Seoul Gazette - UK’s Longest-Running Reggae Night Jam Jah Celebrates 25 Years

Jam Jah Sound, the UK’s longest-running weekly reggae gathering, is marking a quarter-century of continuous operation with a major celebratory event in Birmingham. The collective, which has hosted more than 1,200 live sessions since its inception in 2001, will hold its anniversary special on Saturday, December 5, at The Drop Inn in the city’s Digbeth creative quarter.

Jam Jah Mondays began as a humble pub session in Moseley before evolving into one of the nation’s most enduring reggae institutions. As the soundsystem division of the Birmingham-based collective Friendly Fire Music, Jam Jah Sound has maintained its original format: live artists, heavyweight selections, exclusive productions, remixes, and live percussion. The group also includes the Friendly Fire Band, whose original track "It’s a Brum Ting" was selected by the BBC as theme music for the national and international coverage of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Despite significant shifts in the global music industry and nightlife trends over the last 25 years, Jam Jah Mondays has remained a constant fixture in Birmingham’s cultural landscape. Remarkably, the weekly sessions have remained free to attend throughout their history. The gathering continues every Monday at The Station, a community pub in the South Birmingham suburb of Kings Heath, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds through reggae music and soundsystem culture.

Robin Giorno, known as Robbie Don from Jam Jah Sound, emphasized the collective’s enduring mission. "Reggae and soundsystem culture has always been about timeless music and unity, as is Jam Jah," Giorno said. "For 25 years we’ve been gathering weekly, building and strengthening our community, generation after generation. The music, the friendships and the feeling that we’re still bringing people of all ages and walks of life together, and doing our little bit for world peace keeps us going."

To mark the milestone, Jam Jah Sound has assembled a lineup of foundational Jamaican artists and prominent UK talent who have contributed to the collective’s journey over the years. The anniversary show will feature Earl Sixteen, known for his work with Studio One, Leftfield, and Dreadzone, alongside veteran recording artist Little Roy.

The UK contingent includes Mr Williamz from Ignition High Power and Raggamuffin Rootz; YT from Sativa Records; Solo Banton, associated with Reality Shock Records and Mungo’s Hifi; Cheshire Cat from Letifield and Luv Injection; and lovers rock legend Peter Spence. Grassroots Birmingham artists K Dottie and Lion Art Qedemawi will also perform alongside the full Jam Jah Sound crew, including Bongo Damo, Robbie Don, Myki Tuff, DJ Dunk, Heala, and Keyah.

Grammy-nominated UK reggae artist Tippa Irie highlighted the collective’s impact on the genre. "I have had the pleasure of working with Jam Jah many times as well as with the Friendly Fire Band," Irie said. "They have become one of the cornerstones for Reggae music in Birmingham and are an integral part of preserving reggae music in the community."

The 25th-anniversary celebration returns to Digbeth, a neighborhood that has hosted countless Jam Jah sessions over the years. The event will feature food served throughout the night and merchandise including vinyl, T-shirts, and CDs. Tickets for Jam Jah Sound: 25th Anniversary start at £15 plus booking fee.

For more information on upcoming events and the collective’s history, visit jamjahsound.com.

A.Kim--SG