In the words of the late Avicii, I am a DJ and I get the party started. There's just something magical that transpires in the room every time the beat drops. Perhaps it's the palpable energy of the black silhouettes dancing around me or simply the adrenaline rush one gets from a good, groovy mix. I do not know exactly why this happens but I do know that it is a buzz like no other - the power of mu
sic at its best. For me, being a DJ means chasing this very feeling, for myself and my listeners. It is what has brought me here. At 55, I am far from the usual bumbling millennial one would expect to see at the club. But why put an age limit on fun? More importantly, making others have fun. At the risk of sounding clichéd, music is in my blood and I love to share it with anyone, everyone. As a youngster in the 80s, and more recently I would often host parties at my home just because I had bought the latest albums by , Mtumbi, Teena Marie and Atmosfear, amongst countless others. You name the artist, I had their music. And I just had to share it. I came into the world of DJ-ing per-chance, 5 years ago, after being introduced to Pioneer CDJ 2000NXS by a Dj mate. He showed me the masterpieces that can be created by mixing two tracks together and that really got me going. Like I said, I have always been fond of music. My extensive collection of cassette tapes, vinyls and CDs is testament to that. But never had I - a painter and decorator by profession - imagined I would actually be playing my music for the public. In March 2020 I have had a successful gig as a resident DJ at a bar called Souled Out in Camden Town, where I was playing weekly for seven months before it got shut down due to the pandemic. Now that things have improved, I now hold my own Soul night events called Soundz Soulful which is held every month at The Standard nite club located on Bedford High street. I am also a resident Dj every Friday night at The Cross keys on Bedford High Street. I also have been getting bookings to play a set on other Dj's events which gives me more opportunity to shine. My expertise lies in a variety of genres, from Soul, independent soul, Neo Soul, R&B reggae, Bashment & Afrobeats. I also play a variety of other styles, including Soulful House, Funky House, Afro House, Broken Beats, Grime, Old School Garage, Jungle, and Soul Disco Boogie and have recorded up to 12 mixes so far, which are available on Mixcloud for anyone to hear. But I want to do more. Slowly and gradually, I hope to climb the musical ladder and prove that it is never too late to try something new, so long as you are passionate and give it the right amount of commitment. Who knows? I might just make it big as the oldest spinner in town!
