Jazzie B was born on January 26th, 1963

Written by: Isabel Sanchez

Jazzie B: The Soulful Maestro Behind Soul II Soul

Jazzie B, born Trevor Beresford Romeo OBE, is a British DJ and music producer renowned for founding the iconic Soul II Soul collective. As the mastermind behind one of the most influential and enduring musical acts of the 1980s and 1990s, Jazzie B's contributions to the music industry have been nothing short of phenomenal.

Early Life and Career

Born on January 26, 1963, in Hornsey, London, to parents of Antiguan descent, Jazzie B was the ninth of ten children. His siblings shared his passion for music, with several of them running sound systems in the 1960s and 1970s. At just 18 years old, Jazzie worked as a tape operator for cockney pop skiffle legend Tommy Steele. His inaugural gig in 1977, working with friends under the Rastafari name Jah Rico, marked the beginning of an illustrious career.

The Birth of Soul II Soul

In 1982, Jazzie rebranded his project as Soul II Soul, which would become an umbrella name for various ventures, including a sound system, clothing line, Camden record shop, record imprint, and the group itself. This visionary approach allowed Jazzie to cultivate a distinctive sound that blended soul, funk, and reggae, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Legendary Nights at the Africa Centre

From 1985 to 1989, Jazzie and Soul II Soul hosted legendary nights at the Africa Centre in Covent Garden, which would later be celebrated in the 2003 compilation Soul II Soul At The Africa Centre. One of these nights saw the recording of the iconic track "Fairplay," just before the group achieved mainstream success.

Funki Dreds and Beyond

In March 1991, Jazzie launched his own label, Funki Dreds, signing talented artists Lady Levi and Kofi. During this period, he also hosted a show on pirate radio station Kiss FM, which he continued to do even after the station gained a legal license.

Radio and Production Ventures

From 2009 to 2012, Jazzie B hosted the Back 2 Life radio show on BBC London 94.9. He later brought the show to MiSoul in 2014. As a prolific producer and remixer, Jazzie has worked with an impressive roster of artists, including Incognito, Maxi Priest, James Brown, Kym Mazelle, Cheryl Lynn, Teena Marie, Johnny Gill, Ziggy Marley, Nas, and Destiny's Child.

Honors and Accolades

Jazzie B's contributions have been recognized with several prestigious awards. In 2002, he was listed first in the Business category of the 100 Great Black Britons list. In 2008, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Elizabeth II.

Legacy and Impact

Jazzie B's influence on modern music is palpable. As a founding director of the Featured Artists Coalition, he has been a vocal advocate for artists' rights. His trailblazing work with Soul II Soul has paved the way for future generations of musicians. With a career spanning decades, Jazzie B remains an integral figure in the music industry, inspiring new waves of artists and fans alike.

Through his remarkable journey, Jazzie B has left an indelible mark on the world of music, fostering a spirit of creativity, innovation, and soulfulness that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.