Mad Professor - (PRESALE 7/31/26) Melodies International Presents Ariwa Sounds (CD) | Mint (M) Mint (M)

SHIPS BY 07/31/2026

    Melodies International Presents Ariwa Sounds
    Artist: Mad Professor Format: CD Release Date: 7/31/2026 

    Label: Melodies Intl
    Vendor: Amplified Media Services, LLC
    Distributor: AMPED
    UPC: 5053760147640
    Genre: Reggae
    Release Date: 7/31/2026
    Product ID: MLIX1.2
    Weight: .24 lb

CD
Description

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.

    Tracks
    Credits

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

• Media Condition: Mint (M)
• Sleeve Condition: Mint (M)
• Format: CD
• Genre: REGGAE
• Format Type: CD
• Released: 07/31/2026