From Tinkerer to Dub Scientist
In the late 1970s, a young electronics-obsessed immigrant from Guyana, nicknamed “Mad Professor” by friends for his fascination with circuitry, was quietly building mixing consoles in his South London home. Born Neil Fraser in 1955, he would become one of the most influential dub producers ever—bridging the gap between roots reggae and the digital age.
What set Mad Professor apart was his futuristic vision. While others followed the well-worn paths of reggae production, he explored sound as science, experimenting with delay, EQ, spring reverb, and filtering techniques. Deeply inspired by pioneers like King Tubby, Mad Professor didn’t just replicate dub traditions—he expanded the genre into ambient, electronic, and even trip-hop territory.
The Birth of Ariwa Sound
In 1979, Fraser launched his own label and studio, Ariwa Sounds, which was originally located in the front room of his home in Thornton Heath. The name “Ariwa” comes from a Yoruba word meaning “communication,” symbolizing his mission to channel emotion through sound.
Built from scratch using custom gear and recycled components, Ariwa Studios became a creative hub for a wide spectrum of artists—from UK-loving rock singers like Sandra Cross and Kofi to roots and dub veterans like U-Roy, Horace Andy, and Lee “Scratch” Perry.
As the label grew, Ariwa’s sound developed into a signature blend of warm analog tones, spacey effects, and a forward-thinking dub aesthetic. Whether layering echo-laced horns over Macka B’s toasting or producing dreamlike vocals with lush reverb, Ariwa became one of the most unique voices in modern reggae.
Dub in the Digital Era
Through his legendary “Dub Me Crazy” album series, Mad Professor showed that dub was more than just remixes—it was a philosophy. Using effects like delay, spring reverb, pitch modulation, and stereo panning, he created musical environments you could almost step into.
He recorded and remixed artists such as:
Lee “Scratch” Perry (with whom he had a deep, long-running partnership)
Aisha, the UK’s queen of roots vocals
U-Roy, Earl Sixteen, Macka B, and many more
Each release from Ariwa felt like a dub transmission from an alternate reggae universe.
Dub Meets Trip-Hop: The Massive Attack Moment
One of the most celebrated crossovers in Mad Professor’s career came in 1995. By riding the wave of their Protection album, UK electronic act Massive Attack handed the whole project over to him. The result? The legendary remix album No Protection.
It wasn’t just dub—it was cinematic sound design. Tracks like:
“Radiation Ruling the Nation”
“Trinity Dub”
“Eternal Feedback”
…wrapped Massive Attack’s trip-hop vibes in delay trails, bass swells, and spectral echoes. For many, No Protection became the gateway drug to dub, finding fans far beyond the reggae world.
Mad Professor helped rewire how dub could sound. He proved that dub didn’t have to stay in the 1970s—it could evolve, blend with electronic music, and still shake your ribcage.
PLAYLIST
The Crazy Mad Professor – Penetrating Dub
Mad Professor – Jail House Dub
Sly & Robbie Meet The Mad Professor Feat. Dean Fraser – On The Drop Of 1
Roots Radics, Mad Professor, Freddie McGregor – Dub Glory (feat. Freddie McGregor) – Mad Professor Dub
Pato Banton, Mad Professor – Mad Professor Captures Pato Banton
Jah Shaka & Mad Professor – Only One God
Massive Attack, Mad Professor, Tracey Thorn – Radiation Ruling The Nation (Protection)
Mad Professor, Prince Fatty, Winston Francis – Devil Dub (feat. Winston Francis)
Mad Professor – Beyond The Realms Of Dub
Mad Professor – Psychedelic Dub
Mad Professor – Robotiks Dub Song
Mad Professor & Lee Perry – Super Ape In A Good Shape
Mad Professor – Kathmandu
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