Discover Ariwa Sounds’ 45-year legacy with Melodies International’s 15-track compilation of essential Reggae, Dub & Lovers Rock classics on 2xLP, CD & digital.

Label: Ariwa Sounds | Melodies International
Produced by: Mad Professor
Mastered from the original master tapes and cut by: Frank Merritt at the Carvery Studio
Executive production by: Sam Shepherd and Elliot Bernard
Curated by: Melodies International
Photography and collage by: Jason Evans
Design by: Jason Evans and Nevil Bernard
Custom Typography by: Will Sweeney
Animated teaser by: Nevil Bernard
Melozine by: Mafalda Meireles
Special thanks to Mad Professor, Joe Ariwa
Release date: 07/31/2026

In 1979, Neil Fraser (artistically known as Mad Professor) founded Ariwa Sounds, the longest-serving and one of the most influential independently owned Reggae studios and record labels in the UK. From humble beginnings set up in the front room of Neil’s home in South London recording on 4-track and homemade equipment, Ariwa would go on to record and release over 300 albums including works from some of the most impactful and storied artists of their time in the genres of Reggae, Dub, and Lovers Rock

Whilst our previous release in collaboration with Ariwa captured the label’s early sound, a shared performance with Neil in Osaka and regular visits to his South London studio inspired us to assemble this 15-track compilation, showcasing the label’s output across 45 years. Our release emphasizes some of the label’s greatest vocalists: Johnny Clarke, Sandra Cross, Kofi, U Roy, Sister Nancy, Queen Omega, Aisha, Garnett Cross, Abel Miller, Horace Andy and more — presenting the Motown and Stax influences in the Lovers Rock, but also provides a glimpse into the dubbier and more experimental side of the label, showcasing Ariwa‘s commitment to quality but also their personality, philosophy and their humour. Love songs, break-up songs, socially engaged songs, dub experimentations — this compilation is not a “best of” Ariwa but a diverse and honest celebration of the label through the lens of Melodies International.

The compilation will be out in July in vinyl 2xLP, CD, digital formats, mastered from the original tapes by Frank Merritt (the Carvery), pressed at Optimal, artwork created by Jason Evans with design and assembly contributions from Nevil Bernard and Will Sweeney, animated teaser by Nevil Bernard and Melozine designed by Mafalda Meireles.

1. Johnny Clarke & Mad Professor – Come Back To Me
2. Sgt Pepper & Mad Professor – Wake Up
3. Mad Professor, Joe Ariwa, & Horace Andy – Non Violence Dub
4. U-Roy & Mad Professor – Old School Music
5. Davina Stone & Mad Professor – Silly Wasn’t I
6. Kofi & Mad Professor – Didn’t I
7. Sandra Cross & Mad Professor – Can’t Let Dub Go
8. Mad Professor & Mafia & Fluxy – 6 Million Dub
9. Abel Miller, Mad Professor, Ariwa Posse, and Joe Ariwa – Everytime I See My Baby
10. Kofi & Mad Professor – Losing Time For Love
11. Aisha & Mad Professor – Can You Feel It (1990)
12. Sandra Cross & Mad Professor – I Lived For You
13. Sister Nancy & Mad Professor – Live The Life You Love
14. Queen Omega & Mad Professor – Rocking and Popping
15. Ranking Ann & Mad Professor – Liberated Woman

Abel Miller, Aisha, Ariwa Sounds, Davina Stone, Horace Andy, Joe Ariwa, Johnny Clarke, Kofi, Mad Professor, Mafia & Fluxy, Queen Omega, Ranking Ann, Sandra Cross, Sgt Pepper, Sister Nancy, U-Roy

Albums, Dub