Headphone Highlights

David Rodigan

Kiss FM, BBE, London

At 15, David Rodigan started DJing at school dances and youth clubs – and at 58, he doesn't show any signs of slowing down. Whether it’s collecting soundboy scalps on the clash circuit, juggling dubplates other selectors would sell their grandmas for, or edutaining entire generations of dancehall 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 in the ‘70s, Roddy always kept his passion for music alive as a record salesman 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, a respected father figure for many an aspiring soundboy, and a dreaded dominator in countless dubplate battles. He only recently won the renowned RIDDIM Soundclash, compiled a roots ‘n’ culture compilation for BBE Records, 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. To sing it in the words of legendary roots balladeer Horace Andy: Don’t think about Rodigan, he’s alright.