IN CONVERSATION WITH MARCIA GRIFFITHS, ON VIBES  

MARCIA GRIFFITHS

AGENT SASCO


Ernie Harriott (aka Daddy Ernie), a radio personality/DJ, presented the first reggae programme outside of Jamaica five days a week on mainstream radio.
Born in London of Jamaican parents, his father was a renowned sound system operator within the Caribbean community, so music was very much a staple diet within his household. His first start at DJ-ing came when he bought an old gramophone from a jumble sale.
As the teen years began it wasn’t long before he was getting together with his brother and some close friends to establish a sound system called President Downbeat. This was Daddy Ernie’s apprenticeship because as well as the kudos of being part of a sound system, this gave him a huge and invaluable insight into what it took to be a top operator and selector.
Daddy Ernie was a disciple of the King Trojan sound system which had a strong association with the all powerful Trojan Record company, the leading reggae label in the UK at the time. His infatuation with the latest imports from Jamaica was born and nurtured under Trojans careful eye. This was the highest of standards and he has never allowed himself to slacken and he has consequently, never looked back since! 
After a long and enjoyable apprenticeship, Hawkeye Records was the place where everything really came together. The store opened in Harlesden, North West London in the early 80s and was at the forefront of all that was reggae during that decade.
Hawkeye International Sound System was born not long afterwards. It was obvious to all that Daddy Ernie would be at the centre of what was to become a national phenomenon. The rest as they say is history! 
Daddy Ernie was soon to be found on the seminal reggae radio station, LWR. LWR was widely regarded as the UKs first Black music station 
and gave many DJs their first break in radio. The undoubted heavyweight and star of this stable was Daddy Ernie. A man who has never forgotten his roots, despite all the national accolades, awards and recognition.
After a short stint with Time FM, he hit the big time with the first five day a week reggae programme outside of Jamaica in the world. Super jam was born on Choice FM radio at the beginning of the 90s, from President Down Beat to the mainstream with Choice FM!
Daddy Ernie’s interviews of the top reggae stars such as the legends Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, Sugar Minot, Freddie McGregor, John Holt, through to the likes of Shaggy, Maxi Priest, Bugu Banton, Shabba Ranks, Sean Paul have achieved cult status with his huge fan base. He has hoisted International Night at Sumfest in Jamaica and was the main hoist for Jamaica 50th anniversary in London. His yearly trips to Jamaica enabled him to present shows back to Choice Fm in London also taking part in one of the islands most prestigious awards ceremony   with Richie B, and appearing on television in onstage has made him will known on the Island.  Daddy Ernie was the first Reggae Dj to play on the roots home coming Festival in the Gambia in the mid 90s as well as hoisting shows and presenting radio shows. He has hoisted shows for all the major acts to come to the Uk in the last 25 yeras the likes of Bers Hammond, Sizzla Luciano, Taurus Riley, Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Mytals the list is endless.  His djing has enabled him to play in most of London’s top clubs and around Europe and the USA.
A regular who plays not only at clubs and dance’s, he is much sort after for  Weddings, Birthday Parties, Anniversary’s Dinner and Dances, it’s safe to say whatever function you have Daddy Ernie is your complete Personality.
Catch Superjam on Vibesfm.net Mon, Tue, Wed. 8pm to 11pm
Genesisradiobirmingham.com Sun 1pm to 4pm 


Daddy Ernie

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