June 10th: Today's Feature

June

Trevor Beresford Romeo OBE (born 26 January 1963), better known as Jazzie B, is a British DJ and music producer. He is the founder of Soul II Soul.

Life and career

Jazzie, a London native born to parents of Antiguan descent in Hornsey, London, was the ninth child out of ten siblings. Growing up in a family where several siblings were involved in running sound systems during the 1960s and 1970s, Jazzie was exposed to music from a young age. At the age of 18, he began working as a tape operator for the cockney pop skiffle legend Tommy Steele. It was during this time that Jazzie had his first gig in 1977 under the Rastafari name Jah Rico, alongside some friends. Eventually, in 1982, he decided to change their working name to Soul II Soul, which would become the umbrella name for various projects including the sound system, a clothing line and record shop in Camden, a record imprint, and the musical group itself.

Between 1985 and 1989, Jazzie and Soul II Soul gained recognition for hosting legendary nights at the Africa Centre in Covent Garden. It was during one of these nights that the track "Fairplay" was recorded, just before the group started to achieve wider success. The impact of these nights at the Africa Centre was so significant that it led to the release of a compilation titled "Soul II Soul At The Africa Centre" in 2003, commemorating the memorable performances and atmosphere created by Jazzie and his group during that period.

In March 1991, Jazzie took another significant step in his career by launching the label Funki Dreds. This move allowed him to further expand his musical endeavours by signing talented singers such as Lady Levi and Kofi to the label. By establishing Funki Dreds, Jazzie demonstrated his commitment to supporting emerging artists and creating a platform for diverse voices within the music industry. This decision marked a new chapter in Jazzie's career, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to nurturing talent within the music scene.

Throughout his career, Jazzie B has been involved in hosting radio shows on various stations. Initially, he hosted a show on the pirate radio station Kiss FM, which eventually transitioned into a legal license and ran until 1997. Following this, from 2009 to 2012, Jazzie B took his talents to BBC London 94.9 where he hosted the popular "Back 2 Life" radio show. This show garnered a significant following and showcased Jazzie B's passion for music.

In addition to his radio hosting duties, Jazzie B is also a talented producer and remixer. He has worked with a diverse range of artists including Incognito, Maxi Priest, James Brown, and Destiny's Child. His production and remixing skills have been recognised and appreciated by music lovers around the world. Jazzie B's ability to collaborate with artists from different genres highlights his versatility and creativity in the music industry.

Furthermore, Jazzie B's contributions to the music industry go beyond his radio shows and production work. He is a founding director of the Featured Artists Coalition, showcasing his commitment to supporting and advocating for artists' rights. Jazzie B's involvement in this organisation demonstrates his dedication to ensuring that artists are fairly represented and compensated for their work. His multifaceted career in radio, production, and advocacy solidifies Jazzie B's status as a respected and influential figure in the music world.

Honours & Legacy

In 2002, he achieved the top spot in the Business category of the "100 Great Black Britons" list, showcasing his significant contributions to the business sector. This recognition highlighted his exceptional skills, leadership, and impact within the industry, setting him apart as a trailblazer and role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals.

His dedication and influence were further acknowledged when he was honoured as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II during the 2008 New Year Honours. This prestigious title symbolised his outstanding service and commitment to the country, reflecting his remarkable achievements and positive influence on society.

Over the years, his remarkable achievements continued to be celebrated, with accolades such as the first Inspiration award at the Ivor Novello Awards in May 2008, recognising him as a pioneer in black British music. Furthermore, his enduring legacy in the music industry was honoured at the 26th annual Mobo Awards in February 2024, where he received the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award for his over 40 years of dedication and contribution to the music business. His acceptance speech paid tribute to the Windrush generation and the trailblazers who paved the way for his success, emphasising the importance of honouring those who came before him.