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Harlesden Walk of Music
When Brent Council won the ‘London Borough of Culture Award’ in 2020 the council paid homage to the local Reggae and Afro-Caribbean music culture with the ‘No Bass Like Home’ program. Subsequently, local community groups and residents wanted more reminders of the positive contributions Reggae musicians had made to the British music industry.
Cleon Roberts (daughter of Sonny Roberts), cited in a speech to celebrate International Reggae Day 2024 that:
“On these pavements we want to champion music! You don't know the people who pounded these pavements, you had Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, Bunny "Striker" Lee and Five Star. You used to have crowds of people waiting to buy music, vinyl records - that's how it was! The area is so important to black and reggae music."
Thomas Mabey, Regeneration Officer, Brent Council was present and heard Cleon’s speech. In April 2025 Brent Council (Thomas Mabey) was successful in applying for UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) to finance a ‘Harlesden Walk of Music & Mural project.
Brent Council hope the ‘Harlesden Walk of Music’ project will revitalize Reggae music heritage so past, present, and future generations can celebrate and reminisce in the art form.
Cleon Roberts
The Harlesden "Walk of Music" like the Hollywood Walk of Fame (will link famous Reggae musicians/producers to the previous and existing vinyl record shops and the proposed Reggae Museum in Picture Palace) to be a physical footnote of public art and recognition. Also, it will be an additional incentive to visit the town centre, improve the public realm, become a visitor attraction and to promote businesses.
The Harlesden Walk of Music is significant for several reasons:
1. Celebration of Musical Heritage: It honours the rich musical history of Harlesden, known for its diverse cultural influences, particularly in reggae, ska, and other genres.
2. Recognition of Artists: The Walk pays tribute to local musicians who have made significant contributions to music, celebrating their achievements and legacies.
3. Community Pride: It fosters a sense of community pride and cultural identity, encouraging appreciation of the artistic contributions from the area.
4. Inspiration for New Generations: By highlighting the achievements of past artists, the Walk inspires aspiring musicians and artists, showcasing the potential for success within their community.
Overall, the Harlesden Walk of Music stands as a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire communities while preserving their unique cultural heritage.
NO BASS LIKE HOME
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Welcome - Borough of Culture
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The No Bass Like Home Reggae Heroes of Brent were chosen by a thorough process of achievement recognition and elimination and resulted in the following choices:
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Cimarons
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Delroy Washington
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Dennis Brown
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Hawkeye Records
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Jet Star Records
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Sonny Roberts
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Starlight Records
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Trojan Records
CIMARONS
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The legendary Cimarons are true pioneers of British reggae shaping the sound of the genre since the late 1960s. The band was the first reggae band in Europe and was founded in London in 1967 by a group of Jamaican musicians including guitarist Locksley Gichie and bassist Franklyn Dunn.
As the first UK-based reggae band to gain international recognition, they recorded a countless number of songs for the iconic Trojan Records, laying the foundation for reggae’s rise in Europe.
Over the years, they’ve worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Bob Marley (who was grateful to the Cimarons as his forerunners in Europe, Asia, Africa and the UK), Jimmy Cliff, Dennis Brown, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Toots Hibbert, and even Paul McCartney, who was a producer of the album “Reggaebility”(1981).
Today, the spirit of Cimarons lives on under the guidance of its band leaders: Locksley Gichie and Franklyn Dunn who bring decades of experience, ensuring that the legacy of Cimarons continues to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of reggae music.
Adding to the band’s dynamic lineup is new lead singer Michael Arkk, whose electrifying stage presence and soulful vocals have breathed new life into the Cimarons sound. With his powerful voice and magnetic charisma, Michael Arkk has seamlessly integrated into the band, infusing their performances with a renewed energy and vitality that captivates audiences wherever they go.
Infusing their sound with elements of rocksteady, roots reggae and ska, Cimarons created a distinctive and timeless sound that resonates across generations.
Cimarons: Harder Than The Rock Documentary Trailer
DELROY WASHINGTON
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Delroy Washington was a highly talented Rasta-imbued singer-songwriter and guitarist, whose mid-1970s Virgin albums 'I Sus' and 'Rasta', showed an accessible, funk-in fused reggae akin to Bob Marley & The Wailers' version of reggae. The musician’s lineup featured members of Aswad. Jamaican-born, he lived in Brent from the early 1960s.
Whilst working in the Pama record shop he met Bob Marley, and a friendship developed. Delroy sang harmonies on The Wailers’ Catch a Fire album and in several subsequent sessions. Delroy released a 1973 Lord Koos single entitled 'Jah Man A Come', and an earlier version of 'Freedom Fighters' as a 1975 single on his Axum label. Delroy passed away in March 2020.
