After 20 years at the BBC, DJ Ace has left his role as a presenter on Radio 1Xtra. During his time at the station, Ace, whose real name is Ashley Asomani, presented shows including Weekend Breakfast and 1Xtra’s Live Lounge. He stepped down from his daytime weekday slot at the end of 2023 and hosted his final R&B show on the weekend.
Ace interviewed a host of big-name artists during his career, including Alicia Keys, Akon, Usher, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, and Victoria Monét. Singer-songwriter Mahalia credited Ace for her rise in the music industry, telling BBC Newsbeat: “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully put into words what DJ Ace has done for me at the beginning of my career.”
Speaking to the BBC about the past 20 years, Ace said: “Being on the radio and having that safe space, that comfort to be me, play music and interact with the listeners, R&B doesn’t always necessarily get the national airplay and love that it deserves. There hasn’t always been that champion, but 1Xtra has always done that.”
Ace’s departure was announced by the BBC, which thanked him for being an “integral part of the station over the years”. Listen to DJ Ace’s final R&B show on 1Xtra on the BBC website.
In an interview with BBC Newsbeat, Ace responded to comments made by Mahalia, saying: “I’m super proud” of her success. The BBC is also currently holding an auction of rare vinyl and audio equipment from its archive
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