Show Notes
There was a crossroads in the UK during the ’70s, as dub and reggae sound systems were spreading and building a wider audience. By mid-decade, the rise of punk began - a raw, gritty DIY ethos that opened the door for thousands of youth who wanted to play music. Anyone was welcome.
Don Letts is well known for helping introduce the sounds of dub and reggae to the punk scene at The Roxy, as both shared a like-minded attitude toward inclusion and anti-establishment values. It was only a matter of time before both styles began to appear in the same songs.
More from Dubmatix Sticky Icky Reggae Mix
This week’s mix brings together legends and new artists from around the globe - from Linval Thompson, Prince Alla to Jah Garvey and Jar - this is a tossed salad of grooves ready for your ears.
This mix brings together a focused selection of reggae recordings from around 1976, a period when roots reggae was at its most confident and clearly defined. The songs reflect the era’s balance: strong rhythm sections, thoughtful lyrics, and a deep connection to Rastafarian beliefs, social commentary, and everyday life in Jamaica.
Aram Scaram returns with round two, picking up right where the last session left off. Blending reggae, dancehall, dub, afrobeats, and global grooves, this mix is a deep dive into sound system culture. Featuring selections from his weekly radio show Sound So Nice, airing Saturdays 9–10 PM EST on CFRU 93.3 FM in Guelph, Canada, and streaming online at cfru.ca.
This selection focuses on early Jamaican ska and rocksteady recordings, highlighting classic artists such as Desmond Dekker, Prince Buster, Derrick Morgan, and Delroy Wilson. The tracks feature vintage rhythms, simple arrangements, and early deejay versions that shaped the foundation of reggae.