Ellis, Dennis Alcapone, Sugar Minott, Cutty Ranks, Adrian Sherwood and Saxon Sound System. The success here gave Earl a huge boost in profile, leading him to be one of the most sought-after Reggae DJs in the world. He went on to tour Europe and Australasia with Big Youth, Dr Alimantado and Cutty Ranks amongst others.
In 2003 He was asked, together with his friend Daddy Ad by Trojan Records, to create the world renowned Trojan Sound System. For twelve years he toured the world as selector and front man for Trojan Sound. He left the sound 5 years ago, to play on his own.
Mysterious graffiti artist Banksy asked Earl to D.J the first three exhibitions of his work. Earl is still the only D.J that Banksy has ever worked with.
Earl has become a figurehead in UK Reggae. He was invited to lecture at the prestigious Red Bull Music Academy in São Paulo.
In recent years Earl has completed five extended tours of India, where, together with his brothers from Ten Thousand Lions Sound System, he is attempting to bring Reggae to the world’s most populous country. He plays every year at Goa Reggae Festival (Sunsplash) which is the centre of the rapidly growing Indian Reggae scene.
Dub Shepherds
Based at the foot of the Chaîne des Puys mountains, Jolly Joseph and Doctor Charty have been crafting an authentic roots/rocksteady reggae sound inspired by the great masters of the genre from the BAT Records Studio for 15 years now. Reggae is in their blood.
Their uncompromising “Hardmix” approach to mixing and Jolly Joseph’s high pitched vocal performances are the key to their success. With four albums under their belts and a wealth of live experience in the company of drummer Jahno, the Dub Shepherds have earned a reputation as one of the few groups to distinguish themselves brilliantly in the art of producing and playing these historic roots and dub sounds.
Dub Weed Roots
Created in 2000 by a group of four friends (Nokas, Gonçalo, Peixe, and Luís), the composition of Dub Weed Roots changed over the years due to the unavailability of some of its members. Nokas and Gonçalo remained, and they welcomed into the collective one of Portugal’s most knowledgeable individuals about reggae culture and its music, Carlos Quintão A.K.A. “DreadRecords.” Since early 2006, Dub Weed Roots reopened its doors to Luís, reuniting to form what has often been considered by many as the number one Roots Reggae Soundsystem in Portugal. Much of this reputation is owed to DreadRecords, whose microphone sessions evoked what some described as “a true Jamaican Roots Rocker.”
They have shared the stage as selectors with numerous artists, including Don Carlos, The Congos, Black Uhuru, Abyssinians, Finley Quaye, Julian Marley, and nearly all national artists.
Don Fe
Don Fe, a reggae musician originally hailing from Coleraine, County Derry, has journeyed through life, music, and culture, leaving an indelible mark on the reggae scene. Born in Ireland, he soon after moved to the UK. His upbringing in the vibrant musical landscape of Liverpool that truly nurtured his musical talent and on moving to Brighton he fully immersed himself into the reggae scene.
After years of honing his craft in UK, Don Fe set his sights on new horizons, ultimately making a significant move to Spain in the early 90s where he lived for over 30 years. There, he threw himself in the diverse and multicultural world of reggae, both as a flautist and a producer. His time in Spain allowed him to blend
reggae’s traditional roots with contemporary influences, crafting a sound uniquely his own.
In 2022 Don Fe returned to his Irish roots, settling on the picturesque west coast of Ireland. This return to his homeland has not only rejuvenated his musical spirit but also brought new inspiration to his work and allowed him to spend more time on his label Jah Catalyst as well as producing and recording with
and for other artists and labels.
His music and concerts featuring live flute continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, carrying the spirit of reggae and the rich experiences of his journey. With a career spanning several decades and over 100 records released, his eclectic background and unwavering dedication to reggae, Don Fe remains a celebrated figure in the global reggae community. His music serves as a testament to the genre’s universal appeal, bridging cultures and spreading messages of unity, equality and positivity.