Ras Muffet, UK dub and soundsystem legend, has died
He was best known for producing classic tracks ‘Ethiopian King Dub’, ‘New Dawning’, ‘Play Fool Dubwise’ and more, while heading up record label Roots Injection since the 90s
Ras Muffet (real name Steve Johnson), the UK dub and soundsystem legend, has died.
As a soundman and producer, Muffet had been working in music for five decades, and was behind a number of genre classics, including ‘Ethiopian King Dub’, ‘New Dawning’ and ‘Trouble & Strife’. He was an associate of Jah Shaka and was a crew member of the historic Jah Shaka Sound System in the early '70s.
He set up Fari Studio in Wolverhampton in the same decade, before founding his label and studio Roots Injection in 1999. His own productions and dubplates were widely played out, including by soundsystem scene leaders including Channel One, Aba Shanti-I, Iration Steppas and more.
Muffet also headed up the Mighty Tabot Sound System alongside Ras Kinfe and Ras Gabre, which is based between London and Wolverhampton.
Jah Shaka’s family paid tribute to Muffet via an Instagram post, writing: “We would like to send condolences to the family & close friends of well known music producer Ras Muffet, whom has sadly passed away.
“Muffet, known predominantly across Bristol, London and Wolverhampton, UK, was a devout crew member of Jah Shaka Sound System in the early to mid 70s,” they continued.
UK roots producer Indica Dubs wrote: “Rest in peace Ras Muffet. I first linked Muffet for some of my first ever studio equipment back in 2006, when I was just 16 years old.
“Many thanks for all the inspiration, it was a huge honour to play together two years ago in Bristol. Respects for all your works,” he continued.
See some tributes to Ras Muffet below.
[Photo: Screenshot by Escape The City festival, Dub Talk with Ras Muffet on ETC 2024, Barbariga, Croatia]
Isaac Muk is a freelance writer, follow him on Bluesky