Tippa Irie

Brief History

Tippa Irie started his musical career in South London on his father’s Sound System called Musical Messiah. Family members soon realized that young Tippa had talent and encouraged him to enter local talent competitions. Most of the local Sound Systems in the area also recognized his talent and invited him to perform on their Sound Systems.

The first Sound System to actually record Tippa on record was Sir Lloyd on the LGR record label where he made his first record at age 17, called The Opposite. The OppositeShortly after, Tippa got his first big break when he was asked to join King Tubby’s Sound. He stayed with King Tubby’s for a couple of years before being spotted by Dennis Rowe and Lloyd Francis from Saxon Sound System, who were both blown away by Tippa’s talent. They asked him to come to South London and join Saxon Sound.

Hello Darling Album CoverGreensleeves offered Tippa a recording contract which he accepted and went on to release ‘Jus a Speak’ with Daddy Colonel. Next, came a string of singles including ‘Good to have the feeling you’re the best’, ’Complain Neighbour’ and ‘Hello Darling’ which hit no. 1 in the British Reggae charts. Hello Darling also sailed to number 22 in the British National charts and was a hit all over Europe and the Caribbean.

The 90’s was a great decade for Tippa. He also teamed up with Mad Professor in 1994 and recorded the critically acclaimed ‘Rebel on the roots corner’. ‘Shouting for the gunners’ was recorded in the 90’s for the Arsenal Football Team and reached the top 30 in the British pop charts. ‘It’s a love thing’ ft. Lloyd Brown was also a big hit in the 90’s.

We can safely say there is not a continent in the world that Tippa has not graced with his talent. From Reggae Sunsplash in Jamaica to 12 cities in China, all 50 States in America, almost every country in Europe, all over Asia including India with The Reggae Rajahs, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia and Singapore. Also Australia and Africa including Gambia, Kenya and Botswana.

He has also worked with bands and artists such as Maxi Priest, Peter Spence, Pato Banton, Long Beach Dub All-stars, Jurassic 5, Friendly Fire Crew, Detour Posse, Chainska, The Uppercut Band, UB40 (who he supported on their Labour of Love lll tour in 2000), Aswad, The Far East Band and more recently Congo Natty aka Rebel MC to form a group called UK AllStars, and countless others.

Tippa Irie is not just a successful performer, he has built up a reputation as a top radio DJ, record producer, and owner of his own Studio. To date, Tippa remains one of the most successful entertainers to come out of the UK and continues to fly the flag for the UK scene wherever he goes.