Saxon Studio International


Saxon Studio International is a reggae sound system from London, the first UK sound system to win an international competition.
Saxon Studio International began operating in Lewisham, South London, in 1976.
The sound came to prominence in the early 80s because of the "fast chat" style which was pioneered by its deejay Peter King. Other Saxon MCs included Tippa Irie, Smiley Culture, Asher Senator, Papa Levi, Daddy Colonel, Daddy Rusty and Daddy Sandy, each of whom developed this style and went on to release records, some achieving Top 40 hits in the UK national chart.
Singer Maxi Priest also began his musical career on Saxon.
In 1992, Saxon won the UK Cup Clash.
In 1994, Saxon became the first UK soundsystem to win the World Clash.
Saxon continue to play internationally, including an annual outing at London's Notting Hill Carnival. Their style has influenced artists such as Massive Attack and The Bug.

Recordings and releases

Many recordings of Saxon sessions circulate unofficially on cassette tape, CDR or mp3.
However, an official recording of a mid-eighties session in Paddington, West London, entitled Saxon Studio International: Coughing Up Fire!!! was released by the Greensleeves Records subsidiary label UK Bubblers in 1984.