In 1979, Neil Fraser (artistically known as Mad Professor) founded Ariwa Sounds, the longest-serving and one of the most influential independently owned Reggae studios and record labels in the UK. Your browser does not support HTML5 audio. Large toggle button 00:00 / 00:00 Previous track button Next track button Small toggle button A1. JOHNNY CLARKE 'COME BACK TO ME' Small toggle button A2. SGT PEPPER 'WAKE UP' Small toggle button A3. MAD PROFESSOR & JOE ARIWA 'NON VIOLENCE DUB (FT. HORACE ANDY)' Small toggle button A4. U ROY 'OLD SCHOOL MUSIC' Small toggle button B1. DAVINA STONE 'SILLY WASN'T I' Small toggle button B2. KOFI 'DIDN'T I' Small toggle button B3. SANDRA CROSS 'CAN'T LET DUB GO' Small toggle button B4. MAD PROFESSOR '6 MILLION DUB (FT. MAFIA & FLUXY)' Small toggle button C1. ARIWA POSSE 'EVERYTIME I SEE MY BABY (FT. ABEL MILLER)' Small toggle button C2. KOFI 'LOSING TIME FOR LOVE' Small toggle button C3. AISHA 'CAN YOU FEEL IT (1990)' Small toggle button C4. SANDRA CROSS 'I LIVED FOR YOU' Small toggle button D1. SISTER NANCY 'LIVE THE LIFE YOU LOVE' Small toggle button D2. QUEEN OMEGA 'ROCKING & POPPING' Small toggle button D3. RANKING ANN 'LIBERATED WOMAN' From humble beginnings set up in the front room of Neil's home in South London recording on 4-track and homemade equipment, Ariwa would go on to record and release over 300 albums including works from some of the most impactful and storied artists of their time in the genres of Reggae, Dub, and Lovers Rock Whilst our previous release in collaboration with Ariwa captured the label's early sound, a shared performance with Neil in Osaka and regular visits to his South London studio inspired us to assemble this 15-track compilation, showcasing the label's output across 45 years. Our release emphasizes some of the label's greatest vocalists: Johnny Clarke, Sandra Cross, Kofi, U Roy, Sister Nancy, Queen Omega, Aisha, Garnett Cross, Abel Miller, Horace Andy and more — presenting the Motown and Stax influences in the Lovers Rock, but also provides a glimpse into the dubbier and more experimental side of the label, showcasing Ariwa's commitment to quality but also their personality, philosophy and their humour. Love songs, break-up songs, socially engaged songs, dub experimentations — this compilation is not a "best of" Ariwa but a diverse and honest celebration of the label through the lens of Melodies International.
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