banton.org meets rodigan.com
If you are anyone serious about reggae music, you will have heard of the phenomenon that is Sir David Rodigan. A man much like myself in that at a very early age, fell deeply in love with reggae music.
Unlike myself, Rodigan went very deep into the reggae world and about a decade or so before I became hooked on the best music in the world. I don’t know how he did it but hat’s off to him, he became a very well educated man of the reggae genre. It was many years ago when I first heard of David and started to see videos of him, playing tunes with world famous Barry G among other clashes and features. David worked for the BBC and was able to use that platform as he did others, to promote reggae music and his knowledge of it.
I can’t sit here and write a whole bunch that I know of David, because as with artists, musicians and people in general, I didn’t really study people, but I did respect those I got to witness, in the industry, doing their thing, pushing and loving the music. If you wish to know more, you can google him and see many web pages, even his own wikipedia and find out more about the man, the legend.
But a week or so ago, my wonderful sister told me her friend had bought them tickets to go to his dance, right here in my home town, Wolverhampton. And having spoken to David not so long ago via email, I sent a smoke signal to his inbox to let him know and it might be possible that we link up, so I can show him the painting I did of him, in person and of course meet him for the first time ever. Amazingly, David responded and put me on the guest list, giving me a backstage pass.
The dance was pretty epic, full of people, lots of grown happy fully vibed people. People inclduing myself, singing their heads of. Shout out to the big bad captain and his son for the heavyweight set they put together. I regret I didn’t get to speak to Captain as I have known the man since he used to buy music from Genesis Records where I worked as a youngster.
Rodigan appeared on stage and with good good vibes already flowing, he just did his thing and kept it going. The entire night was so nice and I hadn’t even thought about the fact that I was going to meet him at the end and show him my work. But then to time came and I was called backstage so off I went with the painting and walked in to see David getting changed, as he was cooked with heat and I couldn’t help myself “bloody hell David, you could have got dressed” and we all laughed. Moments later, I was telling Rodigan of my little and long entrance into the reggae world and a quick note about how I got into painting and my retirement from pushing reggae music as much as I did. We then posed for photos, a brotherly hug and that was it, the end of an absolutely brilliant night topped off with meeting the legend and taking this picture.
Respect to my sister Loocie, her friend Amy who both love reggae music too, they had such a great time. Respect to 12 club and the organisers and honour to Hue and others I met at the dance. It was a session to rememeber and of course, massive respect to Sir David Rodigan. One love my brother.
