Channel One is one of the most respected "roots & culture" sound systems in the world. It is, with Jah Shaka and Aba Shanti I, one of the oldest sound systems of the English school.
Cornerstone and ambassador of dub, the duo made up of selector Mickey Dread and Mc Ras Kayleb has been broadcasting their conscious messages, their exclusive 100% vinyl selections and their positive vibes, with or without their handmade sound system, for over 40 years! Real living legends to see in dances in 2022.
Channel One Sound System is one of the UK’s best known and most loved reggae sound systems. Having taken over the running of their father’s sound in 1979, Mikey Dread ((who made his debut with the King Edwards sound system in 1973) and his brother Jah T took the sound to local blues parties and dances. Mikey took the name Channel One as homage to the legendary Channel One studio in Jamaica.
In 1983, Channel One started playing at the Notting Hill Carnival in Kensington, one of Europe's most famous events where the streets are brought to life with parades and parties, and has become a staple event. Every year since then, Channel One spreading universal messages of Love, Peace and Unity, to the happiness of thousands of spectators from all over the world.
Channel One is made up of selector Mikey Dread and MC Ras Kayleb (who became official sound MC in 1996). Channel One play a unique selection of conscious reggae, exclusive dubplates and uplifting steppas. Channel One’s hand built sound system provides a rich heavyweight bass sound, which compliments their tight selection of old and new roots music.
Channel One’s mission is “to break down barriers via reggae music”, they have achieved this by travelling and playing to new audiences and venues all over the world. From Europe to South America, via New Zealand, Israel, or even Turkey, the legendary duo travels the globe in a Dj Set or with their sound system with a power of 20 Kw, for over 40 years. Channel One never fail to provide upliftment with their positive music and message.
Highlights from the last decade have included winning the Redbull Culture Clash in 2010, (beating Metalheadz and Skream and Benga), playing in the next round of the Culture Clash at Wembley Arena against Major Lazer, Annie Mac and Boy Better Know in 2012 and embarking on 5 national tours with backing from the Arts Council, curating line ups including the Twinkle Brothers, Congo Natty, Mad Professor.
For the last 3 years Channel One have held a residency at one of London’s coolest warehouse venues – Village Underground. Youtube videos of Channel One’s sessions there have gone viral, with hundreds of thousands of views. Channel One has also gained online viewers via it’s monthly residency at Giles Peterson’s award winning online station – Worldwide FM. In 2020, the duo also contributed to the influence of Dub culture around the world by exhibiting, notably one of its stacks at the "Dub of London, Bassline of a City" exhibition at the "Museum of London".
Tour announced soon!