Henry Junjo Lawes : Volcano Eruption | Mini Documentary

The Sound That Changed Reggae

The late 1970s and early 80s, reggae was shifting. The roots revolution of the early decade was giving way to a rougher, more streetwise sound—dancehall. At the heart of that shift stood a young, bold producer from the Waterhouse district of Kingston, Jamaica: Henry "Junjo" Lawes. His imprint, Volcano, and his sound system, Volcano Hi-Power, would help define the era and launch the careers of some of reggae's biggest names.

Who Was Henry "Junjo" Lawes?

• Born: June 1960, Kingston, Jamaica

• Died: June 1999, tragically murdered in London

• Known For: Dancehall production, launching Yellowman, running Volcano label and Volcano Hi-Power sound system

Junjo started as a young, hungry producer with a sharp ear and street smarts. By the time he was 19, he had already started working with artists like Barrington Levy, whose early hits were recorded under Junjo's direction. Junjo’s productions were raw, heavy, bass-driven, and often sprinkled with humor and social commentary—a new flavor compared to the conscious roots sound of the mid-70s.

The Birth of Volcano

Around 1980, Junjo founded his label, Volcano, and paired it with a sound system: Volcano Hi-Power. Think of the Volcano brand like a one-two punch: he had the studio (label) and the street-level amplifier (sound system). Together, they dominated.

Volcano's Signature:

• Backed by the Roots Radics band (seriously heavy rhythm section)

• Engineered by Scientist at Channel One or King Tubby’s studio

• Vocals often by Yellowman, Eek-A-Mouse, Barrington Levy, Don Carlos, Johnny Osbourne, Michael Prophet

His records were cut fast and furious—minimal overdubs, live feel, and built for the dancehall. Junjo’s formula was simple but effective: a tough riddim, a unique vocalist, and Scientist’s dubby, atmospheric touch.

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Volcano Hi-Power: A Sound System Superpower

Volcano Hi-Power wasn’t just another sound—it was the sound of the early 80s. With DJs like Yellowman, Josey Wales, Charlie Chaplin, and Fathead, they brought raw energy and lyrical fire. These weren’t studio-clean toasts; they were gritty, funny, real-time performances.

They toured internationally, spreading dancehall to new ears across the UK, US, and Europe. Volcano parties were bass-heavy celebrations of life, struggle, sex, and satire, with rude bwoy swagger and rootsy undercurrents.

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Junjo’s Impact on Reggae & Dancehall

• Helped invent modern dancehall: Stripped-down riddims, DJ-led vocals, and heavy dub influence.

• Launched Yellowman: The first dancehall superstar, known for his style, humor, and flow.

• Brought in dub engineers like Scientist: Who turned his tracks into intergalactic dub soundscapes.

• Influenced labels like Greensleeves: Who licensed and distributed much of his work globally.

• Prolific output: Dozens of albums and 45s between 1980–85—most of them timeless classics.

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The Tragic End

Junjo Lawes' reign was short-lived. Legal troubles, shifting trends, and time in prison slowed him down in the late 80s. After a long absence from the scene, he was shot and killed in Harlesden, London in 1999, at the age of 39. The reggae world lost a pioneer who had shifted the sound forever.

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Essential Listening

If you want to understand Junjo’s impact, start here:

• Yellowman – Mister Yellowman (1982)

• Barrington Levy – Englishman (1979)

• Michael Prophet – Serious Reasoning (1980)

• Scientist – Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires (1981 – features Junjo-produced rhythms)

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  Further listening : 40 track Youtube Playlist