Benji B is set to takeover from Radio 1 host Mary Anne Hobbs later this month.
Mary Anne Hobbs has led a fascinating career. Obsessed with punk, she left behind her home in Yorkshire to work with the music press, eventually helping to introduce grunge to UK audiences.
Always a fan of noisy electronica, an experience at London club DMZ led Mary Anne Hobbs to become an evangelist for the then nascent dubstep scene. A Radio 1 mainstay, the DJ announced her intention to step down earlier this year.
In a smooth transition, Radio 1 bosses have decided to hand the reins of her Breezeblock show to Benji B. A well respected DJ at 1Xtra, Benji B has a solid reputation amongst fans of underground dance music.
Recently hosting a soundsystem at the Notting Hill Carnival, Benji B announced the appointment over his Twitter feed: “Happy to announce that my new show on Radio 1 will start on the 14th October at 2 am!”
Inundated by messages of congratulations from fans, the DJ then said: “Wow thanks for all the love and support!”
Meanwhile, Mary Anne Hobbs has completed her stint on Radio 1. Last night the long running Breezeblock show ended with a lengthy edition, re-visiting some highlights from her decade long run.
Amongst the finest moments was a repeat of the ‘Dub Warz’ session from 2006, perhaps the first example of dubstep on mainstream radio. A huge boost to the scene, the repeat comes as Magnetic Man and Katy B score Top Ten hits.
Mary Anne Hobbs is set to take up a lecturing post in broadcasting at the University Of Sheffield – expect application numbers to go through the roof.
All the best from ClashMusic!
