Sly Radio & DJ Biography

What Was The First Record You Bought?
Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway – ‘Back Together Again’ – 1979

Where Did It All Begin?
I grew up listening to stations and shows like Soul Spectrum (Capital Radio), Reggae Rockers (Radio London), Radio Invicta, Solar, Horizon and JFM
I bought my first record in 1979. I’m sure is cost me £1.99 for the 12″ of Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway – ‘Back Together Again’. It was around the late eighties that I started getting involved presenting on radio.

What Was Your First Radio Station?
Pioneer Radio was my first station. I had a Sunday 12noon to 2pm programme called the ‘The Sunday Lunchtime Connection’. It was made up of a mixture of original Rare Grooves, Lovers Rock and new Soul, R&B and Reggae songs.

What Station(s) Are You Currently On?
From July 2014 I am broadcasting on Colourful Radio DAB www.colourfulradio.com where I present ‘Soul & Reggae Sundays’ each Sunday between 4pm and 7pm.  The programme is simply and best described as an eclectic, fusion of Soul and Reggae + much more.

I play classics mainly from the 70’s 80’s and 90’s plus brand new fresh music from today.

Most Sundays I have artist interviews both national and international. In 2016 I had 35 artist interviews and in 2015 40 guests appeared on my show.
In 2015 Colourful Radio was voted ‘Best Radio Station’ at the Urban Music Awards. Colourful Radio was also nominated for 2016 ‘Best Radio Station’ at the Urban Music Awards.

I also script, arrange, produce and voice-over professional radio adverts, stings, drops and jingles.

What Other Stations Have You Played On?
In 1991 I recorded a 20minute broadcast as part of Choiceathon ’91 in the Choice (96.9) FM studios.

I have played music on various community based radio stations up to 1993. I was invited to join a Restricted Service Licence (RSL) broadcast with Hype FM in August 1994. I went on to do ten more RSL’s with People’s Choice, Avenues FM, West 10 FM and Rockers FM over the next four years.

After around twelve years presenting my BIG break finally happened in February 1999 with South East London’s HOT STUFF FLR 107.3 FM legal radio station serving the communities of Lewisham, Southwark and Greenwich.

On Monday 4th December 2000 FLR 107.3 FM changed its name to Fusion Radio 107.3 FM. I stayed at Fusion Radio until April 2002. I presented a show on Liquid (London) DAB between September 2002 and January 2004. This digital station was part of the Scottish Media Group (SMG) which also runs Virgin Radio.

Sound Radio 1503 AM launched on Friday 26th July 2002 my first show was on Sunday 28th July 2002. I remained with the station until October 2004.

Life FM was an internet only station back in June 2005 when I joined them. As part of the journey in getting the 103.6 FM full time community radio licence, I also presented on two RSL’s at the station. On16/02/06 Ofcom announced the award of a new FM community radio licence for Life FM.

Life 103.6 FM began broadcasting on 16th April 2007 after a very successful 18 months which cumulated in being awarded The Nations & Regions Awards 2008 London Branch and nominated for the Sony Radio Academy Awards Station of The Year.

On Monday 8th December 2008 Life 103.6 FM changed its name to BANG Radio 103.6 FM. I remained with the station until June 2014.

What Venues Do You Currently Play Music At?
New venue announcements coming soon.

What Venues Have You Played Music At?
I have played at Broadway Boulevard Ealing, London; Mullins Park Royal, London; Cube Bar Swiss Cottage, London; The Clinic, London W1; Ion Bar & Restaurant, London W10; The Avenue Winebar, West Ealing; Cottons, Islington, London ; The Rum Kitchen, Notting Hill, London and Primo Bar, London + much more.

What’s Your Ultimate Goal?
To own my own radio station, playing quality music for all to enjoy and making a few quid along the way. Away from the radio I would love to own a wine-bar [and restaurant].

What’s Your Top Six Tunes Of All Time?
‘AIN’T NO STOPPIN’ US NOW ‘ by (Gene) McFadden & (John) Whitehead
‘GROOVIN’ ‘ by The Young Rascals or Collage or BWB or Natural Mystic
‘KEY TO THE WORLD’ by L.J. Reynolds or Rudy Thomas
‘LOVE SETS YOU FREE’ by Kelly Price, Arron Hall & Friends
‘SUGAR BUM BUM’ by Lord Kitchener
YOU’VE MADE ME SO VERY HAPPY – Brenda Holloway or Mel Torme or Alton Ellis or Gloria Estefan

What Are Your Top Five Artists/Groups/Bands Of All Time?
Jean Carne, Rick James, Bob Marley, Slave and Luther Vandross.

What Other Hobbies or Activities Do You Enjoy?
Skiing. I always try and get at least one trip in every other year. There’s just nothing like a great skiing holiday. I’ve skied most of Europe now and am looking forward to taking on North America soon.

Career History

Current Radio Station(s):
Colourful Radio DAB (July 2014 to date)

Previous Radio Stations:
BANG Radio 103.6 FM formerly Life 103.6 FM (June 2005 to June 2014)
Sound Radio 1503 AM (July 2002 to October 2004)
Liquid London DAB (September 2002 to January 2004) part of SMG who also own Virgin Radio
Fusion Radio 107.3 FM formerly FLR (February 1999 to April 2002)

Previous RSL Radio Stations:
Avenues 87.7 FM (October to November 1998)
Avenues 87.7 FM & 107.2 FM (February to March 1998)
Rockers 87.7 FM (December 1997 to January 1998)
W10 87.7 FM (August to September 1997)
Avenues 107.5 FM (July to August 1997)
Rockers 104.9 FM (May to June 1997)
People’s Choice 104.9 FM (December 1996 to January 1997)
Avenues 104.9 FM (June to July 1996)
Hype 107.0 FM (August 1995)
People’s Choice 107.4 FM (May to June 1995)
Hype 87.7 FM (August 1994)

Previous Local Community Radio Stations:
Irie FM
Sky Radio (Skyline)
Peace FM
Medina Radio
Fresh FM
The Big Apple
Pioneer Radio