Jerry Dammers
Jerry Dammers is a true pioneer of British music culture..
Main Songwriter, Keyboard player and The Founder of the legendary The Specials, and the iconic 2 Tone Records movement.
A creator of music that moves both hearts and dancefloors, Jerry helped define a generation with timeless records through The Specials and The Special AKA.
From the haunting, atmospheric Ghost Town to the uplifting, world-changing anthem Free Nelson Mandela, his sound has always carried soul, meaning and energy in equal measure.
Driven by a deep sense of purpose as well as rhythm, Jerry played a key role in bringing the Anti-Apartheid movement into the musical mainstream. His work helped amplify the global call for justice, with “Free Nelson Mandela” becoming a defining anthem of the struggle and contributing to landmark moments such as the Anti-Apartheid rally at Clapham Common, where music and message came together in powerful unity.
Beyond these era-defining moments, Jerry’s musical journey has continued to evolve. Through his project Spatial AKA Orchestra, he has explored large-scale, immersive sound, blending jazz, funk, dub, ska and orchestral influences into something truly unique.
Along the way, he has also collaborated and worked with a range of influential artists including Tricky, Elvis Costello, Junior Delgado, UB40 and The Prodigy, a reflection of his wide-reaching influence across genres and generations.
Since stepping behind the decks in 1984 at London’s legendary The Wag Club, alongside Paul Weller, Jerry has built a reputation as a DJ who truly understands the roots and the feeling of great music. His sets are rich, uplifting and full of groove.
At the fourth Soul 4U Weekender, Jerry will be taking it back delivering a special DJ set of 70s funk and funky reggae, the music that inspired him before the days of 2 Tone.
