 Ras Kwame’s influence on the UK urban music scene as a whole is not one to be exaggerated and goes beyond the typical Broadcaster/ DJ/ journalist. The London born, Ghana raised disc spinner has become a stalwart of the music industry practically since he began his career some 15 years ago when he began DJing at university before he founded Sugar Shack record store in 1997. Inclusion on his award-winning BBC 1Xtra and Radio 1 shows has proven to be the first crucial step in an artist’s career; just ask Mercury Award winner Ms Dynamite and recent nominee Estelle, while all the major labels have used his tastemaker expertise to create remixes for their hottest acts. Not forgetting his iconic DJ sets in the world’s most enviable locations; from Cannes to Ibiza and Glastonbury. Coverage in publications from RWD to Hip Hop Connection have already given him incredible coverage through his career, while Channel U asked him to host their new music show, Spit TV after the popularity of his Showtime slot. Instrumental to the 2002 launch of BBC’s 1Xtra station with his 100% homegrown show, when someone was needed to fill the late John Peel’s influential Radio One slot in 2005, Ras Kwame was duly brought in along with Rob da Bank and Huw Stephens. It’s no wonder that on Amy Winehouse’s make or break US tour, there was only one DJ who could possible represent the talent the UK had to offer. Yep, you guessed it. “A lot of the time I found myself arguing with people in the industry about why it was important for people to be supporting our own music“ Ras remembers. “It was important for the UK to have our own platform where we were dominant as I thought it was totally ridiculous to be championing imported music all the time. When the 1Xtra opportunity came along I had the idea of doing a UK music based show in its entirety and everyone was all for it. So the whole thing was born out of passion for supporting our own music”. Musical Youth’s Pass The Dutchie was the first vinyl Ras picked up which began his love affair with UK music. “Well I’m still a music fan first and foremost“ he says. “So as a fan I receive music the same way I did before, from listening to the radio,online or going to talent showcases etc. As a DJ, a lot of artists see me as a starting point for what they do and look to me for support. Music comes to me in many ways. I go out and see as many new acts and bands as possible, I still DJ at clubs so I’m able to hear at a grassroots levels things that are bubbling through. I’ve picked up a lot of contacts along the way and people will send me music very early as well” says the man who’s provided turntables for major US acts like the Wu Tang Clan, Public Enemy and The Fugees. Coming from an artistic background himself, Ras is one half of the infamous UK garage production outfit 'M-dubs, responsible for UK Garage anthems including 'Bump'n'Grind' featuring Jamaica's Lady Saw , 'Over Here' featuring Ritchie Dan and Bodykillin featuring Vincent Alvis. His legendary 'LIVE' sessions which showcases the hottest acts in UK black music at the world famous BBC Maida Vale studios has seen acts like Lemar, Simon Webbe, Kano ,Taio Cruz, Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, Bashy, Jay Sean and Sway perform. His reputation as one of the UK’s most respected DJ has been cemented with four MOBO nominations and two consecutive Urban Music Award wins. In addition to his huge achievement and unparalleld work ethic he is regularly asked to speak at seminars and conferences where he gives out support and guidance to aspiring musicians and dj’s. Ras Kwame truly lives and breathes his craft. “I’m a great believer that UK urban music can become as dominant as it’s US counterpart because the UK scene is in the same place as the US was maybe 10 to 15 years ago“ he says. “I can see the evolution being the same but I think we’re in a much better position to do it musically”.
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