Your say / Dj Derek
‘DJ Derek immersed himself in Jamaican music, without ever claiming it as his own’
Last week, we saw the plans to create a permanent memorial for Bristol legend, DJ Derek.
With a career that spanned 50 years, he championed reggae music and reached the music scene well beyond his hometown of Bristol. I’m truly happy that the music pioneer will be forever remembered on Stapleton Road, overlooking the M32 and there to see for all those who enter the city.
The 73-year old ex-accountant was one of the earliest White DJs to become so revered in reggae, dancehall and ska music scenes and his passion for Jamaican music was both wholehearted and earnest.
is needed now More than ever
As we approach the fifth anniversary of DJ Derek’s funeral, it seems an appropriate time to remember DJ Derek’s presence in the traditionally Jamaican music scenes.
As a White DJ, he didn’t take Black music as his own and push the originators out of the industry. He entered the reggae music arena where he learned, embodied and wholeheartedly took on the history, culture and people.
DJ Derek’s mural will be painted on Stapleton Road, overlooking the M32/
Daddy G, from Bristol group Massive Attack, described Derek as “an ambassador of cultural exchange” – reminding us all that it’s both possible and important for White DJs to be able to make space for themselves, without pushing the originators to the fringes of the industry.
Today, you’re seeing this ‘cultural exchange’ and respect for Black music less and less.
As a country, we have largely forgotten that Drum & Bass, House and Techno originated from Black DJs, who were the originators and innovators of these music genres.
Once these music genres became more profitable, White DJs from Canada and Europe quickly dominated the scenes, pushing the originators to the margins and whitewashing the lineups we often see headlining nights and festivals.
Daddy G (left), of Massive Attack, knew DJ Derek for many years. Credit: Benjamin McMahon
We only need to glance at the DJ lineup at a Techno night in Bristol to realise that the history and culture of the music have most likely been forgotten.
When we look over the M32 at DJ Derek’s mural, it’s worth remembering that he was important for much more than his eclectic mixes and iconic stage presence. It was his approach to the music industry that was so pioneering. He immersed himself in Jamaican culture, history and music, without ever claiming it as his own.
DJ Derek’s family have started a crowdfunding campaign for the graffiti mural that will be painted on a house in Eastville. You can donate here.
Main Image: Nigel Tailby
Read More: Obituary: DJ Derek
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