London dub producer Joe Ariwa blends reggae heritage and future sound to lead a new generation of artists at Ariwa Studios.
Joe Ariwa, son of legendary dub pioneer Mad Professor, is reshaping the UK reggae and dub landscape with a powerful mix of tradition and innovation. Born Joseph Fraser in the mid-1980s, Joe was raised inside the iconic Ariwa Studios in London, surrounded by analog tape decks and reggae greats.From an early age, Joe immersed himself in studio work digitizing archival tapes, engineering sessions, and learning the business from the ground up. One of his earliest contributions was restoring unreleased vintage recordings like Tippa Irie’s “Rebel on the Roots Corner” and Papa Levi’s “Ackle & Bother”, reviving the golden age of dub for today’s listeners.By 2006, Joe had become his father’s trusted collaborator, eventually stepping into his own spotlight. His work now spans genres including dub, dubstep, jungle, and drum & bass. He’s collaborated with major names like Ashanti Selah, Young Warrior, and General Levy, producing acclaimed releases like A Double Dose of Dub and Be Conscious & Wise.
Joe also leads the modern incarnation of The Robotiks, Ariwa’s legendary live band, mixing dub live at major events like Boomtown and Rototom Sunsplash. In addition, he manages the day-to-day operations of Ariwa Records handling production, vinyl distribution, and mentoring rising talentIn 2022, Joe re-launched the Ariwa Posse to spotlight new voices like Askala Selassie, Abel Miller, and I Jah. His recent productions, including The Next Generation of Dub and Dub You Mind, combine classic vibes with cutting-edge sound.
With a deep respect for reggae’s roots and a sharp ear for the future, Joe Ariwa is redefining what dub means in the modern world.
