The talent is here, but there must be a mindset change.
That’s the view of 2016 Red Bull Thre3style World DJ Champion, Barbados’ own Andre Parris, as he analysed and compared the level of talent to be found in Barbados and the region, to some of the greatest
DJs in the world, with whom he had an opportunity to meet during the whirlwind tour in Santiago, Chile earlier this month.
Parris, who had an opportunity to pick the brains of some of these musical masterminds, noted that Barbados still has a long way to reach their standard. He explained that the competition, which focuses solely on making the crowd move, is something Barbadian DJs are very good at doing. He stressed, however, that it starts with the mindset, adding that there are still many persons who do not see DJs or artistes generally as professionals.
“Over the last couple weeks, I have been seeing it on social media. We were able to influence the beliefs and thoughts of many young people across the region. They are eager to practise, to put themselves in the mental space to want to compete on the international stage. And it starts up here,” he said, pointing to his head.
“I couldn’t just wake up one morning and decide I want to be in Thre3style.
I had to start thinking Thre3style. Thinking international; thinking progress every day. Putting in the work; you get what you put in. Once we get the right mindset and idea, I think we have the talent to take it to the next level.
As it relates to 2017, he predicts that the competition will open a number of doors and Barbadians will be witnessing a transition from Puffy the DJ to Puffy the Artist. This would include
producing his own music which would be sent to international labels.
He also anticipates that the director from the competition will be in Barbados in the new year to discuss his itinerary. However DJ Puffy says there were some hints that it will include playing at bigger festivals with tens of thousands of people in various continents including Europe and Asia. (JH)
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