Delroy Washington Interview
DENNIS BROWN
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Arguably one of the most influential vocalists and recorded artists in Jamaican history, Dennis Brown promoted reggae music throughout the world with hit records and sold out concert tours in almost every continent.
Throughout the 1970s to the late 1990s he influenced and mentored many new and upcoming artistes such as; Richie Stephens, Luciano, Junior Reid, Barrington Levy, to name a few.
In addition to being a hard worker with over 78 albums, he was a soulful singer and talented song writer who played the guitar and drums. His contribution to reggae was immeasurable as his music was inspirational. Dennis Brown’s music is highly regarded as a timeless legacy.
Dennis Brown has a blue plaque that was unveiled outside the Harlesden house where the renowned Jamaican reggae singer lived for six years. The tribute to Dennis Brown on Harlesden Road, was revealed by Nubian Jak Community Trust, who funded the commemorative tablet.
Black On Black
Dennis Brown Interview
Leee's Place
Dennis Brown Interview
HAWKEYE RECORDS
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Hawkeye: This record reggae shop at 2 Craven Park, NW10 was opened in 1977 by Roy Forbes-Allen, Gerry Anderson and a young Daddy Ernie, is one of a few 1970s shops still in business.
In 2019 Roy 'Hawkeye' Forbes-Allen and Popsy were honoured with International Reggae Day/British Black Music Month awards for being in business over 40 years.
Roy Forbes-Allen Interview
JET STAR
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Since their humble beginnings as Pama Records back in the 1960s, Jet Star has made the sounds, stories and sensations of Jamaica increasingly accessible to a worldwide audience. Bringing together the rhymes and riddims of Reggae through various outlets (a nightclub, a record shop, a distribution company and the label), Jet Star undeniably helped establish the foundations of Reggae on this side of the Atlantic.
Born in Clarendon, Jamaica, the ball started rolling for the Palmer brothers when Harry Palmer bought his first north London record shop in 1962 named ‘Happy Sounds’. This gave the Palmer brothers their first taste of the music industry before going on to become joint partners in forming their own label ‘Pama’.
Despite Pama’s unrivalled success, Harry stepped down from the label in 1974 to pursue a life of religion and agriculture whilst leaving his two brothers Carl and Jeff to continue the legacy.
After the dissolution of Pama, Harry came back to the UK returning to his musical roots by forming Jet Star Phonographics. With just £800 and some worthy connections, Jet Star then went on to become one of the largest distributors of Reggae worldwide.
In 1984, Jet Star launched their popular ‘Reggae Hits’ series. The first edition soared up the national album charts where it remained for several weeks. Today, the compilations continue to represent the very best in Reggae music, just as their predecessors did back in the days of Blue Beat and Rocksteady. The arrival of each new collection was an event of considerable importance to fans and industry members alike.
In 2008, after many years of Carl Palmer successfully running Jet Star Phonographics, the company sadly, and surprisingly, folded. Had it not been for Phoenix Music International Ltd, this could have been the end for Jet Star. Today, Phoenix respectfully continues the legacy of Jet Star and its forefathers. The company have injected vibrancy along with a team of relevant experience in key areas of a digital music industry who all share the view of taking the company and its catalogue forward into a new era.
Jet Star: Hugh Francis Interview
SONNY ROBERTS
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One of the most leading pioneers of Black music in Britain, the late Sonny Roberts opened the very first black owned recording studio in Britain in 1961 - Planetone Studio.
Sonny “Clinton” Roberts was born in 1931 in the rural district of Spice Grove, Manchester, Jamaica. As with many of his peers, the young 18-year-old Sonny travelled to Downtown Kingston in search of work, this was where he learnt the trade of cabinetmaking. Then, everything changed in 1953, when an aunt secured Sonny’s passage across the Atlantic
Like many Jamaican immigrants of his generation, Sonny settled in Ladbroke Grove. He found employment as a carpenter in Westminster and Northwest London and began building speaker boxes after working hours for the country’s first sound systems, founded by Duke Vin and Count Suckle.
Soon Roberts formed his own sound system, called Lavender, its success yielding better earnings than the day job, then led him to open his own recording studio Planetone.
Roberts was also indirectly responsible for the subsequent growth of Island Records in Britain and the birth of its Trojan subsidiary; Sonny being a crucial catalyst. In 1970, he also established one of the first vinyl record shops Orbitone Records, opened its doors in Harlesden selling Afro-Caribbean music and World Music. Roberts widen his musical net, helping Afro-Beat, Soca and Reggae acts to attain international acclaim, yielding some significant chart hits in the process.
Sonny Roberts - a trailblazer that helped establish the popularity of Black music in Britain and reduce racial hostilities between the native British population.
