Former Acland Burghley pupil James Harper (aka Moodie) and ex-LaSwap student Greg Burnell (Exel), were a few years apart growing up and independently of each other set off on their own paths.
But some years later, after James had a brief stint as a hip-hop DJ, worked at a record label and studied music production, he found himself looking for a new way to bring business into a quiet Sunday night at Kentish Town’s Grand Union bar, where he was a DJ.
He roped in Greg, a friend’s brother, and Reggae Roast was born – a night of reggae beats, MCs, Exel and Moodie on the decks, while roast dinner was served.
The food element has been somewhat sidelined now although on special occasions at the Big Chill House, a barbecue is available.
Within weeks news of the popularity of the night spread and the venue was overwhelmed with fans.
You may have seen the signs for Reggae Roast nights at the Big Chill House, CAMP, the Jazz Cafe and a bunch of other venues across London.
Said James: “We move around a lot between north and east London, we try to keep it fresh.”
Since it began in 2007, the night has hosted the likes of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Collie Buddz, Sly & Robbie, Finley Quaye and Mad Professor.
The duo have also recently started their own Reggae Roast label.
Their latest release, Righteous EP, featuring Ramon Judah – Reggae Roast’s main MC – came out on Monday.
James said: “There’s been a massive revival of reggae slightly due to the whole dubstep thing, which originated from reggae. Because younger people are so into that, they checked out the reggae scene. Then there are older people who are here for the music.
“Everyone likes it. For some people that come to our nights, it might not be their first choice of music but it’s got a massive universal appeal. It’s not aggressive, it’s positive music and all inclusive. There’s a good atmosphere at our events, that’s why people come back.”
James only really turned to reggae under the influence of his avid record collector half-brother, after turning his back on hip-hop.
He said: “I was a scratch DJ and I became disappointed with hip hop in the early naughties. It lost its soul, became too commercial, the whole sound and attitude, and I just stopped feeling the music.”
While still at school James started his first DJ night.
He said: “I started at a Jamaican place called Posh Nosh in Tufnell Park. It only holds about 150 people but we used to get all our mates down – there were queues outside.”
He added: “I was quite naughty at school, a bit lippy and got in a lot of trouble but I did alright. I was born just off Falkland Road, Camden couldn’t be a more diverse, interesting place to grow up in.
“My school had so many amazing, gifted musicians – my brother’s best friend is an incredible drummer, my best friend Louis Slipperz DJs for hip-hop group Task Force. He put his own record out off his own back. It did really well and that was an inspiration to me to do things myself. It showed me if you do things the right way and produce good quality music, everyone can put out a successful release.”
Reggae Roast is also taking over the Edinboro Castle during the Camden Crawl (April 30 – May1) to provide some alternative uplifting beats away from the rest of the weekend’s joyful chaos.
As well as DJing and producing records, James, who lives in Kentish Town, is training in graphic design.
He said: “We need so much artwork for our releases and flyers I just thought it would be useful to do it myself.”
More info from www.reggaeroast.co.uk
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