Right Time In Dubs – The Mighty Diamonds meet Dennis Bovell aka Blackbeard

Some albums are simply timeless. The Mighty Diamonds’ Right Time is one of them. Originally recorded at Channel One in the 1970s, its powerful riddims, conscious lyrics and unmistakable harmonies have continued to inspire reggae lovers for generations. Now, in 2026, this roots classic gets a remarkable new treatment from Dennis Bovell aka Blackbeard.

Bovell is a highly respected musician, producer, recording engineer and dub pioneer whose work has helped define the sound of British reggae and Lovers Rock. His dub productions under the Blackbeard name, including the influential Strictly Dub Wize, have earned him a special place in reggae history.

But Bovell’s understanding of dub goes much deeper than effects and studio tricks. He knows how to take a recording apart, expose its inner workings and rebuild it around the elements that matter most. The bass, the drums, the riddim, the space between the sounds. That’s where the magic happens. And that’s exactly what makes Right Time In Dubs such an intriguing project.

Instead of simply looking backwards and trying to imitate the dub productions of the 1970s, Bovell approaches the Mighty Diamonds’ original recordings with respect for their roots and the freedom to take them somewhere new.

The results offer a different way to experience these familiar songs. I Need A Roof lays bare the musical structure of the original, while Have Mercy sinks into a deeper, more spacious atmosphere. Go Seek Your Rights keeps the riddim moving, and Them Never Love Poor Marcus carries its powerful message into new dub territory.

There’s a spiritual depth to Africa, while Why Me Black Brother Why brings the tension of the original riddim to the foreground. Shame And Pride lets the melody speak in a different way, Gnashing Of Teeth takes a darker turn, and Natural Natty reconnects the listener with the roots foundation of the entire album.

What’s particularly interesting is that these versions don’t attempt to compete with the originals. They open up another dimension of the music. The familiar vocal lines and melodies may no longer take centre stage, but their presence is still felt throughout.

The original Right Time has enjoyed numerous reissues, pressings and interpretations over the decades. Its Channel One recordings remain essential listening for roots reggae collectors, sound system operators and fans. Yet this new project offers something that stands apart from the many versions already out there.

Right Time In Dubs is a complete album-length interpretation of the original Right Time set, created in 2026 under the creative direction of Dennis Bovell aka Blackbeard. It brings together the musical heritage of the Mighty Diamonds and the distinctive vision of one of dub’s most experienced practitioners.

Think of it as a journey from Kingston to London, from the Channel One control room to a contemporary studio, and from the original roots recordings to a new dub perspective. It’s a reminder that great reggae riddims have no expiry date. They can be revisited, reshaped and given new life without losing their identity. Because that’s what expertly done dub work does. It doesn’t destroy the original song. It takes you deeper into it.