Rest in Peace the Forever Mighty Jah Shaka
The legendary dub and reggae pioneer was due to perform at Wilkswood Reggae 2023.
Like all reggae devotees, we are absolutely devastated by the news of Jah Shaka’s passing. We were all looking forward to the great man hosting Sunday’s Sound System stage at this year’s Wilkswood Reggae Festival.
Both a legend and an inspiration, Jah Shaka was absolutely instrumental in shaping the UK roots sound. The singer and producer – also known as Zulu Warrior – has been at the hub of sound system culture in London, releasing some of the scene’s most seminal records and spearheading the influential Mighty Jah Shaka Sound System, which he began operating and touring with in the 1970s.
With his spiritual messages and deep, bass-heavy sounds, Shaka was revered by musicians and dancers across a range of genres and cultures, from the next generation of dub legends such as Iration Steppas and Jah Warrior to post-punk musicians including the Slits and Public Image Ltd.
A real roots and culture defender, our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Rest assured Wilkswood Reggae Festival will this year be a tribute to the great man.