Sonny Roberts Interview
STARLIGHT RECORDS
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Starlight Record Shop, based at 17 Craven Park Road, NW10, was part of Trojan/B&C's Musik City retail outlets. When the Trojan/B&C companies folded, a trio, including present day manager Popsy took it over in 1976. A reggae-focused stockist, it also sold its own releases on the Starlight, Black Music and Black Joy labels.
Starlight Records Label was owned by Popsy and Desmond Bryan, the owners of the Starlight record shop. In addition to releasing reggae material produced by the label owners, they were the outlet for many Jamaican producers, such as Prince Jammy, Winston Riley, and Bunny Lee, which were spread across the Starlight, Black Joy and Black Music labels.
In 2019 Popsy was honoured with an International Reggae Day/British Black Music Month award for still being in business for over 40 years.
Popsy Interview
TROJAN RECORDS
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Trojan Records was founded in 1968 when Lee Gopthal, who operated the Musicland record retail chain and owned Beat & Commercial Records, pooled his Jamaican music interests with those of Chris Blackwell's Island Records. Until 1975, they were based at a warehouse in Neasden Lane, Willesden, London.
Trojan was instrumental in introducing reggae to a global audience and, by 1970, had secured a series of major UK chart hits. Successful Trojan artists from this period include Judge Dread, Tony Tribe, Lee "Scratch" Perry's Upsetters, Bob and Marcia, Desmond Dekker, Jimmy Cliff, the Harry J All Stars, the Maytals, the Melodians, Nicky Thomas and Dave and Ansel Collins.
The bulk of the company's successes came via licences for Jamaican music supplied by producers such as Duke Reid, Harry Johnson and Leslie Kong. While the company's focus was firmly on the sale of 7” singles, it also launched a series of popular, budget-priced compilations such as Tighten Up, Club Reggae and Reggae Chartbusters.
In 1972, Chris Blackwell decided to withdraw Island Records interests in Trojan. By this time, the company was trying to broaden the appeal of reggae by re-mastering and overdubbing string arrangements on the original recordings. While the move initially paid dividends, the costs involved began to take their toll on the company's finances. In 1975, the company was liquidated and its assets acquired by Marcel Rodd's Saga Records, which had previously largely focused on releasing budget LPs.
In 1985, record collector and accountant Colin Newman purchased Trojan Records. Over the years that ensued, the company mainly concentrated on re-releasing much of its back catalogue, issuing numerous ska, rocksteady and reggae recordings. Among their most popular releases were the Trojan Box Set series, each featuring 50 songs on a three-CD (or vinyl record) set in a "clamshell" box. In addition, Trojan licensed reggae classics for a number of TV commercial campaigns, most notably for TDK, Adidas and the 2000 UEFA European Football Championship.
The Sanctuary Records Group purchased Trojan Records in 2001 and continued to focus on the label's back catalogue, under the general management of Laurence Cane-Honeysett. In 2002, Trojan's new owners acquired former UK rival record company, Creole Records, previously owned by Bruce White and Gary Himmelfarb's US-based RAS Records. In August 2007, Universal Music Group (UMG) had acquired 90% of Sanctuary Records after announcing in June a share offer that valued Sanctuary at $US87.68 million. In 2013, UMG sold their entire Sanctuary back catalogue including Trojan to BMG, as part of a divestment programme that was a mandatory condition set by EU regulators when UMG acquired EMI in 2012.
In 2018, the company celebrated 50 years in the business.
Rudeboy: The Story of Trojan Records
HAVE YOUR SAY
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Local stakeholders in Harlesden and the Brent area (e.g., residents, businesses, voluntary/charity organisations, Housing Associations and NHS providers) were given the opportunity to chose 4 out of the 12 notable Reggae artists, bands and musicians that would be recipients of the commemorative paving stones. The choices had to relate to Artists, bands and musicians that were operating between the 1960s and 1990s.
An online ‘Have Your Say’ survey was set up on Brent Council’s website, and in addition paper based votes were carried out at a number of locations. The online survey started on the 21st July and ended on the 14th September 2025. One of the paper based surveys took place at the Brent Black Music Co Operative’s (BBMC) 40th anniversary celebration on the 19th July 2025.
The winners are:
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General Levy
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Janet Kay
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Aswad
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Ruff Cutt UK
GENERAL LEVY
Born Paul Levy in 1971 in London, he grew up in the lively Harlesden community, immersed in diverse cultural influences. From a young age, he developed a love for reggae music, inspired by his brother’s extensive record collection.
