Award-winning British DJ/producer/radio host Steve “Smooth” Sutherland has died, according to reports on social media. Details regarding the death are not yet known.
Sutherland’s career spanned more than two decades. He was a major force in the U.K. urban music scene, producing R&B, two-step, hip-hop, UK garage and grime releases. Sutherland, who release 12 mix albums, garnered a faithful following via his shows on Choice FM and Galaxy FM. He won four MOBO awards.
A founding DJ of urban club brand Twice As Nice, he was a resident DJ at Pacha Ibiza, Ministry Of Sound, Gatecrasher and Cookies and Cream London.
Colleagues from the U.K. music scene have expressed their condolences on social media.
Trevor Nelson tweeted, “I just heard the sad news of another great loss for black music in the UK. Condolences to the family of Steve Sutherland with whom I first met and worked at the Kensington Rooftop Gardens 30 years ago.”
The MOBO Awards tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of DJ Steve Sutherland. His contribution to the British black music scene will never be forgotten.”
I am so gutted to hear of #SteveSutherland’s passing. The amount of times he’d get my to leave my house late in the evening to appear on his radio show “it’s gotta be live Bev, no pre-record business!” A BRILLIANT, well loved DJ with an immense legacy. Gutted.
— Beverley Knight (@Beverleyknight) July 10, 2020
Absolutely devastated to hear my friend Steve Sutherland has passed away 😢 – Rest in peace brother 💔
— Jumpin Jack Frost (@djjjfrost) July 10, 2020
It is with great sadness we announce the loss of another Legend with the passing Steve Sutherland A major part @TwiceasNiceUK family one of our original residents & creator of our gold selling CD he will be greatly missed leaves us with many fond memories.https://t.co/rLcx3iZL1j pic.twitter.com/1Dc9ff2YyF
— TwiceasNice (@TwiceasNiceUK) July 10, 2020