Jazzie B
EMMA Supporter
Jazzie B, born Trevor Beresford Romeo on 26 November 1963 in London, is a British music producer and DJ and the pioneering force behind the iconic soul and funk collective Soul II Soul. Jazzie supported EMMA’s objectives to promote social cohesion within society and the creative industries. He was a regular EMMA show attendee and a judge who awarded upcoming talent alongside DJing at the EMMA after-parties for many of our distinguished global EMMA guests.
Having grown up in the culturally diverse area of West London, Jazzie B was exposed to a rich array of musical genres, including reggae, soul, funk, and disco, which laid the foundation for his eclectic musical style. His love for the local sound system culture fueled his early passion for music, which greatly influenced his later career.
In the mid-1980s, Jazzie B and a group of like-minded musicians and artists founded Soul II Soul, a collective that blended soul, funk, reggae, and electronic music with socially conscious lyrics. The group quickly gained traction with its innovative sound and aesthetic.
In 1989, Soul II Soul released its debut album, Club Classics Volume One, a groundbreaking work that blended danceable rhythms with deep, soulful melodies.
The album’s lead single, “Back to Life (However Do You Want Me),” became a massive international hit, topping charts worldwide and earning the group a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
This success helped Jazzie B and Soul II Soul to become major players in the global music scene as they shaped the London club scene during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Jazzie B’s innovative production techniques and commitment to blending different musical styles set Soul II Soul apart from their contemporaries, and they became synonymous with the emerging acid jazz and British R&B scenes.
Jazzie B’s ability to fuse traditional soul elements with electronic beats and dub reggae helped define the UK’s unique contribution to the global music landscape during this era.
As the creative mastermind behind Soul II Soul, Jazzie B became a producer and trendsetter, influencing a generation of musicians and DJs. Soul II Soul’s distinctive sound was further solidified with hits like “Keep On Movin'” and “Joy,” which showcased Jazzie B’s knack for creating soulful, uplifting music that resonated with listeners worldwide.
Throughout the 1990s, Jazzie B continued to push musical boundaries, and his work extended beyond Soul II Soul. He collaborated with various artists, including Neneh Cherry on her breakout hit “Buffalo Stance” and Massive Attack on the seminal 1991 album Blue Lines, where his production contributions helped define the trip-hop genre.
In addition to his musical innovations, Jazzie B was central in developing the UK’s club and dance music scenes. His DJing skills became legendary, and he played a key role in establishing the Soul II Soul sound at the legendary London club, the Ministry of Sound.
As both a producer and a DJ, Jazzie B’s contributions to the dance music world helped elevate the UK’s status as a global leader in electronic music. His creative vision also extended to his role as a mentor to up-and-coming artists, ensuring that Soul II Soul’s influence would continue to shape the next wave of British music.
Over the years, Jazzie B has earned numerous accolades for his work, including an OBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2008 for his services to music. This recognition honoured his contributions to Soul II Soul and acknowledged his broader impact on the UK music industry.
Jazzie B’s career is a testament to his ability to evolve with the times while maintaining the integrity of his unique sound. Soul II Soul’s music continues to resonate with listeners, and Jazzie B’s legacy as a producer, DJ, and cultural innovator remains influential.
Jazzie B’s pioneering work has inspired countless artists in the UK and beyond, and he remains a respected figure in the music industry.
Today, Jazzie B continues to perform, produce, and influence the next generation of musicians. His career spans over thirty years of musical excellence, innovation, and cultural significance.
Jazzie B’s contributions have shaped the British music scene and left an indelible mark on global music history, solidifying his place as one of the most important figures in modern music.
