Levi Roots

Levi Roots

Levi Roots is a Jamaican-born reggae musician, chef and entrepreneur. He is born Keith Tanyue in Jamaica in 1959 and lives in Brixton, South London.

Music and performance

He performs reggae and roots reggae and has appeared with James Brown and Maxi Priest. In 1998 he is nominated for a MOBO award. His music also connects with his food work: the song used as part of his television pitch is later released as a download single under the title Proper Tings (The Reggae Reggae Sauce Song).

Food business

Roots is closely associated with Reggae Reggae Sauce, a jerk barbecue sauce based on his grandmother’s secret recipe. He and his family use the sauce in their food stall at Notting Hill Carnival, where they have traded since 1991. In 2006 the sauce is sold at the carnival, with 4,000 bottles sold.

Dragons' Den and wider profile

He gains wider public attention after appearing on the UK television programme Dragons' Den to seek funding for Reggae Reggae Sauce. During the pitch he is offered £50,000 for a 40% stake in the business by Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh. After the appearance, Sainsbury's announces that it will stock the sauce in 600 stores. A BBC producer spots him at a food trade show and approaches him for the programme.