DJ Tiiny dropped by Capital Xtra after soliciting payment in exchange for song plays

DJ known for touring with Stormzy said he was ‘very sorry to everyone this has affected’

Radio station Capital Xtra has parted ways with DJ Tiiny after it emerged that he had solicited payments in exchange for song plays.

The DJ had allegedly asked for fees of £200 for songs to be aired on his weekly radio show, in a practice which violates Ofcom’s broadcasting code.

Emails purportedly sent by Tiiny, whose real name is Frank Boakye-Yiadom, were shared on Twitter by producer J Beatz Music.

The screengrab appeared to show Tiiny asking for payment of £200 to include one of the producer’s songs on his radio show and in a playlist.

Tiiny is known for touring with grime artist Stormzy and describes himself as “Stormzy’s official tour DJ” on his Instagram account.

In a statement apologising for his misconduct, he wrote: “Over the last couple of days I have very quickly learnt a much needed lesson. I was given an incredible opportunity within radio and carelessly and irresponsibly took advantage of my position.

“I take full responsibility for my actions and fully accept the consequences as a result.”

The DJ added that he was “very sorry to everyone this has affected” and to those he had “let down”.

Section 10.5 of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code specifically prohibits the practice of “pay-for-play”, which was once common in US radio. 

"No commercial arrangement that involves payment, or the provision of some other valuable consideration, to the broadcaster may influence the selection or rotation of music for broadcast,” the regulation states.

DJ TiiNY (right) standing next to Stormzy (left) at the Global Awards 2018 in London’s Eventim Apollo (James Gourley/Shutterstock)

Tiiny began hosting his Friday night show on Capital Xtra in 2018, playing music that spanned hip-hop, R&B and grime.

The station has since removed Tiiny from its schedule and website.

The Independent has contacted Capital Xtra’s parent company, Global Radio, for comment.