Trojan

The Legacy of Trojan Records & the British Rudeboy Movement

During the 1960s, Britain witnessed a significant wave of immigration from Jamaica and the Caribbean, as many sought better opportunities in cities like London and Birmingham. However, for the Windrush generation, the reality was often harsh—marked by poverty and substandard living conditions, particularly in areas like Brixton and Hackney.

Amid these challenges, a unique cultural fusion emerged among working-class youths, both black and white, bonded by their shared love for Jamaican music. This connection laid the foundation for the British Rudeboy movement, offering a sharp contrast to the dominant hippie culture of the era.

On July 28, 1967, Island Records introduced Trojan, a label dedicated to showcasing the work of Arthur ‘Duke’ Reid, a legendary producer of Ska and Rocksteady music. Initially struggling to gain traction, the label folded within months. However, in the summer of 1968, a merger with B&C—Island Records’ distributor—revitalised Trojan Records, setting the stage for an enduring musical legacy.

With this resurgence, Trojan Records embarked on an ambitious mission, releasing music under multiple sub-labels to highlight talents like Robert ‘Dandy’ Thompson and legendary Jamaican icons such as Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and Duke Reid himself. This revival infused new energy into the British music scene, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Trojan Records introduced a wave of Reggae and Ska artists to British audiences, including Tony Tribe, Jimmy Cliff, Desmond Dekker, and eventually, Bob Marley. Beyond music, its influence extended into cultural movements, particularly the Two-Tone scene of the late 1970s, embodied by bands such as The Specials and Madness.

In 2018, Trojan Records celebrated its 50th anniversary with a documentary paying tribute to its rich history and its deep ties to the original UK skinhead culture.

Today, Trojan continues to honour its legacy with a range of retro-inspired clothing, featuring classic Rudeboy styles such as pique tees, houndstooth, and check polo shirts.