David Rodigan
@DavidRodigan
Followers
70K
Following
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Statuses
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MBE, Jamaica OD, Reggae DJ on BBC 1Xtra, Management [email protected] / Bookings: [email protected]
Joined November 2010
The bass is everything in Reggae music and Robbie Shakespeare played his bass guitar like nobody else; he made the beat drop, speaker boxes shook and we rocked.His passing is a tragic loss; his contribution to the genre is immeasurable. RIP Robbie Shakespeare.
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I have been awarded the Order Of Distinction! I’m overwhelmed that the Jamaican government have seen fit to award me with such a highly distinguished honor. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine this happening, and the fact that I’m not Jamaican resonates with me even more.
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RIP Daddy U Roy the iconic toaster who changed the paradigm of Jamaican music when he voiced the ‘Version Galore’ album . I was always in awe of him; the tone of voice, the cadence, the lyrical shimmering and riddim riding made him ‘the soul adventurer’ 🎙
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Happy birthday Lee Perry the Upsetter who’s 85 years in age today but forever young at heart . his contributions to Jamaican music across the past 5 decades are immeasurable. and he’s still working.
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Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry has left us and the world of music has lost one if it’s most enigmatic creators; an amazing, incomparable phenomenon who’s sonic sound waves transformed our lives; the ‘Blackboard Jungle’ album alone stands as a beacon of his genius.
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In memorandum: Farewell Toots, one of the great iconic figures in Jamaican music who’s unrivalled, soulful, passionate voice touched the world. The legacy of his songs will forever live on.
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RIP Bunny Wailer truly an iconic figure and music maestro who’s solo career resulted in one of the most brilliant and inspiring albums in the entire Reggae lexicon. ’Blackheart Man’. His contribution to Jamaican music across the past 60 years is immeasurable.
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So saddened to learn of the passing of Leon Chue the master dub plate cutting engineer at Music House London since the mid 90s . his quiet, reserved demeanour and devotion to his craft was something to behold. Heartfelt condolences to his family. RIP Leon.
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It’s a rare thing to hear new music that stands out and immediately catches your attention so congratulations to @LilaIkeJa for raising the Reggae bar with a stunning debut EP ‘The Experience’ 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
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We have lost Millie Small, the first Jamaican artist to achieve international pop chart success in countless countries with ‘My Boy Lollipop’. The song was so popular that it made her a household name in the UK in 1964 and blazed the way for the recognition of Ska music.
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The Reggae world has lost another iconic figure; Bunny ‘Striker’ Lee was unquestionably one of the most charismatic and inspirational record producers in Jamaican music with a phenomenal catalogue of hits. He drove the music forward across the decades & will be sorely missed.
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Look who I bumped into downtown Osaka, Japan! Don Letts !!!!!!! 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵
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Delighted to announce a documentary film entilted ‘David Rodigan Reggae Fever’ which will be broadcast this Fri 10pm on @BBCFour 📺. I am proud of the story it tells which is very much about Britain’s love affair with Jamaican music as well as my journey
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So saddened to hear of the passing of one of our greatest broadcasters… Annie Nightingale. Her mellifluous voice and passion for championing new music made her a true icon. She will be forever in our hearts.
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RIP Jo Jo Hookim the founder of the legendary Channel One studio in Maxfield Ave Kingston where some of the biggest Reggae hits of the 70s were made. Sadly this is how it looks now.
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I’m playing the Blackheart album on replay . ’Bide Up’ . ’Fig Tree’ . ‘Reincarnated Souls’ . ’Fighting Against Conviction’ . ’This Train’ #BunnyWailer
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So sad to learn of the passing of yet another great Reggae star, Ernest Wilson, founder member of The Clarendonians, who made such magnificent recordings such as ‘Undying Love’, ‘Private Number’ and ‘I Know Myself’ …his songs will be forever cherished in the Reggae pantheon. RIP
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RIP Peter Simons aka Penny Reel who was one of the first British journalists to document Reggae music from both Jamaica and the UK through his columns in NME and Black Echoes in the early 70’s . he’s on far right next to John Holt.
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Well what a week! I’m slightly in shock with all the feedback. If you can spare an hour this evening the BBC have made a film about my career and Britains love affair with Reggae music. 10pm on BBC Four. So thank you all for the feedback and love. 🙏🏼
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We all loved you Bob Andy and we know how much you loved us, your legions of fans all over the world. At least you are at peace now; you’ve left us a truly remarkable repertoire of songs which we will all treasure for ever.
