How Soul II Soul changed music

Jazzie B and H DJing in Japan back at the beginning

It's been 20 years since iconic urban collective Soul II Soul released their first single Fairplay. So how important is their influence on the British music industry?

Founded by Jazzie B, Soul II Soul started out in the '70s, with warehouse-style sound system parties and moved into the West End with legendary gigs at the Africa Centre.

Audiences would go for the whole experience, with food and even a barber on offer.

DJ Trevor Nelson got his big break at the Africa centre: "You knew there was nowhere in London like it. There was nowhere probably in the UK like it - in fact, I would possibly say in the world."

'Life of its own'

Soul II Soul's first single Fairplay was released in 1988 and reset the tone for urban music.

"Fairplay became synonymous with R'n'B as we recognise it today," said vocalist Rose Windross.

"Mary J Blige and Alicia Keys have stemmed from the concept that we created."

After the Beatles, they were the next British group to really storm America DJ Roy the Roach

Soon to follow were classic tunes Keep on Movin and Back to Life which ensured the success of their debut album Club Classics Vol. I.

"Back to Life took a life of its own - number one in the UK charts for what four, five weeks. It was uncharted territory for a British black group."

The new sound also helped the collective to break into America.

DJ Roy the Roach said: "After the Beatles, they were the next British group to really storm America. They were absolutely huge over there and still are."

Brits snub

The irony isn't lost on Soul II Soul frontman Jazzie B.

He said: "We won two Grammys in the same year we got dissed by our home town. At the Brit Awards, they gave it to Lisa Stansfield, everybody just cracked up.

"Another award went to Neneh Cherry, Neneh got her award, she smashed it in half and she gave me the head and took the body."

Despite a lack of support from the British music industry, their influence on the scene at the time - and for years to follow - is acknowledged by many artists.

Jazzie B collects his OBE from Prince Charles with his son

Speaking at the Ivor Novello Awards, singer Beverley Knight said: "When Jazzie B came along it was 1988 and music was kind of in a bit of a doldrums.

"He came along with the Soul II Soul beat… suddenly you had indie bands listening to Soul II Soul and taking the passion and the kind of vibe from the drums and running with it."

"And right after that, obviously five years later came Britpop. He changed the face of young music."

Radio 1 DJ Judge Jules, who was on the scene from the very start of Soul II Soul, also acknowledged their impact.

He said: "They actually managed to sell a Britishness to the global dance audience.

'The original Puffy Coombes'

"Soul II Soul were the first people who stuck their flag in the ground and said 'This is good and this is extremely commercially successful'."

Rose Windross added: "Jazzie is probably the original of all the Puffy Coombes and Jay-Z's of this world and probably broke down doors in order for those mega superstars to come through."

Twenty years after Soul II Soul's first single, Jazzie B was honoured with an OBE for his services to music.

He also picked up a prestigious Ivor Novello Inspiration Award for his pioneering work.

When asked about his enduring influence though, he seemed modest, almost embarrassed.

"I don't think I've ever thought about it like that. Most of the accolades have been in America, so out there it's been really good. And here it's kind of like home, it's like your back garden."

The collective has featured a host of ever-changing artists including Nellee Hooper, Simon Law and Caron Wheeler.

Soul II Soul are still going strong and the original members have reunited for a new album.

For more on Soul II Soul - including a never-before-released track - click here