RIP Dexter Wansel

ArtPhilly grieves the loss of Dexter Wansel (1950-2026), who passed away on May 31. We send strength, love, and heartfelt condolences to his family. The BLACKTRONIKA event centered around his legendary album "Life on Mars" (June 24 at Johnny Brenda's) will now be a tribute show.

‍King Britt, the force behind Blacktronika, shared these words about his friend and mentor:

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. 

For the past several months, we had been planning to honor Mr. Wansel with the inaugural Blacktronika Icon Award and a special performance recognizing his extraordinary contributions. The event on June 24 will now serve as a celebration of his life, creativity, and love. 

He was our hero, mentor, and guiding light. He now joins the ancestors, leaving behind a body of work that will continue to inspire generations to come. 

See you in the cosmos, Mr. Wansel.

King Britt