11/10/2022
Today marks the first year since publication day. (Before the long talk, you can get a signed copy priced at £11.90 for today only on the website. Link in bio. Thanks for the love and strength. Guidance and blessings one and all.)
Yes, it’s been a year since Run the Riddim: The Untold Story of 90s Dancehall to the World made its first venture from my head to the sheets and finally into the streets. As good as I believed it was (trust me, it wouldn’t have seen the light of day if I thought it would bring shame on the family name), I can’t even begin to verbalise my love for the response. Just thinking back, it was the only self-published book in the Guardian’s best books of 2021 (without any PR or even sending a review copy), received glowing reviews from Riddim Magazine and Loud and Quiet, a best-seller at Dub Vendor, and been shouted out on both Instagram and BBC Radio 1Xtra by the great David Rodigan MBE, OD. I also did a guest lecture at Goldsmiths University. And I’m thankful to every single one of you that bought, shared and told me how much it meant to you. I’m so proud to be of service to the music, culture and community that have evoked so many treasured memories. All I wanted to do was document and amplify the stories before they’re lost. This was an idea which turned into a project during the lockdown in 2020. It was a very dark and uncertain time but this kept me both entertained and occupied. I wouldn’t change the experience for anything. My one piece of advice is: follow your heart even if others don’t share your vision. You never know what’s on the other side
