It’s time to celebrate 50 years of Jamaican independence – and the unstoppable influence of Jamaican music in the UK.

The best way of doing so is by joining Jamaica Party 2012, a six date UK tour of Jamaica inspired artists. In the 1950′s,

Jamaicans brought the sound of the Island direct to British dance floors. Under the influence of Mento, Ska and Reggae, UK producers, DJs and musicians changed the sound of British music forever. Jungle, Dubstep, Garage, Grime and Hip-Hop are all rooted in Reggae. The Channel One Soundsystem spread pure and undiluted Roots across the globe for over 30 years.

Top Cat, a key player in the early days of Jungle, started his career on the Coxsone Soundsystem as a toaster.

The Heatwave Crew embody what this tour is about - a UK Bashment Soundsystem dropping Jungle, Grime, Roots, Hip-Hop and Dancehall in their tear-out sets.

The toasting/MC tradition is represented by RoxXxan, Lady Leshur, and Rtkal - the movers and shakers of the mic scene today and tomorrow.

Headlining the six tour dates will be Mala, Coki, The Bug and FlowDan. Having dominated the scene with gritty and intense productions, they will need no introduction.

Jamaica Party is bringing all these scene stalwarts together for a six date tour of the UK.

JAMAICA PARTY 2012 DATES
3rd February – World HQ, Newcastle (Deviate)
4th February – Stylus, Leeds (Vagabondz)
6th February – The Ritz, Manchester (Hit and Run)
10th February – Stealth, Nottingham (Basslaced)
17th February – Life, Brighton
24th February – Cable, London (Vagabondz/Subdub)