In the vast realm of the music industry, particularly within the reggae genre, we often hear about the prominent producers who have left an indelible mark. Names like Scientist, Sly and Robbie, Bobby Digital, Coxone Dodd, Jack Ruby, and King Jammy readily come to mind. However, among these celebrated figures, there exists a multitude of producers who have yet to receive the recognition they truly deserve. One such unsung hero is the U.K.-based producer, Michael Henry. Not only is Michael a gifted singer, songwriter, and composer, but he also holds the reins as the director of DT Records and Transdub Publishing.
Michael’s entrance into the music business commenced at a remarkably tender age. During his childhood, when both his parents were tied to their work, he would be sent away for the summer. At the age of seven, he was enlisted in The Willock Family band, a children’s ensemble that embarked on extensive tours across England. Their lively performances captivated audiences as they graced the stages of prominent BBC TV and radio shows. Michael continued his journey with the band until he turned ten. Throughout high school, his passion for music thrived, and at the age of 15, he worked in various factories, and in his spare time would be in his bedroom strumming his guitar and penning heartfelt melodies.
Bob Marley, with his thought-provoking lyrics, had always exerted a profound influence on Michael. When news reached him that Bob would be performing at the New Bingley Hall in Stafford, Michael knew he had to be there. However, fate had a twist in store for him. At the time, Michael was hospitalized with both legs encased in casts due to dislocated knees and subsequent joint damage. Miraculously, he was discharged just in time for the show, but now arose a new challenge, how to traverse the 25-30 mile distance to Stafford. Seeking help from a group of friends, Michael was disheartened when they refused, saying his crutches and casted legs would take up too much room in the car. Undeterred and fueled by determination, Michael hopped on a bus to Stafford and, with grit and perseverance, walked the further three miles to the show on his crutches. Steel Pulse was also performing that night and to his astonishment, he discovered familiar faces among the roadies at the stage door. The roadies were awestruck by this arduous journey he had undertaken. Welcomed into the backstage area and even into Bob Marley’s dressing room, Michael recounted his story to the legend himself. Impressed by Michael’s fortitude, Bob extended an invitation to watch the show from the stage, an experience that left an indelible imprint on the young Michael. His friends who had denied him a ride were left flabbergasted. Following the show, the entourage invited Michael to join them for the remainder of the tour, but he politely declined, citing his commitment to his full-time job and his budding music career. This encounter with Bob Marley served as a catalyst, propelling him to pursue a full-time musical journey.
Over the years, Michael Henry has collaborated with several bands, including the reggae outfit Afrikan Star, which had the honor of touring with legends such as Peter Tosh, UB 40, Burning Spear, Toots and The Maytals, and Sly and Robbie. During one particular show in Zurich, Switzerland, Afrikan Star had the privilege of performing immediately before Peter Tosh. Their 1980 hit song “Livin’ In The System” struck a chord with the crowd, resonating with its poignant lyrics about the struggles faced by ordinary people in times of financial crisis and the crowd went wild, singing along with the band. Even Peter Tosh himself, listening from his dressing room, couldn’t resist peering out to witness the uproar. Following his performance, Peter invited the band to his dressing room and expressed his belief that they were destined for greatness. However, he cautioned them about the pitfalls of the corrupt music industry at the time.
Later Michael formed bands such as Apple On The Drum, End Of Chat, and Mau-Mau. While initially signing a recording contract with Mau-Mau, he later branched out to pursue his own creative path under the name Dubnine. With the help of Bob Marley’s former engineer, Tony Platt, Michael constructed a state-of-the-art multi-track recording studio, equipped to facilitate music composition, arrangement, and both pre and post-production endeavors. Since then, he has worked tirelessly to develop, record, and produce an eclectic array of artists and bands spanning multiple genres, ranging from classical, folk, R&B, and hip-hop to reggae, steel band, and garage. Michael has also collaborated with artists hailing from Africa and Asia, amplifying his global influence. One of his most notable achievements includes co-producing Steel Pulse’s 2004 Grammy-nominated album, “African Holocaust.” Building upon his accomplishments, he ultimately established his own record label, Dubtransmission Records (DT Records), and Transdub Publishing, which have since signed several promising up-and-coming artists.
Michael extended his talents to encompass collaboration with esteemed institutions such as the BBC, independent television and radio stations, theater companies, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and The Royal Ballet. He has lent his skills to crafting opening and closing title music for programs like “Words and Pictures,” “Revista,” and “The Black Britons,” aired on the BBC. Notably, the funky Spanish-style James Brown-infused track he composed for “Revista,” a Spanish language learning program, enjoyed immense popularity and remained a top-selling hit in South America for an impressive seven years. In 2011, Michael received an invitation to Malta to collaborate with artists participating in the Malta Eurovision Contest, where he wrote and produced a song that reached the final of the national competition.
Beyond his personal music career and producing endeavors, Michael Henry has demonstrated his passion for nurturing artistic talent within his community. He founded an esteemed community arts organization called PALS Arts and Media, which actively engages with various community groups through the medium of arts, providing freelance artists with work opportunities. PALS Arts and Media, an artist-led initiative, embarked on projects involving individuals of all ages and backgrounds across the city of Birmingham, UK. This organization served as a conduit for artists to develop their workshop facilitation skills, collaborate on projects and community productions, and fostered the growth of young individuals in disciplines such as music, music production, dance, drama, filmmaking, and visual arts. Notably, one of the successes stemming from the PALS project is the International producer and DJ Emalkay. Emalkay initially began as a producer for his band Code Red before venturing into producing his own album, “Eclipse,” in 2011, thereby solidifying his position as a beloved figure among dubstep DJs worldwide. Recently Michael Henry’s journey has intersected with not only talented individuals such as Emalkay but up-and-coming Hip-Hop artist Daemon P and British Indie-Rock artist Lauren Hoyle, as he continues to explore new avenues of creativity and collaboration.
Michael Henry’s contributions to the music industry and his community remain a testament to his unwavering dedication, boundless creativity, and innate ability to touch the hearts and souls of those who encounter his work. As the reggae music industry continues to evolve, it is essential to shine a light on exceptional talents like Michael Henry, who have contributed immensely but often remain hidden in the shadows. Through his music, production, and community involvement, Michael serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and a testament to the power of unwavering passion and resilience.
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