DEAN FRASER: “THE UNITED KINGDOM NEEDS A YOUNG DAVID RODIGAN!”

REGGAE CHAMPIONS: Dean Fraser (left) and David Rodigan—-

REGGAE VETERAN Dean Fraser feels that the UK is in need of more reggae enthusiasts like David Rodigan.

The celebrated Jamaican saxophonist, whose career has spanned over 40 years, praised the extensive knowledge of the renowned British reggae DJ, and says he can’t understand why so few young black Brits with Jamaican connections, have any interest in the history of reggae music.

“Speak to a man like David Rodigan – the amount of music that he knows about is incredible,” says Fraser, who has played with artists including Bob Marley and Tarrus Riley in his 40-year career.

“I mean, he [Rodigan] has dates and times! But who is understudying him? Where are the younger British people with Jamaican connections who want to learn about reggae music? I don’t know what’s going on.”

Speaking to The Voice during a recent visit to the UK with reggae star Tarrus Riley, Fraser said that young Brits don’t seem to share the same passion for music history as their American counterparts.

“When a new American rapper emerges, more often than not, you can ask him about [soul music legends] Sam Cooke, Donnie Hathaway, Marvin Gaye or Lionel Richie and they’ll have some knowledge of those artists. I admire that.

“It just seems that there is not that same desire amongst young British people with Jamaican connections, to learn about the history of their music.”