British disc jockey and sound system selector David Rodigan (second right) handing over an 8 Channel Interface to the Alpha Institute on Wednesday at the school’s South Camp Road headquarters. From left are: Margaret Little Wilson (Alpha adminstrator); Alpha Principal Janet Grant; Andre Adman, Alpha’s music director; and Jason Panton of Yaadcore sound system. (Photo: Steve James)—-

Famed British disc jockey and sound system veteran David Rodigan donated an 8 Channel Interface to the Alpha Institute on Wednesday. The presentation took place at the school’s South Camp Road headquarters in central Kingston.

The multifaceted equipment will assist the school’s music program by allowing its studio to record multiple instruments at the same time.

Celebrating his 40th year in the music business, Rodigan is in Jamaica for the Dubwise Jamaica event scheduled for tomorrow at Dub Garden, West Kings House Road. He will play genre-splitting Jamaican music alongside music producer/sound system operator Lloyd “King Jammy” James and the Yaadcore sound system.

David Rodigan
David Rodigan

Formerly known as Alpha Boys’ School, the Alpha Institute has produced a number of stellar musicians who contributed significantly to the development of Jamaican popular music. Saxophonists Tommy McCook, Lester Sterling, and Headley Bennett; trombonist Don Drummond; trumpeters Bobby Ellis and David Madden; drummer Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace; and singers Johnny Osbourne and Leroy Smart attended Alpha.

— HC

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