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I figured that it was probably about time I told my Reggae story so I wrote this book with @iburrell and it's coming out on 2nd March 💥💥
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In memory of Toots RIP 🎙 that soul shaking moment in the studio when he sings with Jerry Mathias and Raleigh Gordon as The original Maytals: The Harder They Come (1972) - Clip: Sweet And Dandy via @YouTube
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It’s #InternationalReggaeDay July 1st celebrating the beat and the message that has reverberated from Jamaica 🇯🇲 for 60 years; true Roots Rock Reggae transcends race,culture & creed and is universally embraced as a music of hope & inspiration.
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As we approach 2021 we reflect back on all that we have endured, the tragedy & courage that we have witnessed in our communities. But hope springs eternal. We have to hold on to those ‘Positive Vibrations’ just like Bob told us to. Wishing you a peaceful Xmas & NY. Lighters up!
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Shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Peetah Morgan, lead singer in Morgan Heritage. His voice was so special and his contribution to Reggae music globally was incredible. Heartfelt condolences to his family.
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The Reggae world is still reeling from the death of Peetah Morgan, the lead singer of Morgan Heritage; I will be paying tribute to his remarkable career on @bbc1xtra this Sunday 3rd March 1pm -3pm.
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🗣Yes my selector 💥 in the company of one of the true original drum and bass junglist Dee Jays @DJHYPE_PLAYAZ humungous respect from our days together at Kiss FM 📻 in the 90s
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RIP Johnny Nash the silky voiced Texas soul singer who fell in love with Jamaica and Reggae music in 1967 recording two of his biggest hits ‘Hold Me Tight’ & ‘Cupid’ at Federal Studio in Kingston. He worked with Bob Marley bringing him to the UK on one of his first tours.
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Today is the 6th Aug & Jamaica celebrates 59 years of independence so you can imagine how proud I was to have been presented with my Order Of Distinction Medal yesterday by H.E. Seth George Ramocan CD at the Jamaican High Commission in London. A very special moment in my life.
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The Reggae world has lost one of its greatest champions! Tony Williams died suddenly yesterday but leaves us a great radio 📻heritage to remember him by; his Sunday lunchtime Reggae program on @BBCRadioLondon in 70s & 80s had a massive, devoted audience who loved & admired him.
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I can't believe the day has finally come, my Autobiography is out today with all credit due to @iburrell and @LittleBrownUK
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I'm tired of the lies and falsehoods so I'm actually bothering to 'respond' to Lloydie Coxsone's video rant.
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It was 10 years ago today that we lost one of Jamaica’s greatest singers, the legendary Alton Ellis whose mastery of songwriting and vocal styling 🎙made him an iconic figurehead of Ska, Rock Steady 🗣and Reggae; this photograph is from 1967. 💫🌟✨💫💫⭐️🌟
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I will be presenting a full tribute to U Roy this Sunday 28th February at 1pm on @bbc1x 🎙tune in worldwide using the @BBCSounds app 🎧 I was so proud to get this photo with him in Mandela Park, Kingston back in 2016.
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The prodigious Reggae star Frankie Paul died this morning in hospital in Jamaica, aged 52. His incomparable voice and songs are his legacy🎙🎙
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It’s so utterly sickening to hear England fans boo when a rival team’s National Anthem is played …they just did it again when the Danish National Anthem played. What happened to having some respect for your opponents in sport.
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Just found these old photos that I took of the legendary ⚡️Augustus Pablo ✨at his yard in Jamaica back in ‘85 . the man who created the ‘Far East Sound’ of Rockers music 🎶 his musical legacy lives on 🎧#ReggaeSumfest
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My very special guest tonight at 7pm through until 9pm is the legendary Jamaican star King Yellowman. here his music and his story.
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Full tribute to the Reggae icon Toots Hibbert this Sunday 20th Sept at 1pm on the BBC @1Xtra and @BBCSounds . yup 54-46 that was his prison number when he was sent to jail for being in possession of ganja back in 1967. but his music will live forever.
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Saddened to learn of the passing of Count Shelly a pioneer of UK Sound System culture and major proprietor of record shops and Reggae labels thus enabling so many to discover Reggae music. Condolences to the family especially his grandson @ShyFX
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I’m on @bbcworldservice at 11:50 GMT regarding the @UNESCO announcement that Reggae has been added to a list of international cultural treasures which the United Nations has deemed worthy of protecting and promoting.
