Sonar Sessions 2011 - Pt 1

David Rodigan

Kiss FM, London

At 15, David Rodigan started DJing at school dances and youth clubs – and at 59, he doesn't show any signs of slowing down. Whether it’s juggling priceless dubplates, collecting soundboy scalps on the clash circuit, or edutaining entire generations of revellers worldwide with his legendary sets and speeches, the “Gentleman Rudeboy” is a true reggae rocker for life. Even when he started studying economics and drama, and went on to pursue a serious acting career and of course DJ. And when he finally obtained a resident slot on Capitol Radio in 1979, the fiyah was fully ignited: In the past 30 years, Rodigan has grown to become a true legend in the reggae world and a respected father figure for today's dubstep and bass producers. He only recently compiled a roots ‘n’ culture compilation for BBE Records, went back to back with Toddla T at a host of electronic music festivals, voiced an album intro for dubstep producer Caspa, and still hosts a Monday night slot on Kiss FM, while constantly touring the globe without even a suggestion of fatigue. Here he breaks down the dub continuum to a rapidly growing crowd of ravers: “If you like drum & bass, if you like dubstep, you love King Tubby... give me some signal for the dub master!” Signal is given. To sing it in the words of legendary roots balladeer Horace Andy: Don’t think about Rodigan, he’s alright.