11
INFLUENTIAL BLACK DJs TO KNOW IN NOLA Catch Them During Essence Weekend
By Cynthea Corfah
DJs are some of the hardest working people in the city. They set the tone for the weekend, make or break a dance party, stay up late hours to keep the party rolling, and know the songs we need to hear to make our hearts sing.
ANTWIGADEE! New Orleans has produced dozens of famous music artists and DJs such as Cash Money Records’ Mannie Fresh, rare groove DJ and radio programming veteran DJ Soul Sister, and DJ Raj Smoove, who performed at NBA All-Star Weekend and was the official DJ for the 2000 Cash Money Records/Ruff Ryder Entertainment tour. In 2022, local Black DJs are still making waves and influencing the city’s culture. Today, DJs are hosting weekly and monthly events, performing at festivals, opening up for notable artists, sharing mixes online, and having their mixes listened to worldwide. Here are 11 Black DJs you should listen to right now.
Antoine ‘ANTWIGADEE!’ Barriere is a high-energy artist and entertainer who takes his audience on a journey with moving performances. One moment, you’re belting your heart out to Kirk Franklin’s “Melodies from Heaven,” the next you’re bobbing side to side to “This is America'' by Donald Glover. The BUKU Music + Art Project 2022 performer skillfully mixes contrasting genres, artistically showcases musical classics, gospel gems and timely hip hop and rap favorites. See ANTWIGADEE! perform live at local spots including Ace Hotel, Poor Boys, Café Istanbul, and Hi-Ho Lounge. DJ Chinua is a New Orleans DJ and event curator, creating community and encouraging connection through live events and global music. He smoothly blends beats with timeless genres including dance, house, electronic, and soul. He is the founder and co-sound selector for Ascendance, a monthly, local zodiac-themed dance party. He was also the resident DJ for Solange Knowles’ creative group Saint Heron’s Proclamation dance party series and DOPEciety’s Couches event.
DJ Jess 36
Best of the Big Easy | Where Y'at Magazine
Madspinnz
D1ME is an alternative up and coming DJ that plays
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP: ANTWIGADEE!; MADSPINNZ; DJJESS
Alexandria "DJ Ally Bea" Bellvie has been a radio personality and DJ for over a decade. She performed at the Vegan Soul Festival, Essence Festival, NOLA Zydeco Festival and the Pussyfooter’s Blushball. She is also the resident DJ for the University of New Orleans Basketball team. She has an assorted set list with music artists including Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Nipsey Hustle, Big K.R.I.T., Schoolboy Q and more rap, hip hop, dance, pop and reggae music.