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Today’s a big day for Jamaica because it’s National Heroes Day & it’s also a big day for me as it’s the day when the Governor General presents his National Honours & Awards Ceremony. I’ve have been awarded the Order Of Distinction & I am beyond grateful.
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Join me at 2pm today on the BBC @bbc1xtra for my tribute to Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry including a freestyle session we recorded with him in 2014.
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It’s a great film and if you love Reggae it’s essential viewing👌🏼
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In memory of U Roy . these two albums exemplified his remarkable vocal dexterity, interweaving his jive talk in between the singers vocals & transposing the open air sound system feeling into our homes. It was all in the tone of voice & the inflections🎙
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Wonderful memories hanging out with the great U. Roy down in Jamaica….his music lives on.
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For the past 40 years I have had the privilege of championing Reggae music on my radio shows and in clubland so by way of celebration I’m going on tour for 2018 and I will be joined by some very special guests 🙏🏼
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If you love Reggae join me at 13:00GMT today on the BBC 🎙 @1Xtra @BBCSounds. fans of the music still do crazy things like getting a selfie with Daddy U Roy whilst clutching his first album 👌🏼
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Another Reggae icon has slipped away; heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of B. B. Seaton one of Jamaica’s original pioneers whose work covered six decades from his early Ska recordings with his group The Gaylads. Full tribute this Sunday 10th March on @1Xtra
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This Sunday 18th October 1-3pm my show on @1Xtra will be devoted to the life of one of Jamaica’s greatest record producers, the late Bunny ’Striker’ Lee. His catalogue of hits assures him of his rightful place in the pantheon of Jamaican music. We celebrate his life and work. RIP
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This was what it looked like in Manchester yesterday🌞Thanks to all the loving people who came to the Ram Jam stage @Parklifefest ❤️#onelove
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Truly saddened to learn of the death of Pat Kelly, one of Reggae’s most soulful singers and a true gentleman. He recorded numerous hits most notably ‘How Long Will It Take’ which was the big number one single in the summer of ‘69. He leaves behind a great legacy of music.
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Prince Buster wasn't just a Ska pioneer he also produced one of Jamaica's first ever Dub albums 'The Message'
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The original Maytals circa 1964 Toots centre alongside Jerry and Raleigh and together they blew up a storm of Ska fever. my favourite song from that era is ‘Broadway Jungle’ ♨️♨️♨️
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I’ve just woken up in New York City and have just received the call! We’ve SOLD OUT The Royal Albert Hall in 3 hours! Absolutely BONKERS! Thank you all 🙏🏼
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In memory of Robbie Shakespeare, with Sly Dunbar at the wheel, founders of The Taxi Gang 🏁driving along North Parade, downtown Kingston in the ‘80s when their hits blasted 📣 out of transistor radios 📻 taxis, rum bars, jukeboxes & rub-a-dub dances island wide.♨️♨️♨️♨️♨️🔉🔉🔉
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Out here in Osaka with Mighty Crown and Don Letts having a wonderful time. The dance last night was a roadblock! 🔉🔉🇯🇵🇯🇵
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BBC Radio 1Xtra - David Rodigan, Best Of Reggae Music from 2020
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Now this is one Jamaican session that I wish I could go to. 50 years of sound system culture 💫💫💫💫
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Bonkers weekend of 4 shows! Still getting away with it Rodders!🕺🏻 Thank you to all the ravers who came to see me! 🙏🏼
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If you love Reggae then join me at 1pm this lunchtime GMT as we reflect back on a classic and highly influential album from @Protoje as part of Black History Month listen via @BBCSounds @1Xtra also the best of this months new releases.
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RIP Michael Prophet 3rd March 1957 - 16th December 2017.
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Here’s the link to my tribute to Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry The Upsetter.
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Back on the radio this Sunday 1-3pm with lots of new music including the first new Super Cat record in over 10 years! Produced by Salaam Remi 👏🏼🔥 @1Xtra
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Calling all Reggae heads! This Sunday 11th April it's another action packed two hour lunch of great Reggae music from 1-3pm on @1Xtra with brand new music from Alborosie, Maxi Priest, Joe Mersa Marley ft Busy Signal and many more! My selector!
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My Autobiography is out THIS THURSDAY! Pre order Amazon: 📕
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If you love real authentic Reggae music please join me this Sunday on the BBC🎙️ @1Xtra at 1pm GMT also on @BBCSounds worldwide.
