DJ Dextrous: Drum and Bass Biography, Releases and Upcoming Events

Errol Francis, professionally known as DJ Dextrous, is a British DJ, producer, and composer hailing from Stoke Newington in the London Borough of Hackney. During his school years at Brooke House Secondary School, he was classmates with notable figures such as DJ Hype and members of Shut Up and Dance. His early musical involvement included playing the trumpet in the school brass band and singing in the choir, laying a solid foundation for his future career in music.

In 1992, DJ Dextrous released his debut track, Ruffneck Biznizz, on Ruff Quality Recordings, which topped the Kiss FM House charts and was among the pioneering tracks that shaped the emerging jungle scene. The following year, he co-founded King of the Jungle Records with Rude Boy Keith, further cementing his influence in the genre. Their collaboration yielded the acclaimed Da Kings of the Jungle trilogy, contributing significantly to the evolution of jungle music.

Beyond his production work, DJ Dextrous was a prominent figure on London's pirate radio circuit, notably with Kool FM, where he showcased his DJing prowess and promoted the jungle sound. His versatility extended to projects like Solid State, where he explored deeper, Detroit-influenced sounds, and Transcendent Minds, delving into urban fusion genres such as broken beats and future jazz.

In 2003, DJ Dextrous's exceptional talent was recognised with both a BAFTA and an Ivor Novello Award for his work on the documentary Feltham Sings, making him one of the few artists from the jungle scene to receive such prestigious accolades. His enduring contributions have left an indelible mark on the evolution of jungle and drum and bass music, inspiring countless artists and enthusiasts within the electronic music landscape.