Mafia and Fluxy

Mafia and Fluxy

Mafia and Fluxy are a UK reggae production duo from North London, made up of brothers Leroy “Mafia” Heywood and Dave “Fluxy” Heywood. They work across dub, lovers rock and reggae, and have remained a mainstay of reggae music production in the UK and internationally.

Background

The pair begin as part of the Heywood family circle in North London. Leroy Heywood starts as a teenager in 1977, drawn to reggae and the sound system culture around it, and first plays guitar after his mother buys him one. He forms an early group with school friends Christopher Matthias and Errol Rowe, while his older brother Dingle encourages rehearsal. Dave Heywood, known as Fluxy, is also involved from the start through his interest in turntables and the Wizard HiFi sound system.

When the original drummer, Chris, is called away to play with another band, Mafia tells Fluxy to take over the drums. Fluxy then learns the instrument and keeps the rhythm using a makeshift kit assembled from household items, including a stereo speaker box for a snare drum, a bicycle lamp for a hi-hat and an unusual microphone for a kick drum.

Work and collaborations

Mafia and Fluxy build a long production career and work with a wide range of reggae artists. Their credits include Luciano, Anthony B, Maxi Priest, Kofi, Sylivia Tella, Sugar Minott, Gregory Isaacs, Ambelique, Al Campbell, John Holt, Winston Reedy, Jimmy Riley, Everton Blender, George Nooks, Brinsley Forde, Don Campbell, Santana, Richie Davis, Marie Claire, Troublesome, Robbie Valentine, Danny Red, Carroll Thompson, Paulette Tajah and Nerious Joseph, among others.

The duo are associated with reggae production rather than a single fixed performance line-up, and their identity centres on the brothers’ roles as producers and musicians.