Martin Campbell: Roots Revivalist with a Modern Sound

This special mix celebrates the voice, vision, and vibration of Martin Campbell, one of the UK’s most dedicated roots reggae artists. With haunting vocals, militant riddims, and dubwise production, his sound remains a powerful bridge between the message-driven reggae of the 1970s and today’s global dub revival.

This was an artist I’d never crossed musical paths with, so when I first heard “Wicked Rule,” my ears perked up. The music was different, his voice stood out with a unique tone and delivery that made me stop and ask What was that? T’ Then I had to relisten several times to wrap my head around what this guy was doing. Released in 1990, it was a blend of digital dancehall sounds, soundsystem-style steppers, and bass, with minimalist production.

 

PLAYLIST

1. Martin Campbell, Hi Tech Roots Dynamics – Just Another Day

2. Martin Campbell – Babylon Come

3. Martin Campbell – Another Night

4. Martin Campbell – Give the Poor Man a Try

5. Martin Campbell – Everywhere I Walk

6. Martin Campbell, Hi Tech Roots Dynamics – Keep on Rowing the Boat

7. Martin Campbell – War and Plunder

8. Martin Campbell – Tears Form

9. Martin Campbell – Hard Living

10. Martin Campbell – Got to Pray

11. Alien Dread, Martin Campbell, The Hi-Tech Roots Dynamics – Don't Cry Dub

12. Martin Campbell – Ignorance & Poverty

13. Martin Campbell – Crazy Circus

14. Martin Campbell – Bound to Fall

15. Martin Campbell – Jacks Mouth

16. Martin Campbell, Hi Tech Roots Dynamics – You Lick Me First

17. Martin Campbell - Wicked Rule