Aba Shanti-I (born Joseph Smith) is a British sound system operator and dub producer from Hackney, London, of Antiguan descent. Through his own Falasha Recordings label, he has released music with his brother Blood Shanti and The Shanti-Ites since 1993, rooted in roots reggae and dub. A permanent fixture at Notting Hill Carnival since that same year, he was also voted No. 1 DJ in the World by DJ Magazine in 1993. With over three decades of performances across the UK and Europe, he stands as one of the most respected figures in British sound system culture.
Aba Shanti-I is on the poster of the Dour Festival 2026 in Belgium.
On 8 March 2025, Aba Shanti-I performed at the Black Rhino Residency in Control Club - his first session in that capacity.
Upcoming UK shows planned in Sheffield (FORGE Warehouse) and London (Club 360, November 2026).
