Nearly two decades ago in a flat in East London, Rinse FM was born. After being fired from pirate radio Pressure FM, DJ Geeneus began his own station. Seventeen years later, the pioneering station celebrated its (now legitimate) success at the O2 Academy, Brixton. The birthday bash was no secret matter with Mz Bratt tweeting, ‘Looking forward to performing at the @RinseFM bday bash tonight @ Brixton Academy...gonna #TearItAllDown!!!!!’

Commuters on the south end of the Victoria Line were met with London city ravers on Brixton road. Past the queues, security checks and a quick stop over at Morley’s Chicken, Rinse presented three rooms playing the best of grime, dubstep, bassline and garage. As UK’s finest acts such as Newham Generals, P Money, Roll Deep and Miss Dynamite took to the stage, the venue was filled with all things bass. DJ Plastician and Marcus Nasty were amongst the extensive line-up geared to mix and blend for the celebration, while Jamie George conducted a Happy Birthday sing-along that would make any of us feel special. 

As night turned to morning, the main auditorium was filled to the brim with Rinse’s listeners, DJ’s and artists, while drinks quenched the movers and shakers.  It was only right that Rinse’s own Katy B was on the bill. Following her performance at the station’s 16th birthday in September last year, the UK’s leading lady of bass Tore. It. Up.  With a top ten set list from her debut album and a summer of festival practice, there was no doubt that Katy was one of the best acts of the night.

Epitomising the current UK scene, Rinse FM’s 17th birthday was a night not to be missed. After obtaining a legal radio license last year, there is no doubt Rinse will be even bigger on their 18th birthday next year, when the station reaches its legal age into adulthood.

If you can’t wait till next year, don’t worry. Join Rinse on Boxing Night, 26th December 2011 to dance away all that Christmas turkey!

Visit Rinse online at http://rinse.fm/ or listen live on 106.8 FM London.

Peace.

WORDS: 

@AlmassB