DJ STRELADUH

The fabric of my culture is based on music. Music to bring people together, music to express joy, sadness, music to represents resistance to oppression. In Cape Verde we are born with music in our veins and deep rhythms in our hearts. In my case my passion with music started in a simple, however impactful manner, in 4th grade I use to take a playlist on my aux input to school events. Seeing my schoolmates dance and sing along was exhilarating to say the least. My passion for beats was clear to all as it eventually transformed into a full blown DJ performances after being gifted my first turntable a NummarK by my parents for my 11th birthday; I opted for a turntable over a birthday party. With my Nummark I started making sick beats and learning with every new event( birthdays, clubs, and festivals) what would get my audience moving. I also started to explore beats and mixes that I would also introduce to my audience. It became clear a DJ didn’t only please his audience but transports them on a journey to explore new genres. My principal style is Afro House, but I never limit myself to explore and experiment the endless music world to keep growing and innovating. At the moment the DJ’s who have a great influence on me are DJ Djeff Afrozila for bringing Afrohouse to the next level, Black coffee the Afro House king, and Martin Garrix for his entrepreneurial skills and proving that age is just a number, as he is considered the best DJ in the world at just 18.
The most unforgettable DJing experience is when I headlined a gig at the Ideal Club in Brockton, MA. The show sold out and the crowd consisted of people of all ages who were really receptive and vibing to the beats I was dropping. For me time stopped as my fingers worked away and my heart dictated my performance. I have done other events such as festivals like CV Color Festival, Badja Ku Sol 2016, and Gamboa Festival 2016, they were all surreal experiences, but headlining an event took me over the moon, because I knew my audience was there specifically for me.
DJing for me is more than just music it has defined me and my teenage experience, it has taught me to listen to people and their needs, and the same time how being yourself and creative is a game changer.