Spring 2020 | Spring 2026

In one of the first interviews for Blacktronika, we are joined by two musical heroes. 

Grammy Award Winning producer, Dexter Wansel was one of the most important composers and electronic music innovators in modern music, particularly within Black musical traditions. Joining Philadelphia International Records in 1973 as a keyboardist, he became one of the label’s key creative forces, introducing synthesizers such as the ARP 2600, EMS VCS3, and Oberheim Six Voice into its recordings and sonic vocabulary.

His 1976 masterpiece, Life on Mars, remains one of the most groundbreaking and visionary works in the Philadelphia International catalog. Expansive in scope and fearless in imagination, the album opened new possibilities for listeners, merging futurism, spirituality, and electronic experimentation in ways that continue to resonate today. As a composer, Wansel helped shape some of the label’s most enduring recordings, working with artists ranging from Lou Rawls to The Jones Girls, including the timeless classic “Nights Over Egypt.”

His legacy has been expanded by everyone from Rick Ross to Cole to Mobb Deep through sampling.

Also, Chicago legend Julian Priester, who was a part of SunRa’s original big band in the early 50’s. Playing with all the jazz greats, including Duke Ellington, but best known for his experiments with trombone & electronics in Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi sextet. 

We are in conversation with both together.

For the week long Blacktronika Festival in Philadelphia as part of ArtPhilly's What Now!,

King Britt's Sylk130 Back2Basics Ensemble performed a tribute to the iconic composer and producer Dexter Wansel (at Johnny Brenda’s ), who passed away a few weeks before.

He was to accept his Blacktronika Archives Icon Award.  His family accepted the award and we celebrated his life.

Curated : King Britt

Co-Host : Dyana Williams

Drums : Steve Mckie

Bass / Music Director : Anthony Tidd

Guitar : Tim Motzer

Vocals : Lady Alma + Tanja Dixon

Keyboards : Black Butterfly (Kayla Childs)

Percussion : Carlos Izaguirre 

Shot by an audience member on iphone @mattheww243 (YouTube)

REST IN POWER DEXTER WANSEL