Urban Music Expert and Radio 1 DJ Ras Kwame Joins The Judging Panel

Influential radio presenter and DJ Ras Kwame has just confirmed his place on the judging panel of Live and Unsigned 2010!

His knowledge and influence on the UK music scene is undisputed – Ras is a leader in representing the UK urban scene and encouraging the UK’s new music talent, so will definitely be popular on the judging panel!

The London born, Ghana raised DJ moved to London and began his career 15 years ago. He started out as a DJ at University and founded Sugar Shack record store and recording studio in 1997. His understanding of the business in the music industry is undeniable, as he formed Baby Shack Record Label. The label, which specialised in UK garage, was hugely successful in the underground scene and was responsible for some massive garage anthems including chart topper Bump n Grind. Ras’s career launched into radio in 2002, with his 100% homegrown music show on BBC 1Xtra, and it was when someone was needed to fill the late John Peel’s influential Radio 1 slot in 2005, that Ras was brought in! Inclusion on his award winning BBC 1Xtra and Radio 1 shows have proven to be a crucial first step in an artist’s career.

Ras has presented a range of music shows over the years including Channel U, Trouble TV and MTV Base. More recently he can be seen hosting the BBC’s legendary Live sessions which showcases the hottest acts in the UK black music scene at the world famous BBC Maida Vale Studios. These include acts like Lemar, Dizzie Rascal, Kano and Taio Cruz.

Chris Grayston, Events Director of Live and Unsigned commented, “This is awesome news for all the urban acts in the competition. Ras is such an influential character in the industry. His work on Radio 1 and BBC1Xtra has secured his place as one of the most recognisable names in the music industry and we can’t wait to work with him.”

Ras has just released a CD compilation representing the best music in the country, Urban Goodies. Apart from his love of music, Ras is an avid sports fan and enjoys football, world history, spirituality, politics and travel.