Tez Barnes

Meet Tez Barnes, a DJ and radio presenter whose passion for music has been at the heart of his life for more than four decades.

With over 42 years of DJ experience and more than 40 years behind the microphone, Tez has built an incredible musical journey that began in the pubs and clubs around South East London’s Old Kent Road.

It wasn’t long before he progressed to some of London’s most iconic West End venues, including Vogue, Hombres, Limelight, Taboo and Shoom, establishing himself on the capital’s club scene during one of the most exciting periods in dance music history.

At the same time, Tez became a familiar voice across London’s legendary pirate radio airwaves, broadcasting on stations including JFM, LWR and Switch, among several others. He later made the transition into legal radio, presenting on GCRM in Greenwich and RTM in Thamesmead.

For Tez, however, there is one decade that stands above all others — the 1980s.

It was an extraordinary era for club and dance music, bringing together an incredible spectrum of sounds: Soul, Funk, Electro, Jazz-Funk, Boogie, Freestyle, Chicago House, Detroit Garage and Hip-Hop.

More than simply a great decade for music, the ’80s represented a period of genuine innovation. New sounds, scenes and genres emerged at an astonishing pace, changing club culture and creating a musical legacy that continues to influence DJs, producers and music lovers around the world today.

After more than four decades behind the decks and on the radio, Tez’s enthusiasm remains as strong as ever sharing the music, celebrating its history and keeping the spirit of those unforgettable dancefloors alive.