Quick Chat with Jazzie B of Soul II Soul Ahead of UB40 Support Dates

With hits like ‘Keep on Movin’ and ‘Back To Life’, Soul II Soul became household names in the 80s-90s. Coming from a sound system DJ collective into a 25-piece band they have played for audiences across the globe and this autumn will be playing a small run of UK shows as part of their Feel Free tour.

Led by Jazzie B, the group have sold over ten million albums, beginning with the groundbreaking Club Classics Volume 1, a pivotal moment in their career with a distinctly British sound that crossed boundaries with a fresh, infectious, and soulful embrace.

Ahead of a 2024 supporting UB40, Graham Clark chatted to mainman Jazzie B…

Soul II Soul broke down many boundaries, especially with the acceptance of British black music, what are your proudest moments?
Being accepted amongst the wider music community must be one – the band opened a lot of doors that were previously closed. You must remember too that the idea of having a collective was a new one at the time. We happened to be in the right place at the right time.

‘Back To Life’ is the song most people mostly remember the band for, would you like your other songs to be more recognised?
As long as we are recognised for any of our music, I am happy. Our music is known all around the world. When we had our first success British music was the shopping window for the rest of the world to take note. Nowadays, with the internet and digital steaming, things have gone global and it is far easier to get your music heard globally.

The lyrics of your songs are always optimistic, is that a general reflection of yourself?
Of course! The listener gets a taste of what I am about when they listen to my lyrics. Growing up I listened to Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway and songs written by Burt Bacharach – these people were storytellers, their music led you on a journey and that is what I try to do with our songs.

The tour comes to the north, do you have good memories of the north?
Absolutely – the water is a lot better up there and the level of acceptance that the band receives when we are in places like Sheffield or Manchester is very high.

What can people expect who come to see one of the concerts?
There will be three vocalists on stage along with some excellent musicians whose aim is to give everyone a good night out. People expect to hear the big hits which we must play plus we will drop in a few new songs which we are testing out which are intended to be on the next Soul II Soul album.

Do you have any other interests outside of music?
I still have our clothing line, Funki Dred, and I have written a book, Reflections of My Journey, which has some good stories about the band in there.

Soul II Soul play Leeds First Direct Arena alongside UB40 on 15th November 2024 – tickets here