MJ Bio

mj

Wayne “MJ” Nevers is one of the UK’s leading DJs and pioneers of real soul music

MJ was born in Greenwich, London, where a passion for music started at a young age courtesy of the legendary house parties which his mum held in the mid-seventies. What was it about these parties that was so inspiring?

“I was only around 6 or so, but I can remember the grown-ups really feeling the boogie. They were captivated and enveloped in joy by the grooves of the era – the bump, the hustle, flared trousers, satin pants, and afros. All the building blocks a soul DJ could ever need. Plus add in Evel Knievel and the Star Wars trilogy and the Force is complete!”

These early influences have had a lasting effect on a DJ who manages to recapture this magical feeling in every one of his shows and sets. Transporting each and every listener to a time and a place that was very special, a whole new generation can share in some of the magic of this glorious era along with those who experienced it first time around.

Early career

MJ’s record-spinning path started in 1981 with the task of sorting out the sounds for late great Steve Walsh.

“I was basically a record joey, and big bags they were too”

It was in the summer of 1982 when he got his big break in London, doing the warm-up set for Lindon Tee, Gordon Mack and Steve Walsh. And he hadn’t even left school!

During the early eighties, definitive stations such as Radio Invicta, Horizon, JFM, LWR and Solar Radio helped create a huge increase in the awareness and popularity of soul music. It was inevitable that soul music would break down all barriers, and a young MJ was very much part of this pioneering era in radio’s history.

Radio career

MJ Enjoyed colaborations with a host of DJ on leading radio stations at the time, Horizon and Solar radio. Here he met up with the legendary Les Adams who helped bring something completely new to the soul music experience: the Master Mix. MJ couldn’t have taken his inspiration from anyone better, Les Adams going down in history as a man who helped change the face of UK radio forever. This is Inspiration which, he says, has stayed with him to date.

“In the early 80’s, the only way to spend your bank holiday weekend was at Caister. London was also hot and the artists knew that! Maze, Jean Carne, Luther Vandross – just a few who graced our shores. My friends at Mastermind Roadshow brought over Africa Bambatta to set a new spin to playing on the wheels of steel!

I have had the pleasure of seeing music eras change and change again and the DJ’s that change with them. But me! I don’t think so! Here’s some clubs on my circuit you might have got down to: Vibe, Spats, 100 Club, Ronnie Scott’s, Pink Flamingos, Gin Palace, Dunn Cow, The Wag, Gossips, Legends and many many more”

Soul A.M.

More recently, MJ received an invitation to join leading London based radio station Unknown FM.

“The owners were original soul heads from the school of funk. There was one small catch….9 AM till Noon Sundays! I took it and named it SOUL AM. I soon found out it was one of the best moves I have recently made. Real music listeners both young and old with nothing but respect for the grooves we all love”

The show has become essential listening for London’s many soul devotees. The show’s unique nature has included many features over its many years on air, including:

  • The Dance Decade – playing homage to ten years in order per week to club
  • Soul from 1977/87 – each week a new year, just like being there
  • Undiluted – playing 3 club classics chosen by you the listener via email
  • Classic Artists – paying homage to artists, albums and compilations, such as the Street Sounds collection.

“I love soul music and I hope you do too!”
The Master Jay, 2008