David Destouche, aka Ragga Twins’ Deman Rockers, has been a legend of the mic since the 1980s, initially rising to fame on London’s Unity soundsystem, before finding wider acclaim as part of the burgeoning rave scene (alongside his brother Flinty Badman) on the seminal 1991 album Reggae Owes Me Money, and later on Rinsin Lyrics, an LP with jazz producers Us3.
As well as their breakbeat outings with Aquasky and a range of other artists in the early 2000s, the pair are among the top MCs in the country on the jungle drumandbass scene, playing every weekend on shows up and down the country. Without them, it’s quite possible this scene would not exist in the same way.
Last month Deman had a fall outside his home, and was taken to hospital. He had been experiencing mobility problems for some time, and the medical professionals discovered a longstanding condition affecting the artist’s spine, that he had not been previously aware of.
An operation to repair damage was swiftly carried out by our brilliant NHS, but Deman has been left bedbound and unable to perform shows. The long-term prognosis is uncertain.
On Saturday, December 21 at Brixton Jamm, London, we are putting on a marathon 14-hour fundraising event to support Deman.
So far, the response from his peers and friends has been incredible, with artists such as Brockie, Nicky Blackmarket, Dub Pistols, Serial Killaz, General Levy, Kaya Fyah & Jessi G-Shellz, DJ SS, Prototypes, Drumsound & Bassline Smith, Ray Keith, Mampi Swift, Aries, Uncle Dugs, Y-Zer, Fabio & Grooverider, David Boomah, Remarc, Krucial, Kenny Ken, Jumpin Jack Frost, Charlotte Devaney, Navigator, Det, Toddlah, Illmatika, Moose, Y-Zer, IC3, Funsta, Jackal, David Boomah, Blacka, Enamie, ACMC, Billy Bunter and many more having agreed to perform to help raise funds.
David has been lifted by the incredible support and he wants everyone to know that his spirit is strong, as he focuses on getting well as soon as possible.
If you are unable to attend the fundraiser and if you’ve ever enjoyed Ragga Twins’ music or performances, please consider supporting our JustGiving appeal and helping us to get Deman Rockers back to where he belongs, raising the roof with his brother Flinty as the whole place goes off.
Please share this page on your socials & beyond to help us raise as much as possible.