Reggae DJ David Rodigan lands BBC Radio 1Xtra show

David Rodigan playing a DJ set in a pod on the London Eye (Rex Features)

Veteran reggae broadcaster David Rodigan is to join BBC Radio 1Xtra, just weeks after he quit an award-winning show on a commercial station after 20 years.

The 61-year-old, who is the UK's foremost reggae presenter, walked out on Kiss FM in protest at the "marginalisation" of his music when his programme was shunted to a midnight slot.

He has now signed up to host a two-hour Sunday evening show on Radio 1's digital sister station from February 17, and will also return to Radio 2 to host a 13-part series in the summer.

Rodigan said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining BBC Radio 1Xtra where I can share my passion for both new cutting-edge reggae and classic cuts, reflecting a genre of music which continues to play a paramount role in urban bass culture music."

The presenter, known to fans as Ram Jam, received an MBE a year ago for his services to broadcasting.

He left his Kiss show in November after 22 years telling his fans he wanted to "make a stand for my passion".

The DJ has often acknowledged he is an unlikely-looking champion of reggae.

Recalling a live appearance in Jamaica, he said: "I walk out and you hear this stunning silence, several hundred Jamaicans stared, aghast.

"They saw this white bald-headed man standing on the stage, because many Jamaicans presumed I was a black Londoner."

Ben Cooper, controller of BBC Radio 1Xtra, said: "David Rodigan is a legend in broadcasting and it will be great to listen to him on Sunday evenings on BBC Radio 1Xtra.

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"It's fantastic to welcome someone with his unrivalled knowledge and passion for reggae to the BBC."

Rodigan - who began his radio career on BBC Radio London more than 30 years ago - has been inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame and has won three Sony Gold Awards.

PA