THE LEGACY

Wassifa Sound System was founded in 1972 on Stamford Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, England.

Whether working behind the scenes or front of house, music is second nature to us. From the early days of limited technology and building our own sound boxes to entertaining large crowds today, we have consistently proven that our standard and drive are second to none.

Special Acknowledgements

We would like to give special thanks and acknowledgement to the selfless contributions of:

• Mrs Vera Brown (The mother figure of the sound) and the Browns family
• Rev & Mrs Mitchell and family (Errol Mitchell)
• The Williams family (Cleveland Jahmi Williams)
• The Barnes Family
• Lorna Notice
• The Forbes Family
• The Hamilton Family
• Everton Jacobs

During our 40 years under the technical production and management of Jahmi Williams (who is now one of the key personnel behind most of the UK’s Urban Events) we’ve entertained, presented and stage managed at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues — NEC, Symphony Hall, ICC, Alexander Stadium, Wembley Arena, Headingley Carnegie Stadium, Birmingham City FC, Aston Villa FC, West Bromwich FC, Leicester City FC, The Drum, various outdoor City Centre locations and more.

We have had the pleasure to perform and work alongside numerous actors, artists and comedians — such as: Shaggy, Sean Paul, Shabba Ranks, Soul 2 Soul, Destiny Child, Missy Elliott, Usher, Busta Rhymes, DMX, Method Man, Redman, Mob Deep, P Diddy, Jennifer Lopez, Snoop Dog, Jimmy Cliff, Musical Youth, Aswad, UB40, Steel Pulse, John Holt, Marvia Providence, Mary Mary, Jodeci, Mary J Blige, Dennis Brown, Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, Bunny Wailer, Joe, Total, SWV, H Town, Burning Spear, Black Uhuru, Culture, Israel Vibrations, Johnny Clarke, Gregory Isaacs, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Capleton, Freddie McGregor, Maxi Priest, Smiley Culture, Tippa Irie, Carol Thompson, Janet Kay, Peter Hunnigale, Felix Dexter, Leo Mohammed, Kwaku, & loads more.

Some of our key festivals, events and celebrations include: Reggae Sun Splash UK, One Love Peace Festivals, Oraclez Gospel Festivals, Jamaica’s 50th Celebration (Birmingham), Blind Dave’s Top2Toe Charity Run from John O’Groats to Lands’ End, 7 in Seven Charity Bike Ride (7 Days in 7 Countries), ArtFest Birmingham, 100 Black Men Dinner and Dance, 3B’s Dinner and dance, The Descendants Annual Dinner and Dance plus many more.

1980s & Early 90s Pioneers

In the 80’s and early 90’s we had singers and MC’s that use to sing/DJ/toast/rap over instrumentals on our Sound System. Some of these MC’s included:

• Macka B
• Pato Banton
• Bitty McLean
• Apache Indian
• Mickey Tuff, Daddy B, Speng Man, Jahbi, Desta, Sister Dan and Bright Eyes

Previous sound members between the 70s, 80’s and mid 90s included Errol Mitchell, Big T (Tony Rowe), Big John (John Johnson), Frenchie (Roy Hamilton), Eric Mitchell, Bu Bu (Vincent Johnson), Runnings (Lanzo Hamilton) and Natti (Delroy Hamilton).

We are honoured to have selected alongside some of the world’s greatest sound systems. We’ve listed a few for you: King Jammies, King Stur Grav, Jah Tubbys, Fatman, Stone Love, Metro Media, Jah Shaka, Sir Coxsone, Saxon Studio, Luv Injection, V Rocket, Jah Massigan, Jungle Man, Nyah, Quaker City, Jack Ruby, Skippy & Lippy, Enterprise, Baron, Sovereign Sound, Gemi Magic, Unity Sound, Rapattack, Master Mind, Rampage, Java and David Rodigan.

Since 1995 – I.D.E.A.L Academy & Community Legacy

Since 1995 Wassifa Showcase (continued by Michael Brown aka Mykal/Shadi/Mr Priceless) founded I.D.E.A.L Academy which means; Innovation - Development in Edutainment - Arts and Leisure. We continue to assist and develop many projects to this present day. Equipping them with the necessary expertise to get off the ground and maintain their services in years to come.

Music is one of the forums we use to engage vulnerable, disengaged communities back into education/chosen careers. By working closely with South & City College Birmingham we are able to provide a wide range of Apprenticeships, BTEC vocational courses, where we give 20 - 30 young community learners (per visit) the opportunity to take part in photography and filming projects, educational visits and placements around the world. Some of our previous destinations include: Egypt, Gambia, South Africa, Jamaica, USA, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Germany, France and Switzerland.

We have been a key link to implementing further education courses for other legal radio stations such as: Big City Radio, Fusion/New Style Radio, Javani FM Radio, Sparkbeat Radio and Youth FM. Many inner city Presenters/DJs have been educated through these programmes and have since gone on to be a high industry success. Our music library was even used to set up one of Birmingham’s legal inner city radio station called “Choice FM”. Mykal Brown presented a range of shows including — Reggae Countdown on Choice FM which then emerged into Galaxy FM.

Following in his father’s footsteps Jelani Brown aka JB also broadcasted on Galaxy FM. He is also one of the selectors for Wassifa and the founder of a community project called ‘The Mixing Lab’.

Ironically both father and son are employed at South & City College Birmingham, Mykal as an Assistant Director – Access to Further Education – Community Provision and Jelani as a Mentor to the students.

Other than radio many TV channels, actors and broadcasters have also benefited from our structure and expertise. Our guidance has given many of the above an opportunity to have their material being streamed on TV, radio and the internet.

Current Events & Ongoing Work

We are working alongside charities such as Macmillan, Cancer Research UK, Oscar, Sickle Cell and Lupus Foundations, Help Harry Help Others and The British Red Cross in supporting their fundraising campaigns and projects for Shashamane Ethiopia.

We continue to tour, host major events and inspire new generations through the Mykal Wassifa Brown Heritage Foundation and the sound system itself.

For over five decades, Wassifa has been more than music. It has been education, community, resistance, and celebration. From the streets of Birmingham to international stages, Mykal’s vision has carried Jamaican roots reggae across generations.