Dennis Bovell - Life & Times of a Dub Icon

Presenter: Rita Ray

Producer, composer, musician Dennis Bovell talks about growing up, creating and developing his music in Wandsworth. In many ways, Dennis is the godfather of the borough’s music scene over the last 50 years, because he’s right there at the source of so much UK music. Hear about his contributions and adventures with UK Reggae, Lovers Rock, Dub poetry, African reggae, Afrobeat, pop and more. The ripple effect of his musical dexterity conceived and nurtured in Wandsworth still resounds around the globe. Contributions from Dennis also features in several other podcasts in this series.

Podcast Music Playlist

Peter Green & Fleetwood Mac - Black Magic Woman (Live at the Boston Tea Party 1970)

The Harry J All Stars - Liquidator (1969)

Matumbi - (I Can’t Get Enough Of That) Reggae Stuff (1973)

Pat Kelly - How Long (1969)

Matumbi - After Tonight (1976)

Smiley Culture - Shan A Shan (1984)

Matumbi -  Empire Road (1979)

Janet Kay -  Silly Games (Writer/Producer Dennis Bovell) (1979 Top of the Pops version)

Linton Kwesi Johnson -Sonny’s Lettah (Anti-sus Poem) (1979)

The Smile - The Smoke (Dennis Bovell RMX) (2022)