From South Florida’s sound clash arenas to UK stages lit with Caribbean energy, DJ English Fire has become a certified giant in global dancehall culture. With a voice that commands crowds and a resume rooted in legendary sound systems like Black Chiney and Prodigy, his journey has been nothing short of transformative. Dubbed “The Million Dollar Voice Man” after a promoter heard his iconic tone on a commercial back in 2014, English Fire has grown into one of the most sought-after hosts and MCs in the scene today.
What sets him apart? Not just his vocal power, but a foundation laid in vinyl, bloodline, and brotherhood. With family ties to music stretching from record shops to rap, and with early influences like King Addies and Tony Matterhorn shaping his approach, English Fire is a living fusion of sound system tradition and modern energy. Now based in the UK, he continues to evolve, mentor, and energize stages across the world, one mic check at a time.
In this exclusive Worlmag.com feature, he opens up about career-defining moments, navigating industry shifts, his passion for hosting, and what the future holds.
- Let’s start with the name — English Fire and why do they call you “The Million Dollar Voice Man”?
The name actually came from someone saying u got that million dollar voice and I need it on a commercial for an event… and from there it just stuck as one of my monikers… this was about 2014/15
2. Growing up, what was that like who was your influences and where did you grow up?
I always had Music in my life, my grandfather owned a record shop, my uncle was a selector / dj, I have a cousin who is a rapper here in the UK, and I’ve always been surrounded by music. My influences growing up obviously was my uncle but I never thought music was my path until high school and me and my friends would be out clubbing more and listening to music, sound clashes etc… and my biggest influence at the time I got into music was King Addies sound from NY and Tony Matterhorn who I believe transformed what MCing was back then into what we currently have still going today.. I emulated him a lot as I was finding my voice and my path in this game.
3. You were part of the legendary Black Chiney sound system. What was that experience like, and how did it shape your career? –
Easily one the biggest achievements in my career… as I was a dj in south Florida before Black Chiney was formulated but I was always cool or friends with some of the members before they became a group, me and Walshy Fire went to the same high school, so we had a friendship from wayyy back. Dups and Bobby were also musical colleagues when they were ok other sound systems before they created Black Chiney, so the connections were always there. When I left Prodigy to join Black Chiney officially was 2010 at the 10-year anniversary party at an event called Naked, it became official. The rumors were in the streets already, and I had played a few events proper to that, but that was the official announcement. Joining BC gave me a deeper understanding of the music BUSINESS side of
things with management, contracts, etc.. this was now not just a fun sport but BUSINESS, and I learned a lot from Super Dups, Bobby, Willy Chin, and especially Katherine, who was the booking agent for BC. I was able to tour the world with BC and go to countries and places to play music that I had never dreamed of… definitely helped build my name from a local well well-known name in Florida to a global household name in multiple countries.. and I’ll forever be indebted to BC for that, and I’ll always be family with them.
4. Now you’re with Prodigy Sound System in the U.S. — tell us how that link-up happened.-
Well it’s not new… the prodigal son just returned… LOL I was actually a member on prodigy before I joined Black Chiney.. myself Killa Mike, shadow fire, Dappa & Bigga Don helped establish Prodigy as one of the TOP sounds in south Florida…. So when I left to join BC it
was a hard decision because prodigy was like MY sound.. we all operated that sound like a family and we all had a part in its growth. So it was like leaving something you helped build to this huge powerhouse to go somewhere else… felt like when LeBron left Cleveland to go play at Miami heat… LOL. but at the time the opportunity to play BC actually came twice before I actually decided to take up the offer and when I joined and it was just a business decision that I didn’t want to look back and think “What if” but me and prodigy always remained family and although I wasn’t an official Playing member of the sound I still had insight and a connection somewhat with them because outside of music we are actually the closest of friends.. Shadow is my daughters God Father and we’ve been friends since high school. And it was me who got him started in the business so the link never stopped really. Me and Killa Mike are super close friends so we always stayed in contact and spoke about the sound etc..
5. What inspired your move back to the UK, and how have you found the scene here compared to the U.S. or Jamaica?
It was a family decision really, plus some other personal reasons, which brought me back to the UK, and I wanted to explore that option and see the world from a different viewpoint. The scene is a lot different from the USA and even other parts of Europe, which was really eye-opening and shocking. For me, the industry I think both regions have their good and bad parts, but u just have to know how to navigate through it to make it work and make sure you enjoy the good while steering clear of the bad as much as possible.
6. How would you describe your role in the UK dancehall space right now?
Answer – I’m what they call an OG.. LOL I think my time in the industry now especially in the UK my role is more of a consultant to the younger generation to try and help them navigate this business and help them achieve their dreams because I know what it’s like to NOT have a helping hand or have someone guide u in the right direction. As far as myself in my career I’ve evolved from being the dj to more of what I’ve always wanted to do when I got in this game which was focus on being an MC and now as I’ve gotten into concert hosting more it’s where I find my most joy. I’ve teamed up with Dj Nate who I think is one of the most talented individuals I’ve ever met not just as a Dj but overall talented individual and we have formed a partnership that wasn’t intentional but has quickly become one of the best duos I’d consider in the game.
