Ryan Somers is better known to his fans as DJ RS Smooth – the name he uses as the host of Smooth Grooves – his long-running radio show on CKDU, Dalhousie University’s radio station for 40 years.
“I always had a love for radio and music in general,” Somers told CTV’s Crystal Garrett.
He started training at CKDU – where you can volunteer and be on the radio – in March of 1993.
“I think I was originally 14,” Somers said.
CKDU suggested he find a show on the air and a DJ to shadow. Somers found Kendall Mulder who hosted the show Funk-n-Effect under the stage name DJ Delight on Sundays.
“He gave me the opportunity to come in and shadow him one week and I just thought that was it,” Somers said.
Mulder kept inviting him back.
“I just ended up co-hosting the show with him for like four years.”
Somers remained with Funk-n-Effect until 1997.
“I was actually in radio and television arts at Kingstec in Nova Scotia Community College taking radio,” Somers said, “so then in June of ’98 I started Smooth Grooves.”
Smooth Grooves will celebrate 27 years in July 2025, making it the longest running Black music radio show in Atlantic Canada.
“When I started the show that’s what I wanted to do. Play R&B and hip hop and reggae,” Somers said. Today he’s added other genres like Suka Afrobeats.
“More music that just isn’t on the air,” Somers said.
Somers is at CKDU every Sunday, by himself, for six hours of live radio. He says the passion for music and the fans of the show sustain him.
“If I ever lose that passion I won’t do the show anymore.”
That passion takes Somers out of the broadcast booth and into the community where DJ Smooth performs at events and he encourages people to request music.
“I feel like when I do those kinds of events I’m there for the crowd. I’m there entertain,” Somers said.
Somers love of music also plays a part through changes in his personal life. He has a seven-month-old son, Riley Robert Somers, who calms down when Dad sings to him.
“Hopefully that means that music’s in his blood,” Somers said. Riley will have a good mentor to cultivate any latent musical talent. Somers has returned to his roots, teaching at NSCC.
“That keeps me motivated too,” Somers said. “Seeing their energy.”
For anybody looking to get started as a DJ, Somer’s advice is direct and simple. He said it’s easy to research and learn today, so anybody can take the plunge.
“Just do it.”
Smooth Grooves airs Sundays at 2 p.m. on CKDU, online and on digital cable.
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