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Norman Jay MBE (and STILL proud of it!)

Author: Jonty Skrufff
Saturday, December 6, 2003
Good Times veteran disco-house DJ Norman Jay sympathised with Benjamin Zephaniah's decision to publicly reject an offer of an OBE (Order of the British Empire medal), this week, though defended his own decision to accept an MBE last year.

"I chose to accept my award, I had no such reasons not to," said Norman (writing on his website message board).

"Not historical, not political, not ethical, not anything."

"As I've often publicly stated, I see my MBE as an acknowledgment by the state of not just mine, but of all our collective efforts, endeavours and achievements for, and on behalf of, the multicultural and 'inclusive' community from which I come from (and hopefully represent), and not as an apologist for the outdated, outmoded mindset of 'Empire'. I didn't ask to be given an MBE," he continued.

"Norman Jay MBE (and STILL proud of it!)"

Jay DJs alongside Eddie Halliwell at Dusted @ Pacha (London) on Saturday December 6)
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