Sonny Roberts music producer plaque unveiled Kilburn

Within three years of emigrating to London from Jamaica, the music entrepreneur had opened Britain's first Black-owned recording studio in the basement of 108 Cambridge Road, Kilburn.

He would go on to run an influential Harlesden record shop and produce hits such as Judy Boucher's Can't Be with You Tonight, which reached number two in the UK charts.

A plaque was unveiled on the site where music producer Sonny Roberts set up the UK's first Black owned recording studio in Cambridge Road, Kilburn. (Image: Patrick Lewis)

But before that his Planetone studio was the catalyst for bringing Reggae to the world, after he introduced Chris Blackwell of Island Records to Lee Gopthal, who would set up Trojan Records and collaborate on releasing hits by the likes of Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker and The Maytals.

A carpenter by trade, Sonny met Blackwell in 1959 while doing work on his flat. When Island Records lost their premises, he suggested they rent the first floor of Cambridge Road from Gopthal's family.

It was listening to the likes of trombonist Rico Rodriquez, Mike Elliott, The Marvels, Robert ‘Dandy Livingstone’ Thompson, and Tito ‘Sugar’ Simone that inspired Gopthal to collaborate with Blackwell.

By 1965 Island Records had taken over Sonny's recording studio and Blackwell and Gopthal went onto set up Trojan based in Neasden Lane.

Lee Gopthal and Chris Blackwell collaborated on releasing tracks by Jamaican artists through Trojan Records in Willesden, the pair met through Sonny Roberts. (Image: Archant)

Millie Small, who did practice sessions at Planetone, went on to record My Boy Lollipop for Island Records and work with Trojan.

Chris Blackwell said: "Sonny, quite simply, started it all. I had the privilege of making his acquaintance in 1959, which developed into a great friendship. His trailblazing work was down to the vision, and his passion for various types of music was outstanding. Sonny’s work in the music industry is remarkable and he should be heralded as one of the great pioneers. Sonny was there from the beginning - the evolution of Black Music in the UK."

Bob Bell of Island Records said Sonny was "a trail-blazing pioneer in the evolution of West Indian music in the UK - the first Black owned recording studio, the first black owned record labels, the first black owned record retailer, produced early examples of Afrobeat in 1971. By introducing Chris Blackwell to Lee Gopthal, Sonny became the catalyst for a relationship that ultimately led to the forming of Trojan Records - the label that introduced the world to reggae."

The Mayor of Brent Cllr Orleen Hylton attended the unveiling of the plaque (Image: Patrick Lewis)

Sonny, who had three children - Jackie, Cleon and Andrett - with wife Monica, kept his Kilburn recording studio until the early 70s when he founded another label Orbitone in Harlesden and branched out into selling and distributing records.

Based at 2, Station Road it the only Black owned record shop that stocked African as well as Caribbean music. Sonny also catered for Brent's burgeoning Irish community, and his unrivalled range of soft reggae, calypso, soca, British lovers rock and Afro-funk brought the likes of DJs John Peel and Gary Crowley to find records for their radio shows.

The Nkengas from Nigeria recorded some of the earliest examples of Afro Beat music in England for Orbitone, which became a hub for artists as eclectic as Jools Holland, Denise Williams, Jazzie B, Candi Staton and Afrika Bambaataa. Sonny produced hits Tears From My Eyes, Sweet Sugar Bum Bum, Hot Hot Hot, Lorraine, and Gipsy Love.

Musicians performed at the unveiling. (Image: Patrick Lewis)

Sonny and Monica retired to Jamaica in 1997 where he died in 2021.

Cleon Roberts said of her father: "Your trailblazing work in music has woven themselves into the very fabric of mine and most people’s lives, inspiring generations to come, and carved a path for artists and musicians. I celebrate not just your achievements, but also the indomitable spirit that propels your family forward. Your symphony of dedication, passion, strength and honesty continues to resonate, leaving an enduring legacy for all who listen. Congratulations, Dad, on crafting a symphony of greatness that will forever echo through time."

To mark Sonny's outstanding musical contribution, the Nubian Jak Community Trust in association with Trojan Records, installed a blue plaque at his former studio, with many of the people who recorded or bought his records due to attend.

Michael Williams of Dread Broadcasting Corporation described Sonny as "cool, calm, friendly, and so knowledgeable."

Dr Jak Beula CEO of Nubian Jak Community Trust said: "If you look at the roots of British reggae, all roads lead to Sonny Roberts."

And Professor Mykel Riley said: "There are many unsung heroes in the vibrant tapestry of Jamaican popular music. One such hero is Sonny Roberts, a pioneering producer, record label impresario, and studio owner whose contribution to popular music and culture in Britain is finally and deservedly being recognised."