Background / History
Few record shops carry the weight of history that Supertone Records holds on Brixton’s Acre Lane. Trading since 1983, it is the area’s oldest surviving record shop and one of the most important reggae specialists anywhere in Britain. The shop was founded by Wally Bryant, known to many simply as Wally B, a Jamaican-born sound system veteran whose involvement in the music stretches back decades. Under his stewardship Supertone has become far more than a place to buy records. It is a genuine landmark of Black British culture, a meeting point for the local community and a destination that draws reggae lovers from across the world. Over the years its counter has welcomed touring artists and revered names from the genre, threading the shop firmly into the wider story of Brixton’s musical heritage.
What You’ll Find
The focus here is Jamaican and Caribbean music in all its forms, from ska, rocksteady and roots reggae through to dub, lovers rock and dancehall. Both new and second-hand stock fill the racks, taking in 7in and 12in singles, LPs and CDs, with everything from sought-after original pressings to current releases. Supertone is widely regarded as holding one of the largest reggae collections in London, and it has long run a busy mail-order side, importing fresh stock directly from Jamaica and the United States. Alongside the reggae you will also find a carefully chosen seam of vintage soul, R&B and gospel, the kind of timeless records that reward patient digging.
Experience / Atmosphere
Stepping inside feels like entering a place that has politely refused to change. The high counter, the records stacked along the walls and the lived-in character of the room all speak to more than forty years of trading from the same spot. There is a strong sense of community, and conversation flows as freely as the music that fills the air. Wally and the team know their stock inside out, happy to point a newcomer towards a first roots album or to track down an obscure pressing for a seasoned collector. Browsing here is unhurried and rewarding, the sort of visit that turns a quick look into an afternoon.
Why Visit
- One of the largest and most respected reggae collections in London.
- Brixton’s longest-running record shop, trading since 1983.
- Deep stock of ska, rocksteady, roots, dub, lovers rock and dancehall on vinyl and CD.
- Knowledgeable, welcoming staff led by founder Wally B.
- Fresh imports from Jamaica and the USA, plus a long-running mail-order service.
- A genuine piece of Brixton and Black British cultural history.
Summary
Supertone Records is a true institution, a shop where the music, the people and the history of Brixton come together under one roof. Whether you are chasing a rare 7in, building a reggae collection from scratch or simply want to spend time somewhere that has shaped the local scene for four decades, a visit rarely disappoints. For anyone with even a passing love of Jamaican music, this remains essential ground.