7. You host many major Caribbean events — what makes a good host in your eyes?
Confidence, Charisma, Energy, Skill & talent.. being a GREAT host embodies a combination of stand-up comedian, plus talk show presenter, plus hype person all rolled into
one person.. it’s not an easy thing to do but some ppl think just get a microphone and speak and it’s all good… that’s a recipe for disaster.. it’s Not an easy thing to stand on stage in front of 10k ppl and deliver something to keep them engaged and excited and anticipating what’s about to happen, a host plays a intricate part in the party goers start right before their fav artists come on that stage you have to create the atmosphere & energy just right… not to much not to little bit just enough to have them ready to go wild…
8. What’s your secret to keeping a crowd energised all night long?
That’s an expensive question… LOL can’t give away all the gems for free..
9. How do you prepare vocally for your gigs, especially when your voice is your main instrument?
Room temperature water… keep your vocal chords wet and practice voice control (Similar to a singer)
10. From clashes to juggling to hosting, you’ve done it all — which one do you enjoy more and why?
That’s a tricky one because I genuinely enjoy all aspects of the game.. I find myself
enjoying hosting more now and I think that’s just an evolution as I’ve gotten older… clashes will always be my fav past time but I take it so serious I literally try to end careers when I clash so.. LOL and the jugging aspect working with Dj Nate makes it very easy and seamless and because of that it’s more enjoyable than I probably liked when I had to do both Dj and mc… so I can honestly say I do enjoy all aspects of it but right now if I had to put it in order it would probably be Hosting, Juggling and then clashing but all very very close in contention lol
11. Tell us about a moment during a clash or event that still gives you goosebumps.
Red Bull Culture clash 2016 when I stepped on that stage in front of the sold out O2 arena I got chills… and I’ve been on big stages and done big things prior to this in my career but that was the BIGGEST event I’d been on and yeah it was a great feeling of nervousness and excitement… still get chills when someone mentions it…
12. How did your time with Black Chiney influence your sound or performance style today?
I think with BC it was more the business side than anything, because Prodigy was
already a top juggling sound in Florida easily one of the best so I watched BC be created and what they was able to do with their huge impact on the game from day 1.. the remixes were amazing so I think understanding how they was able to blend the fusion of hiphop / dancehall / rnb and make the music tell stories with the remixes helped me push that same style with the juggling and with the MCing as well.. tell stories with the music and have fun with it..
13. What’s been the biggest culture shock or difference between Caribbean events in the UK vs. the U.S. or Caribbean?
More people in the UK actually party now.. USA & Caribbean have become phone heavy, so a lot of the events people are more on their phones than actually enjoying the moment… and music as well.. I think more DJs play for the overall party and not just their segment, more in the States and Caribbean, where in the UK it can be a little competitive in the wrong way, and DJs play for their own segment and don’t care about the overall experience for the consumer..
14. How do you stay connected to the latest riddims, artists, and trends?
So many different record pools and things like that but also producers sending you music and social media… LOL
15. Which upcoming or underrated artists or selectors or host are you keeping an eye on right now?
There’s a few I think have the potential to be great I don’t want to make a list just in case I forgot anyone and leave them out.. but there’s a lot of potential in UK that I’ve noticed and some I’ve tried to help nurture their talent or guide help guide their business methods and as long as they stay true to themselves and the art form, do this with a genuine heart for the culture they’ll reach far..
16. Do you feel the UK gives enough platform to authentic Caribbean sound system culture?
Not enough.. the red tape and restrictions and the fight it gets from the powers that be.. hurts the culture, it hurts the possibilities of what could be.. It almost feels like it’s trying to squeeze the life out of it at times..
17. What’s one classic dubplate in your box that never fails to hit?
My Dub box is a problem LOL my fav Dub in my box is probably Ready- by Alkaline, Carry on – by Randy Valentine (Uk Artist) because I was the first and only one dj to have it on dub.. (not sure if that’s changed, it better not have.. LOL) and a dub that never fails to HIT probably Buju Banton – Sound Fi dead (Classic)
18. Outside of music, what keeps you grounded or inspired? –
My circle of friends and business partners i have. Working with Dj Nate and the brands he runs keeps me inspired.. watching the next generations of talent and trying to help them reach their potential keeps me inspired and the thing that keeps me grounded the most is remembering I never looked for this.. it wasn’t what I wanted to be at one point and I’m grateful to have such a long career and thank GOD all the time for the blessings and stressing he gives me… lately my kids are now seeing more what I do and them saying how proud they are is a different type of humbling experience
19. What’s one thing most people don’t know about DJ English Fire?
I’m actually a Nerd, LOL I’m a huge fan of history, and I research historical places, people, and events a lot… I remember when I went to Berlin and stood at the Berlin Wall for nearly an hour just looking at it and understanding what actually took place right where I was standing.. a surreal feeling
20. What legacy do you want to leave in the world of Caribbean music and hosting?
Remember me for my impact and my genuine love I have for this industry and I put my heart and soul in it for ppl to be entertained
21. Finally, what’s next for you — any new projects, events, or international plans in the pipeline?
The world is a big place (Let’s work to conquer more of it)
For Booking – bookings@djenglishfire.com
Follow on IG @djenglishfire
Whether commanding a clash, juggling tunes, or setting the vibe for 10,000-strong crowds, DJ English Fire continues to define what it means to be a master of the mic. Beyond the performance, he’s a connector, a mentor, and a storyteller — helping nurture new talent while championing the culture that raised him.
As he says, “Remember me for my impact and my genuine love I have for this industry. I put my heart and soul in it for people to be entertained.” With an evolving global presence, a return to Prodigy Sound, and powerful partnerships like his link-up with DJ Nate, the Million Dollar Voice Man shows no signs of slowing down.
Stay locked to Worlmag.com for more exclusive features celebrating Caribbean talent across the globe.