Dubstep began as an incredibly localised sound, focussed around a handful of nights and a small, tight-knit group of producers.
As a teenager, Benga helped to power the scene, supplying many of its early anthems whilst his high-energy DJ sets pushed the sound into fresh arenas.
Now, though, the producer has decided to take a step back. In a short Facebook posting, Benga explained that he was to retire from DJing in order to start a family.
"im engage to Holly-Jae Treadgold the love of my life, my djing career is finished i just wanna start a family. big up to all my real supporters its been a lovely time".
The statement doesn't clarify if Benga is to retire from music completely – the dubstep pioneer has notched up a number of hits, including the production work on Katy B's 'On A Mission'.
Close friend Skream was amongst those paying tribute:
Salute to my brother Benga…. It takes a lot to announce something like that. He's been nothing but pure inspiration to me over the years.
— Oliver Jones (@I_Skream) February 2, 2014
Clash spoke to Benga last year, probing the producer on his all time favourite bass lines – check out that feature HERE.