Rodigan blows off Kiss

DAVID Rodigan, the British disc jockey and reggae historian, has resigned from Kiss FM after over 20 years at the popular London radio station.

Rodigan, whose show was recently moved to a midnight slot, cited "continued marginalisation" of reggae as the reason for him leaving.

According to Rodigan, the time change "left me no option but to make a stand for my passion".

A statement from Kiss said the station was "very sad and disappointed" to confirm Rodigan's departure.

"We have the utmost love and respect for David both personally and professionally," the statement continued.

"He leaves with our sincere appreciation and gratitude for all that he has achieved with Kiss."

Rodigan was inducted into the Sony Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2005 and was made an MBE in Queen Elizabeth's 2012 New Year's honours list for services to broadcasting.

Rodigan, 60, came to prominence in Jamaica during the 1980s when he was involved in several sound system clashes with Jamaican disc jockey Barry 'Barry G' Gordon, who worked at the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation.

A student of reggae, Rodigan's 'sound' has played throughout Asia, Europe and North America.

(from Jamaica Observer)