Star-studded life of music studio Mark

The record producer built his own studio from scratch and has worked with artists including American singer Joyce Sims and UK singer Glen Goldsmith.

Born and bred in Caldmore, the father-of-four now runs Digital Jukebox Records, which he set up in 2002.

He said: "My father came from Jamaica to England and he was a DJ for many years, which influenced me to get involved in music.

"He would give me £1 and I would spend it on records that had people with afros on the front of them.

"In the late 70s I invested in a keyboard that allowed me to record songs and later on I bought drum machines and various other bits of sound equipment to build up my studio."

When he was 17, Mr Duffus formed a band called the Audio Kingz and the group was signed up to a record label in London.

The band changed name to the Blak Prophetz and released tracks including Fax On Wax before switching labels and producing a new single called Chapter One.

When the record label closed its doors, Mr Duffus, now aged 47, decided to go solo and began producing music for other artists.

He said: "People would come to me asking to create songs for them and over the years I have produced songs for Preeya Kalidas, who starred in Bend It Like Beckham, Afrika Bambaataa, Glen Goldsmith and Joyce Sims. I also produced a track for Warren Stacey who appeared on ITV show Popstars the Rivals. The song featured Justin Timberlake and was a big hit in Japan."

Mr Duffus has been working with the BBC for a number of years and also rapped the music for the Mentos gum advert in 2011.

And he is also the voiceover for an advert for the Hasbro kids game Monopoly Crazy Cash Machine.

He said: "I remember when the advert came on the screen in the cinema and my children went crazy saying their dad was on the TV. It was surreal."

Last year, Mr Duffus attended the BET Music Awards in Los Angeles and this year he took his family to meet some of the stars of the red carpet.

He said: "I have met Snoop Dogg, Chris Brown, Jamie Foxx, Robin Thickie and Michael Jackson's sister Rebbie, among many others.

"My family really enjoyed coming along with me and it was fantastic to meet some of the best people in the business."

Mr Duffus is currently managing his 16-year-old son Brandon, who one day hopes to establish himself as a successful rap artist.

Brandon recently rubbed shoulders with singer Justin Bieber, who told him he liked the sound of his voice and offered advice to help him break into the industry.

Brandon said: "My dad is an inspiration because he has his own label and he has walked on the red carpet with celebrities such as Nicki Minaj, Pharrell Williams and Beanie Man.

"He has really made a name for himself and I am very proud of him.

"I am really lucky to have him as my manager because he knows a lot about the industry and he keeps me grounded and it was great to attend the BET Awards with him."