Errol Reid

Errol Reid, born in Birmingham, has established a notable career in the music industry. He gained worldwide recognition as the lead singer and songwriter for the British pop-reggae duo China Black. The group released their song “Searching” in 1992, which achieved significant success by staying at number one on the reggae chart for 12 weeks and entering the top 5 of the R&B chart. Following the original indie label’s bankruptcy, China Black signed with Polydor and re-released “Searching” in July 1994. This re-release ascended to No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and remained in the top 75 for 16 weeks. The track also achieved international success in Europe and Japan. Their second UK single, “Stars,” peaked at No. 19, remaining in the top 20 for four weeks. In February 1995, “Almost See You (Somewhere)” reached No. 31, followed by their sole album, “Born,” which debuted at No. 27 on the UK Albums Chart. China Black also secured multiple Top 10 records in the Far East, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, as well as in European countries such as France and Belgium, alongside success in South Africa, Germany, and Sweden. Their music was featured in a six-month L’Oréal television campaign for one of its shampoos and utilized in arthouse films and TV productions.

After China Black, Errol Reid pursued a solo career, collaborating with various dance, soul, and reggae producers. He has worked with prominent figures such as Axwell of Swedish House Mafia, Allister Whitehead, DJ Swami, Mafia & Fluxy, Jupiter Ace, and The Teamster. Reid toured with artists including Tom Jones and performed duets with Robin Gibb on his BeeGees Magnet World Tour. He also performed live with Barry White on the Parisian music TV show “Taratata.” His career also involved supporting international artists such as R. Kelly, Sounds Of Blackness, Jamiroquai, Dina Carroll, Burning Spear, and Gil Scott Heron. In 1995, Errol Reid, alongside Ladysmith Black Mambazo, recorded a cover version of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” for the official England Rugby World Cup theme, which peaked at No. 15 in the UK and sold 200,000 copies. The duo was nominated for a Brit Award for Best British Single in 1995, and Princess Diana invited them to perform at one of her Aids Trust concerts at Wembley Stadium. Reid has also established his own production company, which has seen artists like Linda Kiraly sign with Universal Records.