The Dancehall Toaster: Macka B

Christopher MacFarlane, also known as Macka B, was born in Wolverhampton. At a young age, Macka B had already showed interest in music. He was impressed by the vibrant reggae beat of the Lord Barley sound system playing in the blues party next door. At school, Mack B played the violin and sang in the choir. He listened to the music of Bob Marley, Count Ossie, Burning Spear, and Peter Tosh. He continues to study and took his technical apprenticeship at the Ever Ready factory. But due to factories closure, he was laid off. He devoted his time practicing his toasting skills gaining inspirations from U- Roy, I- Roy, Prince Far- I and Big Youth. He and some of his friend formed the Exodus sound system and soon became a Rastafarian. His 1982 visit in Jamaica strengthened his commitment to toasting. In 1983, he joined and won a D.J. competition in Rising Star Club in Bliston. After this, he was featured in different radios several times, and his name began to spread. HE performed with a local band Pre- Wax who had a hit with “Maggie’s Letter”.

In 1986, Macka B’s first ever album, Sign of the Times, was released under the Mad Professor’s Ariwa label. HE started touring Europe and his album reached No. 1 in the Reggae LP charts. He released his second album in 1987 entitled, “We’ve Had Enough” and his third album. “Look Are Deceiving” was released a year later. In 1988 he revisited Jamaica where he worked with Black Scorpio label, recording the track “Love it in Jamaica” and “Slow Down Driver”. In 1989, Buppie Culture produced the hit “Dread a Who She Loved”, Macka B’s duet with female singer Kofi which went to number one in the reggae singles charts. Another reggae singles chart topper was produce in 1990 known as "Proud of Mandela" and became featured in the album Natural Suntan.

Macka B became the first British artist to tour Australia and the former Yugoslavia (Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia). He recorded 8 more albums with Ariwa namely, “Peace Cup”, “Discrimination”, “Roots Ragga”, “Jamaica No Problem”, “Here Comes Trouble”, “Hold On To Your Culture”, “Suspicious”, and “Roots & Culture”. He won the British Best Male DJ Awards in 1991 and 1992. He also appeared in Channel 4’s “The Real McKoy” and other stations worldwide. In 2000, he released his album “Global Messanger” under Ariwa label. He recorded two songs a year after under Human label namely, “Homeland Africa” and “More Knowledge”. With his music, Macka B continues to spread consciousness and break down the barriers.

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