Founded in the late 1970s by brothers Michael and Trevor Bailey, Channel One Sound System grew from their father’s Admiral Bailey sound into one of the UK’s most respected reggae collectives. Named after the legendary Jamaican studio, they began at local blues parties before becoming a fixture at Notting Hill Carnival from 1982, shaping its roots reggae soundtrack. Led by selector Mikey Dread, with MCs Macky Banton and Ras Sherby, Channel One play conscious reggae, exclusive dubplates and uplifting steppas on their hand-built heavyweight sound system. Winners of the 2010 Red Bull Culture Clash, they’ve toured worldwide from Mexico to Japan, held a London residency at Village Underground, and featured on BBC Radio. Their mission – “to break down barriers via reggae music” – continues to unite audiences globally.
