Tippa Irie (born Anthony Henry, 1965, London, England) is a British reggae singer and DJ from Brixton, South London. He first came to prominence in the early 1980s as an MC on the South London reggae soundsystem Saxon Studio International.
He first achieved national exposure on night-time BBC Radio 1 in the mid-1980s, with the singles "It's Good To Have The Feeling You're The Best" and "Complain Neighbour" (on Greensleeves Records), before achieving a UK Top 40 hit in 1986 with "Hello Darling".
He has collaborated with Alexander O'Neal, Long Beach Dub All Stars, The Skints, and Chali 2na. He enjoyed further success in 2003, when he appeared on The Black Eyed Peas' track "Hey Mama". He has also collaborated with the London-based avant-dancehall outfit The Bug, on the single "Angry" from the album London Zoo.
In 2010, he appeared on the BBC Television panel show Never Mind the Buzzcocks, in the identity parade round. His latest release is Stick to My Roots (2010). ln 2023 he released his autobiography under the same title.
Links to Peel[]
Peel played some tracks from the singer on his shows mostly in the mid/late 80's and early 90's, especially his collaboration with other reggae artists. In 1991, Peel played a track from Tippa Irie's collaboration with Peter Spence for the track, 'Stand By Me'.
Shows Played[]
- 1984
- 06 August 1984 (& Daddy Colonel): Just A Speak (12") UK Bubblers
- 02 September 1984 (BFBS) (& Daddy Colonel): Just A Speak (12") UK Bubblers
- 04 January 1985 (BBC World Service): It's Good To Have The Feeling You're The Best (7”) UK Bubblers
- 15 July 1985 (BBC World Service): Complain Neighbour (7") UK Bubblers
- 22 July 1985 (BFBS): Complain Neighbour (7") UK Bubblers
- 24 July 1985: Complain Neighbour (7") UK Bubblers
- 1989
- 04 September 1989 (& Peter Hunnigail): Ragamuffin Girl (12") Clarkey & Blakey
- 03 October 1989 (& Winsome): Superwoman (12") Fashion
- 1991
- 20 January 1991 (& Peter Spence): Stand By Me (7") Mango