Joe Ariwa
Joe Ariwa (born Joseph Neil Ariwa Fraser on 18 May 1985) is a British record producer, sound engineer, and DJ widely recognized as one of the leading figures in the new generation of dub music. As the son of dub pioneer Mad Professor, Joe emerged from the iconic Ariwa Studios with a deep respect for the genre's traditions while incorporating digital and contemporary elements into his sound. He has worked with a range of vocalists and sound systems, performed across continents, and built a respected discography both solo and in collaboration.
Early Life and Education
Joe Ariwa was raised in South London near the heart of Ariwa Studios, the renowned recording space founded by his father, Neil "Mad Professor" Fraser. Immersed in analog gear, classic dub records, and frequent studio sessions from a young age, Joe developed a natural affinity for engineering and production. After completing his secondary education, he pursued formal training in music technology, combining academic knowledge with hands-on experience at Ariwa Studios.
Career Milestones
Studio & Production
Joe Ariwa's professional journey began within the halls of Ariwa Studios, where he first contributed as an engineer. He took on the task of restoring and transferring obscure multitrack tapes into modern formats, enabling their reissue on vinyl and use in live dub shows. Early engineering projects included remastered sessions from seminal artists like Rebel on the Roots Corner and Papa Levi.[1]
By the mid-2000s, Joe had become a fixture at Ariwa, handling engineering duties for major sessions and often touring as part of the live team. His development as a producer saw him move beyond engineering into creative production, experimenting with layered dub compositions and live performance arrangements. Notably, he worked on the Rewired for Dub series alongside his father, Mad Professor, helping bridge traditional dub and new school sensibilities.[2]
Collaborations & Labels
Joe Ariwa quickly gained a reputation for his work with established vocalists and reggae veterans. He has produced songs and full-length albums with a diverse list of collaborators including:
- Lady Marga – UK dancehall and reggae fusion
- Michael Prophet – War in the City
- Earl 16 – Man Next Door
- Miss Fritty – Pastafari Dub
- Brother Culture – The Secret Files
A landmark in his career was his partnership with General Levy, the UK jungle MC known for high energy vocal performance. In 2012, Joe produced In the Chamber of Dub, a collaborative album that blended dub and jungle elements. This was followed by Be Conscious & Wise, which expanded their sound and visibility. From 2017 to 2019, Joe served as General Levy's official live DJ and sound engineer, accompanying him across the UK, Europe, Brazil, and West Africa.[3]
Solo Work & Bandcamp Discography
Joe Ariwa has cultivated a consistent presence on Bandcamp and other independent platforms, using them to release deep dub cuts both solo and in collaboration. His standout digital and physical releases include:
- Dubstep Dub (2011) – w/ The Trixsters
- The Next Generation of Dub (Dec 2020)
- Survivor Dubs (Aug 2023)
- Revolution (Feb 2024) – w/ Abel Miller & I Jah
- Dub You Mind (Mar 2024) – w/ Kyla
- You & Only You (May 2025) – w/ Abel Miller
Additional discography noted by Discogs features:
- Dub Duo (2010) – with Dennis Bovell
- Dub Ripe Fruit (2017) – with Elijah & Raging Fyah
- Adam Prescott Meets Joe Ariwa (2021) – featuring Ranking Joe and Donovan Kingjay
Altogether, his discography spans over a dozen collaborative and solo projects from 2010 to 2025, reinforcing his role as one of the most prolific producers in contemporary dub.
Style & Influence
Joe Ariwa’s musical aesthetic is grounded in the foundational sound of 1970s and 80s dub, enriched by his father’s analogue roots. Yet, he is unafraid to integrate digital innovation. His productions feature signature dub effects echo, reverb, delay applied over cleanly sculpted basslines and filtered vocals. He often incorporates elements from UK hip hop, garage, jungle, and two-step into his mixes, making his sound both nostalgic and forward-looking.[4]
Critics have praised his work as “impeccably produced” and “bass-bin-shaking,” noting that it balances authenticity with evolution. Dub fans regard him as a “young dub specialist” whose fidelity to the Ariwa lineage keeps the culture alive while bringing it into new sonic territories.[5]
Live & Touring
Joe Ariwa is as comfortable on stage as he is behind a mixing console. His festival appearances include:
- BoomTown Fair (2016)
- One Love Festival (2019)
- Various European dub/reggae festivals
From 2017 to 2019, he was the primary touring engineer and DJ for General Levy, responsible for delivering clean, immersive sound in venues ranging from underground clubs to major international festivals.
Current Role
Currently, Joe is a central figure at Ariwa Sounds Ltd, acting as chief engineer, producer, and occasional tour manager. His technical expertise spans both vintage and cutting-edge equipment, including SSL and Soundcraft mixing consoles, Studer A800 tape machines, ProTools DAWs, and classic effects processors. His hybrid approach preserves the warmth of analogue recording while embracing the flexibility of digital production.[6][7]
Legacy & Recognition
As the eldest son of Mad Professor, Joe Ariwa holds a symbolic and literal role in continuing the Ariwa legacy. Known affectionately in dub circles as “dub royalty,” he is respected by global sound systems such as Iration Steppas, Channel One, Jah Youth, and Jah Sufferer, many of whom have commissioned exclusive dubs from him.
While some observers note his work as a continuation rather than a revolution of the Ariwa sound, few deny his role in ensuring its survival and relevance well into the 21st century.
Selected Discography
| Year | Title | Colleagues |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Dub Tech Dub | Solo debut [8] |
| 2010 | Dub Duo | with Dennis Bovell |
| 2011 | Dubstep Dub | with The Trixsters |
| 2012 | In The Chamber Of Dub | with General Levy |
| 2013 | Open Door | with Alpha Steppa & Lee “Scratch” Perry |
| 2020 | The Next Generation Of Dub | Solo |
| 2023 | Tuff Dub & Survivor Dubs | Solo |
| 2024 | Revolution | with Abel Miller & I Jah |
| 2024 | Dub You Mind | with Kyla |
| 2025 | You & Only You | with Abel Miller |
Summary
In summary, Joe Ariwa has emerged as a defining voice in modern dub music. Grounded in the traditions laid by his father, Mad Professor, Joe brings a fresh, forward-thinking approach that blends analogue warmth with digital sharpness. His work across engineering, production, DJing, and live sound has made him a cornerstone of the UK’s dub resurgence. Whether in the studio, behind the decks, or on international stages, Joe continues to shape the next generation of dub while honoring its deep roots.
- ↑ https://ariwa.com/ariwa-artists/joe-ariwa/
- ↑ https://ariwa.com/ariwa-artists/joe-ariwa/
- ↑ https://ariwa.com/ariwa-artists/joe-ariwa/
- ↑ https://www.ukfestivalguides.com/artists/joe-ariwa/
- ↑ https://exclaim.ca/music/article/joe ariwa dub tech dub review
- ↑ https://ariwa.com/ariwa-artists/joe-ariwa/
- ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-ariwa
- ↑ https://exclaim.ca/music/article/joe_ariwa-dub_tech_dub_review