MC Kendo was a very talented person. He came to prominence as a resident MC for the Renegade Hardware events but he was more than this. Before becoming a resident for renegade Hardware, MC Kendo fine tuned his skills on the pirate airwaves stations with Reload, Flex FM & Rude FM in the late ninties.

From this he became a resident MC [ Alongside Stevie Hyper ] at the Eclectic multi-themed events which were held in London & various locations around the UK. He also had a resident MC role at Fourplay at the old Paradise Club Venue in London.

MC Kendo also went on to guest MC at the Movement events @ Bar Rumba & Mass, which led onto his biggest break came in mid 1999 with an appearance on the T.O.V float at the Notting Hill Carnival, therefore gaining a residency for the Renegade Hardware & T.O.V Events.

In just seven appearances between 1999 & 2000 MC Kendo attained a good following from the renegade crowd and he was recieving more bookings from other promoters, which means his persistance on the pirates was paying off and his career was leading onto bigger & better things.

Just as his career was taking off, in April 1999 MC Kendo was Diagnosed with cancer. Thoughout this period which would be testing for anyone, MC Kendo still carried on mc'ing to the best of his ability and that feat alone should serve as inspiration for anyone who he has left behind.

As anyone in his position would, Barrie tried to beat this condition. Aged just 22, on the 30th September 2000 after a year long battle to fight the disease, MC Kendo past away. After this tragic event, tributes flowed from all sectors of Drum & Bass Fratenity into all the major magazines & forums at the time.

As mark of respect there were two memorial events at The End & Bar Rumba in London, held in his honour which were busy & well recieved events. Mace also did the above grafitti Piece in memory of MC Kendo which was left untouched for seven years.

Barrie Clayon - MC Kendo - D & B Souljah

[ Many thanks to his brother Paul for his words, input & pictures ]