Dennis Bovell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dennis Bovell
MBE |
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Dennis Bovell performing live on Druga godba festival in Ljubljana, Slovenia, 28 May 2015
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Blackbeard |
| Born | 22 May 1953 Saint Peter, Barbados, West Indies |
| Genres | Dub, lovers rock, reggae, post-punk |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, record producer |
| Instruments | Bass, guitar |
| Years active | 1968–present |
| Labels | LKJ Records |
| Associated acts | Linton Kwesi Johnson Janet Kay Matumbi Bobby Kray The 4th Street Orchestra |
Dennis Bovell, born on May 22, 1953, is a talented musician and record producer. He was born in Barbados and now lives in the United Kingdom. He is known for playing reggae guitar and bass. Dennis was a member of the British reggae band Matumbi. He also released his own dub-reggae music. For these, he sometimes used the name Blackbeard. He is very famous for working with the poet Linton Kwesi Johnson for many years.
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Who is Dennis Bovell?
Dennis Bovell was born in Saint Peter, Barbados, in 1953. When he was 12, he moved to South London in 1965. There, he became very interested in Jamaican music, especially dub music. He even started his own "sound system" called Jah Sufferer. A sound system is like a big mobile DJ setup.
Dennis became friends with other musicians at school. In the mid-1970s, he formed the band Matumbi.
Dennis Bovell's Music Production
Dennis Bovell was a key person in the early days of lovers rock music. This is a smooth, romantic style of reggae. He also tried mixing disco rhythms with reggae. A famous example is the hit song "Silly Games" by Janet Kay. Dennis said he wrote this song specifically to be a big hit.
He has produced albums for many different artists. These include Sharon Shannon, Alpha Blondy, Bananarama, Fela Kuti, and Madness. He has worked with the "dub poet" Linton Kwesi Johnson for most of his career. Dennis also helped write and produce music for the British reggae singer Bobby Kray.
Dennis Bovell's Film and TV Work
In 1980, Dennis wrote the music for the film Babylon. He also wrote music for the TV show The Boy Who Won the Pools in 1983. In 2006, he wrote music for Global Revolution.
In 2020, Dennis Bovell had a small role in the film Lovers Rock. This film was directed by Steve McQueen. Dennis's song "Silly Games" was also a big part of the movie.
Awards and Collaborations
In 2012, Dennis Bovell produced an album called Mek It Run. In 2013, he worked with the musician Gaudi. Dennis played bass on Gaudi's song "I Start To Pray." This song featured famous artists like Lee "Scratch" Perry and The Orb.
In 2021, Dennis Bovell was given a special award. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award was for his great contributions to music.
Dennis Bovell's Music Albums
Dennis Bovell has released many albums throughout his career. Some of these were under his own name. Others were released using his nickname, Blackbeard.
Studio Albums
- Strictly Dub Wize (1978) – as Blackbeard
- I Wah Dub (1980) – as Blackbeard
- Dub Conference (Winston Edwards & Blackbeard at 10 Downing Street) (1980) – with Winston Edwards
- Brain Damage (1981)
- Audio Active (1986) – as Dennis Bovell and the Dub Band
- Dub Dem Silly (1993)
- Tactics (1994)
- Dub of Ages (2003)
- All Over the World (2006)
- Dub Dem Silly Volume 2 (2006) – Dennis Bovell featuring Janet Kay
- Corean Jamaican Connection – Yoonkee meets Dennis Bovell
- Dub Outside (2011) – Steve Mason & Dennis Bovell
- Mek It Run (2012)
- Dub 4 Daze (2015)
Compilation Albums
- Decibel: More Cuts and Dubs 1976–1983 (2003)
- Dub Master (1993)
- Vibrativa – Mas Que Mirar (2010)
