Jazzie B Obe
̸
Biography
- DJ, Producer, Entrepreneur & founding member of Soul II SoulJazzie B is an in-demand DJ, playing out as far afield as the USA, Dubai and Croatia, and rocking prestigious houses such as the Lovebox Festival; the Southport Weekender; the Baltic Festival; and the Red Bull Music Academy Culture Clash at London’s Roundhouse in 2010, in which Jazzie’s club classics held their own against Trojan, Metalheadz and Digital Mystikz. The emotional high point of Jazzie’s DJ career, though, was Back II Life Antigua, a one week festival with a series of sophisticated events hosted by the original sound system DJ's; Jazzie B, David Rodigan, Trevor Nelson & Norman Jay; at some of the worlds most stunning and exclusive venues, including Jazzie's house. His total look, the 'Funki Dred' continues to grow and change each season, infusing Jazzie’s every endeavor with its vibrant brand. 2013 saw the launch of his Classics Collection with Harvey Nichols; a high end, raw, handmade collection which illustrates the 'do it yourself' energy of those early sound system days. Jazzie B’s aesthetic remains fully global. When he performs, he is an envoy of style as well as of sound.̸Of course all of this hasn’t come without recognition. Jazzie has been honoured for his services to the community as well as his music. In 2008, Jazzie became the first UK sound man to be invited to a Buckingham Palace investiture, when he was awarded an OBE for services to music, by Her Majesty the Queen. In the same year, he was awarded the inaugural Ivor Novello Award for inspiration; when it was presented to Jazzie, the announcer described him as "the man who gave British black music a soul of its own". A sentiment few will argue with, but his most personally significant recognition was yet to come. In 2013, Jazzie was honoured by his birthplace, Finsbury Park, when local residents selected three distinguished sons and daughters of the area for their contribution to and inspiration for the community. An ironwork sculpture of him now stands at the Portrait Bench by the station forecourt, alongside suffragette Edith Garrud and health pioneer Florence Keen.
Selected discography