Duke Vin

Ladbroke Grove. Vincent Forbes built the first Jamaican-style sound in Britain in 1955; played Carnival for 37 years. Died 2012.

Crew

Vincent Forbes (Duke Vin)

Photos of Duke Vin are held at these collections and features. They belong to their photographers, so we link to them rather than copy them.

Aba Shanti-ILondon
Still playing
London. Notting Hill Carnival resident since 1993; run by Joseph “Aba” Smith. Falasha Recordings label.
Admiral BaileyEast London
Legacy
London. The Bailey family’s original sound, which Mikey Dread and Jah T turned into Channel One in 1979.
Admiral KenHackney
Legacy
Hackney and Peckham, 1960s–70s. Ken Edwards, club owner; played the Four Aces and was resident at the Bouncing Ball, Peckham.
Alpha & OmegaLondon
Still playing
London/Plymouth dub act (Christine Woodbridge and John Sprosen). Better known as a band than a sound system.
BedlamDalston
Legacy
Free tekno sound founded in Dalston, east London in 1992, after running house parties across London from 1990. Played breakbeat hardcore at Castlemorton Common in 1992.
Boom-Shacka-LackaLondon
Still playing
The Disciples (Russ D and brother Lol). Built their sound in 1991; Boom-Shacka-Lacka label from 1993.
Channel OneEast London
Still playing
London. Started 1979 by Mikey Dread and Jah T from their father’s Admiral Bailey sound. Carnival since 1983.
ChickenEast London
Legacy
East London, 1960s. One of the first UK operators, alongside Duke Vin, Count Shelly and Count Suckle.

Baron Turbo ChargeMoss Side, Manchester
Legacy
Manchester (Moss Side and Hulme), formed 1974 by Wizzy Dan and Barzy, with MC Money Green.
BIG Toe's HiFiLeeds
Still playing
Vinyl-only reggae sound with systems in the UK, Canada and New Mexico; selectors Choppa Chop and B-Dawg juggle 45s.
Black HarmonyUK (area not recorded)
Legacy
1970s–80s UK sound; Asher Senator deejayed on it. A Black Harmony track is on Soul Jazz’s “Life Between Islands”.
BuchananUK (area not recorded)
Legacy
1970s–80s UK sound where Asher Senator started out.

Entry added 2026-10-07 · last reviewed 7 October 2026. Something wrong? Send a correction.