Influential DJ and broadcaster, Steve Sutherland has sadly passed away. Sutherland was a pivotal figure in the UK's nascent UKG scene, co-founding pioneering garage night, Twice As Nice. The night, which started off as a Sunday morning after-party for Ministry of Sound, near our club in Elephant & Castle, would popularise the genre and prove an essential launchpad for both the sound and many of the genre's most influential artists.

Sutherland would go on to hold a residency at our club along with many other famous clubs around the world, including Pacha Ibiza. Alongside his DJ and promotions work, he became a respected broadcaster, championing IKG, R&B, Grime and Hip-Hop as a presenter on stations such as Choice and Galaxy FM.

Throughout his career, Sutherland made an invaluable contribution to Black British Music and was recognised with four MOBO Awards for Best Club DJ between 2000 and 2006.

Since the news of his passing broke yesterday, tributes have been flooding in from across the music industry, celebrating the life and achievements of one of the UK's most influential and respected DJs.

"Just heard the sad news of another great loss to British black music. Condolences to the Family of Steve Sutherland who I first met and worked with at the Kensington roof gardens 30 years ago. @TwiceasNiceUK r.i.p." - Trevor Nelson

"We are deeply saddened to hear the news of DJ Steve Sutherland’s passing. His contribution to the Black British Music scene will never be forgotten." - MOBO Awards

"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." - Beverly Knight

"#RIP Steve Sutherland - He didn't knock on doors, he kicked them off to help raise the culture for UK Black music." - Jumpin Jack Frost

"RIP Steve Sutherland. I can't believe this, this guy was one of the kindest hearted people I know. He was one of the first people to play and support my music when no one else would. This guy is a Legend May his memory be remembered forever." - Donae'o