Birmingham reggae institution marks a quarter-century with an all-star lineup of UK reggae artists and the extended Jam Jah Sound family.
This December, JAM JAH SOUND celebrates 25 years of reggae soundsystem culture with a massive anniversary session, bringing together some of the finest names in UK reggae alongside the full squad of selectors, musicians and artists from the extended Jam Jah Sound family.
From humble beginnings in a Moseley pub back in 2001, Jam Jah Sound has grown into one of Birmingham’s best-loved reggae institutions, appearing at venues and festivals across the UK while staying true to its original soundsystem format: live artists, live percussion, heavyweight selections, exclusive productions and remixes.
Jam Jah Sound is the soundsystem division of Friendly Fire Music, the Birmingham-based reggae label and collective. Its members also form the core of the Friendly Fire Band, whose track It’s a Brum Ting was selected by the BBC as theme music for its national and international coverage of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
At the heart of the story is Jam Jah Mondays, the weekly soundsystem culture linkup that has been running almost continuously since 2001. Through venue changes, shifting nightlife trends and generations of regulars, the session has remained a constant fixture of Birmingham’s nightlife. Remarkably, Jam Jah Mondays has remained free to attend throughout its 25-year history. With well over 1,000 sessions to its name, the weekly session continues every Monday at The Station in Kings Heath, bringing together people from all walks of life through reggae music and soundsystem culture.
“Reggae Soundsystem Culture has always been about timeless music and unity, and that’s what Jam Jah is about. For 25 years we’ve been gathering weekly, building and strengthening our community, generation after generation. One night I asked some people how they knew each other, and they told me, ‘We’re Jam Jah friends.’ That’s what keeps us going — the music, the friendships and the feeling that, in our own small way, we’re still bringing people of all ages and walks of life together, and doing our little bit for world peace! “
Robbie Don ( Jam Jah Sound )
To mark a quarter-century of music, community and culture, Jam Jah has assembled a heavyweight lineup of artists who have been part of the journey over the years:
- EARL SIXTEEN – Original roots reggae veteran of Studio One fame
- LITTLE ROY – From Tribal War to Nirvana Reggae
- MR WILLIAMZ – The Five Star General, aka the English Supercat, playing an exclusive vinyl set
- YT – The Lyrical Activist
- SOLO BANTON – Roots and dancehall heavyweight
- K DOTTIE – Birmingham’s Rising Star
- LION ART QEDEMAWI – The Rasta Pastor
Plus more special guest artists passing through on the night!
Alongside the full JAM JAH SOUND crew:
BONGO DAMO • ROBBIE DON • MYKI TUFF • KEYAH • DJ DUNK • HEALA
Expect a full night of roots reggae, dancehall, dubplates, live performances, exclusive productions and heavyweight soundsystem vibes, celebrating the music and the people who have made Jam Jah what it is today.
Food will be served throughout the night, with a merchandise stall featuring vinyl, T-shirts, CDs and more.
Fittingly, the celebration returns to Digbeth, a neighbourhood that has hosted countless Jam Jah sessions over the years, taking over the new DROP INN on Saturday 5th December.
EVENT DETAILS
JAM JAH SOUND – 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Saturday 5th December 2026
The Drop Inn, Digbeth, Birmingham
9pm – 3am
Advance tickets: £10 / £15 / £20, available from Jam Jah Mondays, Hatman, and Skiddle:
Ticket link: http://bit.ly/JamJah25
25 years of music, community and soundsystem culture. One massive celebration.
