English DJ David Rodigan has been awarded an Order Of Distinction by the Jamaican Government for his global promotion of Jamaican music. Rodigan’s undeniable success comes from his deep-rooted passion for reggae music and culture since he was a schoolboy. The longstanding champion of reggae and dancehall began his career in London in the ‘70s on BBC Radio where he had a popular show. It was at the time, the only mainstream radio programme that played reggae music. He has gone on to play Jamaican dance halls to London super clubs for loyal fans worldwide.
Rodigan’s undeniable success comes from his deep-rooted passion for reggae music and culture since he was a schoolboy.
The award has sparked a backlash from Rick Trooper a Jamaican dancehall selector, and owner of Sound Trooper The World Sound. He wrote on his Instagram account no other sound system selector from Jamaica had received such an honour.He expressed his dismay that the Jamaican Government chose to give an award to a non-national, he wrote: “No selector from Jamaica has ever gotten a OD, but so it go.”
According to records, Jamaican sound systems like Stone Love have received the Order of Distinction for contributions to Jamaican music. In contrast, veteran Jamaican dance hall artists Yellow Man, Mr Vegas, plus Pat McKay Director of Reggae at Sirius XM Radio and many others offered their congratulations.
“Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine this happening, and the fact that I’m not Jamaican resonates with me even more. I’m truly humbled and, I am still reeling from the shock. Thank you.” Said Rodigan on his Twitter account.
He will officially receive the award “for outstanding service to the promotion of Jamaican music across the world” at the annual National Honours and Awards ceremony which takes place on National Heroes’ Day on the 19th of October 2020 which is also during Black History Month.
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