The Beginnings

Always having played and sang, in the early 1980’s Levi got his break after building a name for himself as an MC for Sir Coxsone of Outernational Soundsystem. His debut single, “Poorman’s Story”, was released in 1981 and coupled with Fred Locks’ “Voice Of The Poor” it was an instant favourite with reggae fans and launched Levi onto the UK recording scene.  He then went on to form his own band, Matic16, along with the brothers, Patrick and Henry ‘Buttons’ Tenyue on brass as part of a ten piece band.

Matic16

Matic16, with Levi as lead vocalist, were signed up by Jimmy Lindsey’s Music Hive and recorded the classic steppers anthem “Jahovah”. Then later on they recorded “No Money Today” for producer Peter Richards’ Regent Record label. The band was well known for their dynamic and vibrant performances throughout the UK. They started to attract attention from influential figures in the industry, such as Jah Shaka who made his own mixes from the original master tape for ‘Jahovah’

Conqueror Records – Levi’s production company

Levi Roots set up Conqueror Records in 1982 and Matic16’s third track ‘Say You Want Me’ was released. Later he gave Mikey General his break with the haunting tune “Baby Mother” then Jack Radics’ first ever UK release and Dionne Warwick’s “Walk On By”. He wrote with and produced a host of up and coming superstars including Junior Reid, Half Pint and Michael Palmer.

Levi’s Solo Career

In 1983 Matic16 broke up and Levi’s solo career kicked off with a trip to Jamaica. Here he met and formed links with Philip Fatis Burrel, long before he founded Exterminator Records. A session with the great Sly and Robbie followed and “It Ah Fi Burn” (7” Soundbox) and “Shashamane City” (on the CD ‘Free Your Mind’ Soundbox) were the results. Other studio recordings with Channel One, King Tubby and Aquarius followed as he attempted to promote Conqueror Records in Jamaica. The Tenyue Brothers went on to join British reggae group UB40 and became world famous as Matic Horns.

1990s

It was a meeting with South African’s president Nelson Mandela, and new ideas for an album project that inspired Levi Roots’ next musical venture.

UK dance music label ‘Kicking Records’ bought the rights to Levi’s Conqueror Records and his new label, Soundbox Music was born. The Matic16 boys got back together to produce Levi’s critically acclaimed album “Free Your Mind” for the new record label.

One of the finest roots albums to be produced in the UK for a long time, “Free Your Mind” took two years to complete. It was released in the spring of 1998 and won positive acclaim from music lovers and journalists worldwide.

MOBO Nomination

Levi Roots was nominated for Best Reggae Performer at the prestigious MOBO awards that same year. He was one of the first UK roots and culture artists to be recognised for a major music award, Levi and his Soundbox Record label had arrived. Then concerts, shows and tours took Levi to Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas playing in major festivals and venues all over the world.

These included the Montreux jazz festival, Geel in Belgium, Summer Jam in Germany, Sierra Navada and Reggae on the River in California USA. As well as trips to Turkey, Cyprus and Serbia working alongside some of the worlds finest entertainers such as Black Uhuru, Burning Spear, Sizzla, Lucky Dube, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and Maxi Priest.

Production

Levi’s next venture as a producer was “The Greedy Bug Selection” which featured some of the best of Jamaica’s artists. Luciano, Anthony B., Yammi Bolo and up and coming DJs Spectacular and Tyrical who were hot property on Soundbox 7” singles. This was recorded in Jamaica at Anchor Studios. The rhythm track was inspired by Levi’s original tune “Greedy Bug” a mixture of Nyabingi, Classical and Spanish influences. It also featured another four pieces including a recording debut for the UK’s simple poet Jayzik Azikiwe with “Imagination” all 7” Jamaican Pre-releases.

The compilation CD: “Jah Will Never Let You Down” features all nine ‘Greedy Bug’ cuts co-written and produced by Levi Roots for Soundbox. Earl Sixteen, Starkey Banton, Zion Train and Mafia and Fluxy also appear on the CD.

In 2002, Levi Roots recorded the track ‘Red Hot’ for producers Mafia and Fluxy which was later included on their Roots and Volume compilation in 2007, and that same year Levi Roots began recording for his latest studio album also now entitled “Red Hot”. Levi has additionally written songs for an album project with Neil Fraser the Mad Professor, a follow up to their co-produced double “A” side Soundbox 12” single “Push, Push” coupled with “Cool Me Off”.

Present and Future

Levi Roots looks forward to releasing more cutting edge roots music, remixes and re-releases and working on newer, fresher, song lyrics and rhythms. August 2009 sees the release of his anticipated studio album ‘Red Hot’ with the catchy lead single, ‘So Out Of My Mind’.

Discography

Red Hot Year: 2009 FORTHCOMING Label: Sound Box

Jah Will Never Let You Down Various Artists Year: 2001 Label: Sound Box Co-Written and Produced by Levi Roots

Free Your Mind Year: 1998 Label: Sound Box