David Rodigan, the UK reggae icon, 65, says he was reluctant to publish a book about his life, but adds: “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,” he says. “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.”
The book shines a light on Rodigan’s four-decade love affair with reggae and follows his path from Oxfordshire-born army sergeant major’s son to world-renowned champion of the genre, earning respect from generations of reggae fans.
Over the past four decades, Rodigan has judged countless soundclashes and amassed a vintage dubplate collection from some of reggae’s biggest names – and he is still a megafan who collects autographs every time he meets an artist he admires.
Now he continues to perform at festivals and parties all over the world, as well as presenting an essential weekly show on BBC Radio 1Xtra and hosting his own annual three-month Summer Series on BBC Radio 2.
My Life in Reggae is out on March 20, with a book launch and tour running throughout March. The tour will feature Q&As and sets from guests while Rodigan talks the audience through his enviable dubplate collection.
The first event, happening on March 3rd at Mick’s Garage in London, will be hosted by Gilles Peterson, with a Q&A followed by DJ sets from Rodigan and Soul II Soul’s Jazzie B.
Pre-order the book here.
