UK Principal
Fyah it ah Blaze

In loving memory of UK Principal (1961-2020):

Born in Dulwich South East London 1961, Douglas Sparks aka UK Principal, started his music engagement by singing in the church and school choir from 1969.

Then in the 70’s started selecting records as a selector for a sound called Lion Mattic, UKP's cousin sound in Derby, and during the summer holidays, he also started MCing for the sound system. Here he developed a unique style of vocals which gave a unique flavour to the reggae beats.

In the late 70’s - 80’s his friends in Lee Green created a sound called Enforcer which was a Party Sound "with vibes". Since then, UK Principal has worked with sounds like Gemini UK, Virgo, Stereo Classic, Prince Melody and various other sounds.

Since 1989, UKP joined a band called The Worries with whom he was comfortable performing live on a stage. The concept of The Worries was an idea of his friend Winston aka Serpy with Animal aka Leroy, but forming the band wasn’t easy because the transition from the sound system required much work to be done.

In 2009, UK Principal recorded a sound system hit in Europe on Jah Shaka record label "Word Is Jah" which was one of the best selling tunes in 2010, and it is still going strong in the sound system scene nowadays. Later he completed the "Know HIM" LP alongside Young Warrior and worked with Roots Hi-tek to produce the tune "Oil In My Lamp".

In 2013 UKP also released a tune called "Hola Meditation" produced by Rainbow Sounds released on Jah Militant record label.
In 2014, UK Principal joined the Rainbow Band for a series of shows that culminated with a live show in Paris at La Grange à Musique as opening act for the legendary Black Uhuru band. UKP remained a regular member of the Rainbow Sounds and joined its Dubhouse band for the regular monthly event at Grow, Hackney in north London in the following years.

From 2017 to 2020 UK Principal worked with various producers, creating a collection of singles that will remain a stepping stone in the UK reggae scene.

UK Principal was vocally trained in Jazz, but also loved his reggae influences from Jerry Lions, Leroy Davis, Leroy Simmonds, Tad Hunter, Horseman, Ricky Ranking, Ras Jahny aka Johnny Dollar and his two brothers, Maxi Priest, the Fab Five aka the Saxon crew, Mr Shorty and Alphonse with Jimmy Knuckles, but there are too many to mention.

Uk Principal died from coronavirus in 2020.
crédits
paru le 1 mars 2023

Music produced, arranged and mixed by Luca Battiston at Rainbow Sounds (UK) \ Vocal and Lyrics by UK Principal \ Trumpet by Dom Clark \ Guitar by Aldo Couceiro
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UK Principal – Fyah it ah Blaze