Mark Professor

Selector & MC

Despite his reputation as a formidable reggae selector and MC, Mark Professor is adept at playing in a “round-trip” style, touching on multiple genres of soulful Black music. He has a particular love of the 7" 45rpm record format, as evidenced by his “small ones are more juicy” catchphrase.

Early years

Mark Professor has been collecting vinyl since 1979. He says that as a child he would save money for tunes by walking home from school instead of catching the bus. His vast record collection now numbers well over 20,000 discs.

It was this passion for music that led Professor to form the Nightlife Experience sound system. Later, he joined the Stereocity roots reggae sound system (a subsidiary of the Soca Saga Boys) and cut dub plates with a roster of legendary Jamaican singers including Prince Alla, Al Campbell, Errol Dunkley, Marcia Griffiths, Max Romeo, and Little Roy.

From Oystah Card to Rent Crisis

A natural on the mic, Mark Professor is also a talented deejay known for his positive lyrics and social commentary. In 2013, he released his debut single, Oystah Card, to critical acclaim. Produced by Wrongtom, Oystah Card is an ingenious ode to London’s public transport system.

In 2017, Professor featured on the DB Cohen track Find A Way, alongside D’Oxman, and in 2019 he released the timely Rent Crisis, with backing by Songbird and Leroy Horns. Residents of Merton may have also caught his Reggae Recital track recorded for the borough’s Mega Recycle project.

Promoter & guest DJ

Mark Professor has co-promoted a number of vintage music club nights in London, such as the Reference Library (with Andrew Ibi), Trojan Knights (with Texas Ranger), Bangarang (as part of the Wreck It Up crew), and more recently Soul System (with Jake The Tailor and Chippy T).

These days, however, he focuses more on DJing than promoting. He is in demand across London and beyond, with recent guest spots including the General Echo Reggae Disco, Reggae Cookout, Vinyl Meltdown, Gallery Shabeen, Swing & Dine, and The Cat is Back.