The public has chosen the musical icons that will be honoured along the brand new Harlesden Walk of Music. It's a project that celebrates Harlesden’s status as the Reggae and Alternative Music Capital of Britain and the immense cultural contributions of the Windrush Generation.
Commemorative paving stones will recognise influential Reggae and Alternative music artists, bands and musicians who shaped the local and national music scene from the 1960s to the 1990s.
Brent Council, in partnership with Harlesden Bassline, is delighted to announce the honourees:
- General Levy – The pioneering British ragga deejay known for his groundbreaking work in jungle and dancehall, including the 1994 hit Incredible with M-Beat. Levy spent time in Harlesden and Wembley and worked at Sonny Roberts’ iconic Orbitone Records. He was voted Best Reggae DJ/MC by the British reggae industry and Best UK Singer at the Black Music Awards in 1993, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s leading MCs.
- Janet Kay – Born in Willesden, Janet Kay is a multi-award winning reggae artist. She was discovered singing impromptu at a rehearsal studio by Tony "Gad" Robinson, then keyboardist now bass player from Aswad, who recommended Kay to Alton Ellis who was looking for a female vocalist to record a cover of ‘Loving You” in 1977. The single "Silly Games", released in 1979, became a number 1 hit across Europe and reached number 2 in the UK Singles Chart. She played the character Angel in the UK sitcom No Problem! created by the Black Theatre Co-operative, where Janet was a founding member, and the show was broadcast on Channel 4. Janet was awarded an MBE in 2023.
- Aswad – The first British reggae band signed to Brent-based Island Records, Aswad are revered for their influential sound and standout instrumental Warrior Charge. The band received the MOBO Award for Outstanding Contribution to Black Music in 2000 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album with Rise and Shine in 1994. Their hits Shine, Give a Little Love and the 1988 chart-topper Don’t Turn Around remain enduring favourites. Aswad also won Best British Band at the British Reggae Awards in 1982.
- Ruff Cutt – The London-based group has collaborated with leading reggae artists and top producers from both Jamaica and the UK. Known for their impeccable production quality and musicianship, Ruff Cutt were recognised with the JaRIA Award for Exceptional Contribution to the Reggae Industry in 2022.
Artists were shortlisted from the No Bass Like Home – Reggae Heroes of Brent and a wider public consultation.
