It’s an unlikely story. A 65 year old Oxfordshire born man who, over the course of his life, has become a world renowned, international DJ and broadcaster who has championed the music of Jamaica across the world, despite, as he says ‘…looking like an accountant or a dentist.”
He’s headlined festivals, has regular shows on 1Xtra and BBC radio 2, and has championed the music of the island as it has morphed through ska and rocksteady to dub, roots and dancehall. And he shows no signs of slowing down, still Venturing into the heartlands of reggae – the downtown dancehalls of Kingston and Montego Bay in Jamaica to compete in sound clash tournaments against the greatest sound systems around.
He says of the book “I’ve always been a champion for the artists and the music, but it was never really about my journey. However, over the years, my story has entwined with Reggae as has my relationship with the culture and people of Jamaica. I was reluctant to publish an autobiography but I was frequently told by artists that I needed to ‘write it down’, not just for myself but for the music, to document the journey and the sounds we’ve come to love. So here I am at the sprightly age of 65 telling my story. I am proud to have been an ambassador for this great music over the past 40 years”.
David will be celebrating the launch of the book with a handful of intimate Q&A events, featuring special guests on selected dates, including Gilles Peterson, Jazzie B (Soul II Soul), Daddy G (Massive Attack) and Mungo’s Hi-Fi. The events, encompassing London, Bristol, Glasgow and Liverpool, will see David in conversation followed by exclusive sets as he narrates through his vintage dubplate collection.
Book Launch & Q&A Tour
03.3 Mick’s Garage, London (hosted by Gilles Peterson, DJ sets from David Rodigan and Jazzie B of Soul II Soul)
11.3 The Lantern Colston Hall, Bristol
25.3 The Art School, Glasgow
26.3 The Merchant, Liverpool
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