Macka B is one of British reggae’s most distinctive voices: a
deejay and toaster whose sharp, roots-conscious style helped bridge
the London sound system era with a wider international audience.
Born Christopher MacFarlane in Wolverhampton in 1966, he came up
listening closely to reggae’s greats while developing his own
delivery on the sound system circuit. By the early 1980s he was
already making an impression in the Midlands and beyond, and a
visit to Jamaica in 1982 sharpened his approach and deepened the
connection to the music’s birthplace.
He won a DJ competition in Bilston in 1983, which led to radio play
and early live opportunities, including work with the Pre-Wax band.
His first recordings, including “Bible Reader,” began to establish
him as a socially aware lyricist with a relaxed but commanding
flow. From there he linked with Mad Professor’s Ariwa label and
released Sign of the Times, an album that helped define his
reputation in British reggae. Through the late 1980s and early
1990s, he kept building that profile with records such as We’ve Had
Enough, Looks Are Deceiving, Buppie Culture and Natural Suntan,
while songs like “Dread a Who She Love” with Kofi and “Proud of
Mandela” became signature moments in his catalogue.
Macka B’s music has always been rooted in commentary. He has long
balanced heavyweight reggae riddims with everyday observation,
political awareness and a playful sense of wit, which is part of
what gives his work such staying power. He moved easily between
studio work, sound system culture and live performance, touring
widely and becoming a familiar figure on reggae stages across
Europe, Jamaica and further afield. Over the years he has also
worked with a range of artists and labels, but his own voice has
remained consistent: calm, direct and grounded in purpose.
Later releases kept that momentum going, especially the
vinyl-celebrating Never Played A 45 and the health-themed material
that followed, including Health Is Wealth and songs that brought a
new generation to his music through social media. Whether he is
voicing roots reggae, conscious dancehall or a sharp topical tune,
Macka B remains a clear link between classic Jamaican deejay
tradition and modern British reggae culture.
