MC Merlin, Tippa Irie, Family and Friends of U.K. Reggae Legend Smiley Culture (R.I.P.) Press Conference (Video)

MC Merlin Cousin of Smiley Culture spoke to the Press and guests
Yesterday more than 200 people attended a press conference at Karibu Education Centre in Brixton, with family, supporters and Community members gave their feelings and more background information on the very strange alledged Suicide Death of Wealthy Reggae Star Smiley Culture in Police Custody. Another Meeting will be organized next Thursday also in Brixton, more details can be found on the excellent Transpontine blog, which is where we found the Press Conference video.



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Smiley Culture Legend of Saxon Sound Sadly Passes Away Today in Police Raid

Reggae Star Smiley Culture, Legend of Saxon Sound has sadly passed away today, during a police drugs raid on his home. The famous UK Reggae Toaster, originally a member of the Legendary Saxon Sound System, the London based Reggae Sound was famous as a nurturing ground for many of the UKs top early Reggae and Hip-Hop MCs and DJs. Smiley Culture had huge cross over hits with Cockney Translation and Police Officer, both songs dealt with identity, Racism, Police Brutality, and also highlighted the difficulties of the Black Community, in 1980's Thatcher's Britain. Smiley Culture, along with Tippa Irie, Maxi Priest and several other successful UK based Reggae Stars, helped promote modern Caribbean Diaspora culture to the UK, and spread the music to a wider audience. Smiley Culture was also the cousin of MC Merlin, an early UK Recording Hip-Hop MC.


Smiley Culture - Cockney Translation


"We ball out Yow!


While Cockney say OI!"


MC Merlin cousin of Smiley Culture - Born Free


Papa Levi famous UK Saxon DJ


Saxon vs Coxsone — Soundsystem History Live on The Legendary Genesis Radio - Home Of Conscious Music in The UK!

Saxon vs Coxsone — Soundsystem History PART 2

Saxon v Coxsone — Soundsystem History PART 3

Thanks to Wisher Don for the heads up!