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Confession time: I so wanted this record but I’d run out of money that weekend so I convinced my sister Mary to buy it ‘for herself’ as it was such a hot song…so she did. But guess who spent the rest of his life playing it ? Err yup …me 🫣 thanks little sis xx
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This gentleman is a big part of my 40 year story in this business. His name is Papa Face. My original MC and soul brother. Together we held down a weekly residency at Gossips in the West End for 20 years. Respect is due.
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Listen to @officialgiggs rinse out cut after cut of the ultimate Sounboy Killer Riddim #stalag hosting my show on @1Xtra
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I had the pleasure of meeting up with my good friend Yellowman at BBC @1Xtra today; still referred to as ‘The King’ Of Dee Jays by his fellow Jamaican music bredrin. An iconic figure who has overcome many hurdles in the past 40 years. He’s in concert tonight at the Brixton Jamm.
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Before social media this was how we used to find out where the hottest sessions were …we listened to the DJ reading out flyers …in this case the voice belongs to the great U. Roy recorded live at Skateland, Kingston JA circa ‘83
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Loving the new @ShyFX Reggae Remix of @JorjaSmith @Stormzy1 'Let Me Down' and big up @AnnieMac for hottting it up @BBCR1NowPlaying
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Memories…🔊🔊back in the day with the great U. Roy in Kingston, Jamaica. If you love Reggae music then join me at 1pm ~ 3pm today GMT on the BBC 🕐@BBC1XtraNowPlay listen worldwide on @BBCSounds 🎙️🎙️📻
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🗣”What does it take to be a man to show love when hate is at hand” as sung by @BittyMcLean1 one of Reggae music’s greatest stars.
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Record collections can be dangerous places to start venturing into when minutes can soon become hours lost in the joy of playing and reminiscing on the quality of classic songs and instrumentals; what about this for a double sided jammer. #reggae
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If you love Jamaican music join me at 2pm today on the BBC @1Xtra for the best in new Reggae music and my most treasured Prince Buster dub of ‘Hard Man Fe Dead’ listen worldwide using @BBCSounds app
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“I can only be myself and myself is all I’ve been, your jealousy me use and measure your criticism . an honest screw face is better than a grin” lyrics courtesy of @damianmarley #realreggae
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It is with great sadness that I have just learned of the death of Jamaica's music icon and pioneer, Prince Buster. A true music legend.
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Still flying high from last night at the Royal Festival Hall! A truly amazing celebration of Reggae Music. Big love and heartfelt thanks to all the stars, artists, the Outlook Orchestra and the wonderful audience for turning on the heat. This night will stay with me forever.
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Hi Reggae fans my special guest this Sunday 5th November @bbc1xtra will be @CollieBuddz playing tracks from his new album. Listen worldwide on @BBCSounds 📣
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I’m honoured to announce that on Monday the @MuseumofLondon presents an exhibition display and documentary film titled ‘David Rodigan: 40 Years Of London Nights’. It will highlight four decades of music and club culture featuring some very special guests!
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Happy 76th birthday to Booker T (seated front) leader of the MG’s who together made such amazing ground breaking soul music for Stax Records in the 60’s 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
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Another day down the rabbit hole but we’ve always got the radio 📻 we’ve got our music and we’ve all got friends and families and loved ones . and we���ve got books 📚 the cheapest form of travel. Enjoy your day as best you can.
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The Reggae world has lost one of its cornerstones…the great Family Man; thank you to David Katz for this wonderful reflection on his life and works….Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett obituary
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Theresa May was Home Secretary when thousands of landing cards – recording dates of arrival in the UK – were thrown away, despite staff warnings that it would be harder for Caribbean-born residents to establish their right to be in the UK. #WindrushDeportation
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This Sunday 1-3pm live on @1Xtra I’ll be doing a full tribute to the iconic Toots! Lock in as we celebrate his remarkable back catalogue and life’s work.
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At the modest age of 21 🤨 this world tour has taken me across UK, Europe, North America, Bermuda, Jamaica, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. I am forever grateful for the support, for the people I have met along the way, and of course for this music that we all love. 🙏🏼
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Salute to @DJHYPE_PLAYAZ one of the original pioneers of Jungle straight outta Hackney . memories of dub plate cutting at Music House in the early ‘90s🥁🥁🥁🥁🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯
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This is one serious collection of tracks, an outstanding album embracing all the influences that @ShyFX has grown up with and in turn created 🌟🌟🌟🌟
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