Sokah2Soca

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Today, we feature an article from our culture partner, Nikki G of NikkiGMedia. You may have heard her voice in so many Soca ads, but you were unaware that Nikki was doing the voice-over work. Nikki, along with Sokah2Soca, is now part of the Islandvybe Radio community. We are pleased to present this article from NikkiGMedia for all our fans. Nikki celebrates the contribution of Jamaican-born Sonny Roberts, aka Sonny Orbitone, to world music. If you are an avid reader and a culture vulture, you will want to read this article and become a smarter person. Take the Nikki G route!

From NikkiGMedia:

Sonny Roberts, a trailblazing Jamaican-born music producer, left an indelible mark on the UK and global music scenes. Born in Spice Grove, Manchester, Jamaica, Sonny moved to London in 1958 aboard the historic Manistee ship. 

While originally working as a carpenter, his passion for music led him to create Planetone Studio in 1961, the first recording studio owned by a Jamaican in Britain. Located at 108 Cambridge Road, Kilburn, this studio became a hotspot for budding artists and legendary musicians alike, including Mike Elliott and Rico Rodriguez. 

Sonny’s friendship with Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, also played a significant role in the development of both their careers.

In the late 1970s, Sonny launched Orbitone Records in Harlesden, London. Orbitone became a vibrant hub for reggae, Afrobeat, and Soca music, producing timeless hits like *Can’t Be with You Tonight* by Judy Boucher, which reached No. 2 on the British charts, and *Hot Hot Hot* by Arrow, a Soca classic. 

Sonny also produced groundbreaking Afrobeat albums with the Nkengas and collaborated with many African musicians in London, helping to define the early Afrobeat sound in the UK. 

In a recent two-part interview on the *Table Talk* show with Nikki G, Sonny’s daughter, Angie Roberts, shared her father’s incredible journey. She highlighted his pioneering work, noting how his recording studios became essential steppingstones for many black British and Jamaican artists. 

Angie also emphasized his immense kindness, loyalty to clients, and dedication to his family. As a businessman and music producer, Sonny’s influence was vast, shaping the sounds of generations while staying true to his roots and family values.

Tune in this Saturday at 10 a.m. for part 2 of Angie’s interview on *Table Talk* for more on Sonny Roberts’ legacy part 2!

Ref: 

http://Sonnyroberts.co.uk

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