After a lengthy career of over 10,000 hours on air and 3,500 shows, DJ Ace, real name Ashley Asomani, is preparing to say goodbye to his 1Xtra microphone. Ace joined the station almost two decades ago in 2002 and has since hosted a variety of shows such as Weekend Breakfast and 1Xtra’s Live Lounge, as well as interviewing the likes of Alicia Keys, Akon, Usher, Lizzo, and John Legend.
Despite working with some of the biggest names in the industry, Ace’s R&B show served as a platform for newer artists who are often neglected by mainstream radio. The artist has been hailed as a champion of UK R&B and credited with helping to propel the careers of emerging artists. Mahalia, who credits Ace for her rise to fame, thanked him for playing her music when nobody else would, saying “I just have to say thank you Ace, forever.”
Ace’s position at 1Xtra also allowed him to lend his voice to wider issues affecting not only the music industry but the world at large. Following the death of George Floyd last year, Ace reflected the views of many in the Black community during that emotional time of unrest and change. In addition, Ace became a voice for the importance of organ donation in Black and Asian communities, particularly after he personally underwent a transplant following a three-year wait.
Ace’s love of wrestling was another passion that 1Xtra enabled him to pursue, allowing him to interview wrestling legends such as The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Undertaker. In his final show, Ace plans to let the music speak for itself, continuing to champion emerging UK R&B artists and help keep the genre alive and well
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More