United Kingdom 
Soul II Soul to headline Freestyle Summer Festival
4 years ago
Soul II Soul, a British musical collective, emerged from London's vibrant sound system culture to achieve international recognition with their fusion of R&B, hip-hop, and house music.
Interested in booking Soul II Soul?
Request A ShowSoul II Soul collaborated with FLOOR_STORY, as mentioned on their official website, showcasing the group's involvement beyond music production.
In 1986, Soul II Soul signed with Virgin Records, a partnership that led to their mainstream success and significant global reach.
Soul II Soul will be honored with the Pioneer Award, sponsored by PRS, at the 2025 Artist & Manager Awards, recognizing their lasting impact on British music culture.
Jazzie B and Soul II Soul's pioneering work is highlighted in a Listening Guide by Roland, suggesting a collaboration or recognition by the musical instrument company.
In April 2013, Jazzie B and Charlotte Kelly launched the Soul II Soul 'Classics' Collection, featuring T-shirts and sweatshirts with the Funky Dred logo, at Harvey Nichols in London, England.
Soul II Soul originated in London in 1988 as a musical collective, initially gaining attention through their sound system events. Founder Jazzie B led these nights, which began at the Africa Centre in London. Despite the venue’s limited capacity, their events grew in popularity, eventually moving to larger venues like The Fridge Nightclub in Brixton. The collective used these residencies to test their musical compositions on the dance floor, integrating British, Caribbean, African, and African American influences. This early period was also marked by involvement in pirate radio, with Jazzie B hosting a show on KISS-FM. The group’s unique sound and approach to music quickly established them as a significant force in the evolving music scene.
The group’s commercial breakthrough occurred in 1989 with the release of their single “Keep On Movin'”, featuring Caron Wheeler on lead vocals, which reached number five in the UK. This was followed by their debut album, “Club Classics Vol. One”, which topped the UK Albums Chart. Their next single, “Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)”, became their biggest hit, reaching number one in the UK and number four in the US, and earning them a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1990. The collective continued to produce successful music through the early 1990s, including another UK number-one album, “Vol. II: 1990 – A New Decade”, and the number three album “Volume III Just Right”. Throughout this period, Soul II Soul frequently collaborated with various vocalists, adapting their lineup to maintain a fresh sound, even as members pursued individual careers.
Over the years, Soul II Soul experienced various lineup changes, with singers like Caron Wheeler, Charlotte Kelly, and Penny Ford contributing significantly to their recordings and live performances. Despite a disbandment in 1998, the collective occasionally reunited for selected performances. A formal reunion took place in 2007 at the Lovebox Festival, and they continued to tour with varying lineups. In 2012, Soul II Soul received the honorary PRS Heritage Plaque award, acknowledging their contributions to music. They released the live album “Origins: The Roots Of Soul II Soul” in 2016, demonstrating their enduring presence and influence in the music industry. The group’s legacy is defined by their unique sound, chart success, and a positive, multicultural philosophy symbolised by their ‘funky dred’ logo.
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