ENTITY · PERSON

Papa Levi

Well supported

London-born deejay Philip Williams, a leading voice of the Saxon Studio International sound, credited with sharpening the fast-chat style. His "Mi God Mi King" (1984) is often cited as the first British-produced record to top the Jamaican chart.

Share a memory Correct this record Add a source lead

At a glance

Type: person
Confidence: Well supported
Era: Open era →

People & rolesDiaspora & global influence

Connections

In stories

Story · Well supportedFast chat: Kingston to South London and back

The rapid-fire deejay style crossed the Atlantic twice, and came home transformed.

Story · Well supportedThe originators of fast chat

In 1982, a 19-year-old on a South London sound system deejayed faster than anyone had heard, and a UK style was born.

Debate & reception

How people argued about the music — praise, criticism and public debate. See all debate & reception →

debate

Fast style: Jamaican invention or a South London refinement?

A documented discussion about the origins of the rapid fast-chat deejay style, stated neutrally: one account roots it firmly in Jamaica's dancehalls with deejays such as Ranking Joe and Peter Metro; another emphasises that it was crystallised and popularised at London's Saxon Studio by Papa Levi and Smiley Culture before returning to the island. Neutral framing; no verdict. Sources: Lloyd Bradley, Bass Culture; Rough Guide to Reggae; United Reggae.

Stance: born in Jamaica's dancehalls vs crystallised in South London and re-exported