Classic

He grew up in Manor Park, East London and actually played the piano for a time, then moved onto the trumpet and the cornet and was part of the Newham Academy of Music where the ear for sounds was developed.

Elayne Smith, popularly known as DJ Elayne, is a beautiful and talented individual who deserves a lot of credit for her dedication to media, entertainment and music. She is a female who defied all the stereotypes and with her energy and exuberance, catapulted herself to the forefront of radio in the 1980’s.

The quotes above are just a couple out of many accolades bestowed by peers over the years in tribute to Zak’s contribution in shaping the black music scene of the 80s, 90s and beyond. The emergence and growth of many genres of black music during the last 30 odd years can be attributed to LWR. Including all the homegrown UK genres the radio station supported during its hey day, such as Lovers Rock, Acid Jazz, Street Soul, Rare groove, etc. as well as the relatively more recent genres established in some cases long after LWR’s dominance of London’s airwaves, such as Jungle, Drum N Bass, Electronic, Techno, UKG, Funky House, Bashment etc. Zak’s involvement during the early years of the London black music scene cannot be underestimated. But has been downplayed by mainstream media looking for a champion of their own.

DJ Elayne, Barry Bee and Jay Jay ‘getting hot’, together known as the LWR Soul Syndicate, held down a number of club residencies back in the day.

Barry B is the legendary LWR master-mix dance party DJ, come songwriter and producer., who originally pioneered the first regular (live on air) mix show to broadcast on UK radio.