SOAS Radio Welcomes DJ Ritu's A World in London
17 August 2011
SOAS Radio is the new home to DJ Ritu's popular world music show, A World in London.
Originally broadcast on BBC London, Ritu’s show has a reputation for presenting a rich cultural mix that reflects the diverse musical tastes of London and its people.
"We are truly excited to welcome DJ Ritu to SOAS," said Carlos Chirinos, the station manager for SOAS Radio. "A World in London is a much-loved institution, and Ritu is a seasoned presenter who consistently delivers high quality content that attracts listeners worldwide.
"The show fits in perfectly with SOAS Radio," he added. "We work closely with academic experts at SOAS to produce programmes that focus on Africa, Asia and the Middle East, as well as their diaspora communities in the UK.”
During her long career, DJ Ritu has interviewed many of the leading lights of world music, including A R Rahman, Angelique Kidjo, Jah Wobble, Tinariwen and Tarkan. She has also introduced listeners to a great deal of new talent over the years. Along the way she has earned a reputation as a down-to-earth presenter who can demystify world music, presenting it as a user-friendly genre which unites cultures and denies barriers.
Fans were devastated when the show was dropped by BBC London in December. Its move to SOAS Radio has been greeted with great enthusiasm, including a feature in a recent edition of TimeOut London headlined 'SOAS Saves the World!'
DJ Ritu said she was delighted with the new home for her show.
“The world truly is at SOAS and its innovative radio station is influencing the next generation of world music fans on its campus and around the globe,” she said. "I’m looking forward to the next chapter of A World in London, where we continue to share, involve and learn about other cultures through dialogue and music that is seldom heard on mainstream British radio.”
DJ Ritu was born in east London and began her career as a pop music expert in 1986. In the 1990s she co-founded Outcaste Records, signing Nitin Sawhney and Badmarsh & Shri. During this period she formed two bands, the Asian Equation and Sister India, for whom she mixed cool Asian Underground vibes with trip-hop, drum & bass and techno. She has toured in more than 30 countries, performing at major venues such as the Royal Festival Hall and festivals such as the Big Chill and WOMAD.
In 2006 she re-launched BBC London's Saturday night world music slot with a particular focus on the UK’s capital and its diverse communities, championing emerging local artists and giving them airspace alongside established international stars.
Ritu also continues to host her weekly Asian music show for BBC3 Counties Radio, which has been airing for 20 years and is syndicated in Germany, Turkey and online. She also runs three London club nights, where she plays unique mixes of North African, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Bollywood music.
A World in London can be heard every Tuesday at 4pm on www.soasradio.org. The show is also available on demand at www.soasradio.org/aworldinlondon.
For further information, contact:
Carlos Chirinos
Studio Manager
SOAS Radio
+44 (0)20 7898 4984
carlos@soas.ac.uk
