Melodies International presents Ariwa Sounds

Mad Professor

€ 46,95

2 x LP

Label: Melodies International
Expected release: 31 July 2026

PRE-ORDER ITEM: This item will only be shipped to you on or after 31 July 2026. Please note any orders containing pre-order items won't be shipped until all items are available, so please order this separately to avoid delays. Release dates are at the mercy of labels, distributor, and pressing plants and will change constantly.

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Description

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. 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.

TRACKLIST:

1. Johnny Clarke - Come Back To Me

2. Sgt. Pepper - Wake Up

3. Mad Professor & Joe Ariwa feat. Horace Andy - Non Violence Dub

4. U Roy - Old School Music

5. Davina Stone - Silly Wasn't I

6. Kofi - Didn't I

7. Sandra Cross - Can't Let Dub Go

8. Mad Professor feat. Mafia & Fluxy - 6 Million Dub

9. Ariwa Posse feat. Abel Miller - Everytime I See My Baby

10. Kofi - Losing Time For Love

11. Aisha - Can You Feel It (1990)