By Oyindamola Esho
Being a DJ is like playing an intense game of double dutch. For both skill sets, agility, rhythm and an overall awareness of one’s surroundings are needed to stay in the groove. May 8th to May 9th, VIBE105 challenged 24 of the best DJs to accomplish this very task. The competitors are all masters of their craft both here in Toronto and internationally which lent itself perfectly to this year’s theme; Battle of the Codes: Team 416 Versus Team Flight.
The rules of the game are simple; each DJ gets one hour to show an elite panel of judges and the audience that they are indeed the best. All mixes must be created on the spot, no pre-recorded work allowed. Each DJ had to rely on their experience, their ability to read an audience and their knowledge of music to come out on top.
This year’s event was nothing short of a success, especially for the heat winners.
Heat 1 Winner : DJ Smartiez
Heat one winner is DJ Smartiez on team 416. He started his career with homemade turntables, yet his hard work and pure talent has made him the success that he is today. Smartiez has been putting in work as a host on VIBE105s The Essentials, and has also played for The Weekend, Rihanna and even Drake.
“I love the ability I have to invoke emotions every time I DJ anywhere” – DJ Smartiez
Heat 2 Winner : DJ Makem
Heat two winner is DJ Makem on team 416. His eclectic taste in music and uncanny ability to blend tracks regardless of genre, era and melody elevates him as a DJ. Makem’s success includes but is not limited to the title of Red Bull Thre3style Champion in 2009 and 2012, several radio and television appearances and producing critically acclaimed mixtapes.
“Everything I thought I could do … went out the window when I fell in love with music” – DJ Makem
Heat 3 Winner: DJ Datta Bass
Heat three winner is DJ Datta Bass on team 416. From a young age Datta Bass kept a keen eye on DJs to study and master his craft. His hard work has led to many venues around Toronto, the university/college circuit and the 24DJs stage.
Heat 4 Winner : DJ Nakz
Heat four winner is DJ Nakz on team 416. Nakz is a versatile DJ that always gives the best whether he’s playing hiphop, house or anything in between. His versatility combined with experience brought him to this win.
“There is nothing you can take away from music. There is only more to give.” – DJ Nakz
Heat 5 Winner : DJ Trapment
Heat five winner is DJ Trapment on team Flight. This Sudbury native is known for incorporating the 90s sound into his mixes. Although he started off playing records in his basement and at house parties, his skill earned him the title of 2016 Red Thre3Style World Vice Champ and now a winner on the 24DJs stage.
Heat 6 Winner : DJ Puffy
Last but most definitely not least is DJ Puffy on team Flight. Not only is he the heat six winner, he is also the overall winner of 24DJs! This Barbadian master of the turntable is known for a distinct Carribean-EDM sound which has allowed him to perform for A list celebrities such as Amber Rose, J.Cole, Jeremih and Rihanna at the Fenty X Puma popup show in New York City.
24DJs is always a remarkable experience not just because of the great music and the friendly competition, but also because it is an opportunity to uplift DJ culture, its participants and enthusiasts. VIBE105 would like to thank all those that participated and made the event a huge success. We look forward to seeing you all next year! Don’t forget to follow us @vibe105to so you can stay up to date with other great events coming your way! |
Recent PostsCategories
All
Archives
December 2021
|