One Style MDV

One Style MDV

One Style MDV is a reggae group from the United Kingdom, based in London and associated with Hackney and Islington. Also referred to as MDV, the group says the initials stand for “Many Different Variations”, reflecting its range across reggae and related styles. It has been active for more than 20 years and develops from an original name of One Style MDV into the shorter MDV form.

Style and sound

The group describes its music as conscious reggae with a London sound, built around bass, guitar and drums. Its songs combine roots-oriented backing with varied arrangements and strongly emotional lyrics. The music ranges from reflective and atmospheric pieces to darker, more provocative material and more upbeat, contemplative songs. Its lyrics often address everyday life, love, change and broader social concerns, with an emphasis on meaning and uplift. The band also draws on classic reggae, roots and culture, soul, blues, jazz, ska, rock and hip hop, which makes it difficult to place in a single category.

History and live work

MDV begins on the local community scene in London boroughs including Hackney and Islington, then builds a regular underground following through charities, community events, pubs and clubs. The group makes its name on the live circuit in the 1980s and 1990s, and its live performances remain central to its identity. Its stripped-back three-piece line-up is repeatedly noted for creating a bigger overall sound than might be expected, and the band’s reputation for being tight and reliable becomes part of its character.

As its profile grows, the group plays larger events across London, including Notting Hill Carnival, anti-racism festivals and anti-apartheid events, and it earns attention on the alternative circuit in greater London. It also performs in Spain, Belgium, France, Germany and Ireland, where audience response and post-show discussion are described as part of the group’s approach to communication through music.

Collaborations and shared stages

One Style MDV shares stages with a wide range of artists from reggae and beyond, including Burning Spear, Gregory Isaacs, Aswad, Maxi Priest, Misty in Roots, Winston Reedy and Mad Professor. Outside reggae, it also appears with Asian Dub Foundation, Super Furry Animals, The LA’s, Yr Anhrefn, The Blaggers, The Levellers and Back To The Planet.

A notable influence is its extensive support work with Joe Strummer of The Clash on a 24-date Great Britain tour, followed by a request to support him again the next year. The band also works with Hackney vocal trio Korus on “Keep It Real”, a collaboration aimed at a modern soulful reggae sound.

Recordings and ongoing work

MDV uses original material and treats recording as a place to experiment, while its live sets are presented as the main setting in which its songs develop different forms. Its experimental dub album Roots Allsorts reflects urban experience, and the group continues to work on new songs and arrangements. It also develops music in collaboration with local artists, which contributes to the name change from One Style MDV to MDV while the core line-up stays the same.