Macka B is a UK reggae legend who has been setting trends for over 40 years. He grew up in a family with Jamaican roots. He was shaped by U-Roy, Big Youth, Burning Spear and Bob Marley, and the Rastafari faith remains at the heart of his life to this day. He began his career on sound systems in the early 1980s and in 1983 won a national DJ competition (in reggae, a DJ is an MC). His style, built on traditional Jamaican toasting, quickly became known for its clear delivery, wit and uplifting, conscious message.
His breakthrough came in the mid-1980s, when he teamed up with dub producer Mad Professor and released his debut album Sign of the Times (1986), which reached No. 1 in the reggae album charts. The single Proud of Mandela (1990), a celebration of Nelson Mandela’s release, went straight to No. 1 in the reggae singles chart, and Macka B later performed in front of Mandela himself at the National Stadium in Kingston. He was the first British reggae artist to tour Australia, and the reggae industry voted him Best British Male DJ (MC) two years in a row.
He has collaborated with Pato Banton, Steel Pulse, Gregory Isaacs, Baba Maal, Tony Rebel and Horace Andy. He has performed at Reggae Sunsplash and Rebel Salute in Jamaica, and has shared stages with The Wailers, Burning Spear and Lee Perry.
Today he is also one of the best-known voices for healthy living and veganism. His viral videos about fruit, vegetables and natural remedies have reached millions of people far beyond the reggae world.
He has a long history with Uprising. He was one of the headliners of the very first edition of the festival and the headliner of the first Winter Uprising. Every time he has come to Slovakia, he has delivered an unforgettable show. For the 20th anniversary, he will arrive with his Roots Ragga Band, joined by a horn section.
