On this week’s episode, Haseeb presents a Lovers Rock special, zooming into one of the most significant sub-genres of reggae which emerged during the mid-70s in London.
Dubbed as ‘romantic reggae’, he explores how it arose as a response to the strongly political Roots music that was present in Jamaica, creating a sound that was overwhelmingly dominated by women.
Haseeb traces the connection between soundsystem culture and more soulfully-inclined female vocalists, citing Lloyd Coxsone as a key figure in forging this link. We hear about the role of his ‘Safari’ record label and his collaborations with Dennis Bovell, Louisa Mark and more.
Tracing the years 1975-82, Haseeb appreciates the story of a unique period in British music history, concluding by observing it’s impact on the sounds of Jamaican musicians such as Hugh Mundell and Sugar Minott.
