Hanworth dad turns back time

The father-of-three first got involved in the music scene in the 1990s and says music has always been a big part of his life.

"I like all different kinds of music, like 70s and 80s stuff, RnB, hip hop," he said. "I started as an MC broadcasting on pirate radio stations. It was a good experience for me because I was able to push the tracks, tell people where my gigs were and get myself out there."

Mark, a former forklift driver, had his first taste of success when one of his remixes was included on the hit single 'Flowers', which reached number two in the UK charts in 1999.

He picked the microphone back up about a year ago and hopes to repeat the success with his new single and an album, which is due for release later this year.

Mark believes the album, which he describes as 'garage with a bassline', will be more commercial that his previous efforts in the music business.

Known by his stage name Shadokane, he has come a long way since his early years.

"Back in 1996 I was living on the streets," he said. "Nowadays I've got three beautiful children and a girlfriend and everything is really taking off. You have got to work hard, but it got to be done."

His girlfriend Amanda Skitttrall, 28, has nothing but praise for her partner. She told the Chronicle: "I was the one who pushed him back into it. I'm really proud of where he's going, it's what he wants to do and I'm not going to stop him".

Mark, who is currently adapting to life looking after newborn twins, is set to shoot a music video later this month to help promote his new single and upcoming album.

It will be broadcast first on Channel U and is already available on Amazon and iTunes.

For more information about Shadokane and his upcoming album visit his networking pages at www.myspace.com/mcshadokane or his Facebook page for mcshadokane.