In 1981, Levy began collecting sound system dancehall tapes, which sparked his passion for music. At just twelve, he started writing lyrics, and by fourteen, he formed his first sound system, Third Dimension. In 1987, Levy worked at Sonny Roberts’ record shop Orbitone Records, in Harlesden as a sales assistant.
The mentoring experience he gained alone from Roberts, ignited his passion for music and the industry. His talent quickly gained attention, leading him to join TipperTone Sound and make a name for himself as a dynamic MC.
Levy’s breakthrough came with his hit “Incredible,” which showcased his unique blend of reggae, hip-hop, and jungle elements, making waves globally. The song’s cultural fusion introduced reggae’s rich storytelling to audiences everywhere, and his energetic live performances helped popularize dancehall culture.
Over the years, General Levy collaborated with various international artists, amplifying reggae’s reach into pop and rap. His work with labels like Fashion Records produced iconic tracks and his albums, including “Double Trouble” and “Wickeder General,” earning him numerous accolades, including multiple gold awards.
Today, “Incredible” remains a party staple, ensuring reggae and dancehall continue to thrive. Join us in celebrating this well-deserved honour for a true legend of the UK urban music scene! Stay tuned for more updates!
JANET KAY
Janet Kay - Multi award winning reggae artist, was born in Willesden, North West London. She was discovered singing impromptu at a rehearsal studio by Tony "Gad" Robinson, then keyboardist now bass player from Aswad, who recommended Kay to Alton Ellis who was looking for a female vocalist to record a cover of ‘Loving You” in 1977.
The single "Silly Games", written and produced by Dennis Bovell, released in 1979 and became a number 1 hit across Europe, reaching No. 2 in the UK Singles Chart. She played the character Angel in the UK sitcom No Problem! created by the Black Theatre Co-operative, of which Janet was a founder member, and broadcast on Channel 4 (1983 – 1985). Awarded an MBE in 2023.
ASWAD
The first British reggae band to be signed by Island Records. Their underground favourite 'Warrior Charge', is one of reggae's best instrumentals. The band was awarded the MOBO Awards 2000 Outstanding Contribution To Black Music gong.
Although the longest and most commercial phase of this reggae band has been represented by vocalist/guitarist Brinsley Forde, drummer/vocalist Drummie Zeb, and bassist Tony Gad, the others that formed the quintet launched by Island Records in the mid-1970s were bassist George Oban, guitarist Donald Griffiths and keyboardist Courtney Hemmings.
If you lived in Brent at the time, you knew that they brought pride to the area, and must have given strength to many african youth at the butt end of Sus laws, which seemingly gave the police powers to disproportionately stop and search african youth. One's only gripe is that Island did not add the socio-conscious ‘Three Babylon' to their debut album. Today, Aswad are known more for their crossover hits 'Shine' and 'Give A Little Love' and the 1988 chart-topping 'Don't Turn Around', rather than rootsy stuff like 'Back To Africa’.
RUFF CUTT UK
In the early ‘90s, the talented Ruff Cutt Band was born, featuring Carlton ‘Bubblers’ Ogilvie (keyboards), Antonio Philips (guitar), Kenton ‘Fish’ Brown (bass), andTrevor Fagan (drums).
Before this, Antonio Philips was part of the On U Sound collective, working with iconic studio bands like Creation Rebel and African Head Charge. He then formed Undivided Roots, which had several reggae hits in the mid-‘80s.
Ruff Cutt led them to become a much sought-after session band, supporting both Jamaican artists and UK acts.
They’ve recorded hits like “Sorry” and “Hurting Inside” with Barbara Naps, “Peace Love And Unity” with Starkey Banton, and worked with legends such as Culture, Freddie McGregor, Berris Hammond, Yellowman, and Shabba Ranks. Their work with Naps on the acclaimed album “No Apologies” marked a high point in their career.
At the start of the 2000s, they released several albums, solidifying their impact on UK reggae, including the notable “DJ Bonanza”, featuring collaborations with UK hip-hop artists.
In May 2022, Ruff Cutt UK received the JARIA (Jamaica Reggae Industry Association) Award, in recognition of their exceptional contribution to music.
UNVEILING CEREMONY
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A ceremony to unveil the 12 commemorative paving stones will be held in Spring 2026. For updates follow Harlesden Bassline on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harlesdenbassline/
REFERENCES & LINKS
REFERENCES
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Dennis Brown - National Library of Jamaica - READ MORE
LINKS
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Aswad - VISIT WEBSITE
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Cimarons - VISIT WEBSITE
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General Levy - VISIT WEBSITE
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Janet Kay - VISIT WEBSITE
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Jet Star - VISIT WEBSITE
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Orbitone Records - VISIT WEBSITE
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Ruff Cutt UK - VISIT WEBSITE
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Trojan Records - VISIT WEBSITE
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