The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

YOUNG and aspiring Djs are on the rise in the Bahamas and  Gerald “DJ Spuddy” Bowe Jr holds a solid spot on that list.

The 20-year-old fell in love with the art and craft of djing at seven under the tutelage of his father, Gerald Bowe Sr, aka G Bowe.

“He inspired me to become a Dj because I watched him dj and build speaker boxes in his younger days. I got started by playing at some events with my father,” DJ Spuddy told In Ya Ear.

His aunt, Jill Brown, nicknamed him as a toddler ‘Spuddy’ due to his stutter as a child, and DJ Spuddy said it stuck with him.

Of all his experiences as a Dj, DJ Spuddy said his most memorable would be participating in the recent Stoli Most Original DJ competition.

The competition was open to men and women over18 who believe they are the most original and talented. Each person submitted a 15-20 minute demo that included Bahamian music, hip hop, R&B, pop/top 40, reggae/culture and soca.

From the submissions, 20 finalists were chosen and had their demo featured on the 100Jamz Thunderstorm party. Listeners had the opportunity to vote for their favourite top 10, who then had a chance to mix live on the Thunderstorm.

DJ Spuddy was one of five Djs chosen to go head-to-head in the finals.

DJ Spuddy said every Dj that he has worked with so far in his career inspires him in different ways.

“They teach me a lot and I know there is more Djs out there who I will end up working with. I plan on taking my craft very far, being able to fly out to foreign countries playing music of all cultures and genres, playing for different races and people who love to hear music and have fun,” said DJ Spuddy.

While he doesn’t have a set venue for people to find him in djing mode every weekend, DJ Spuddy said every so often he is offered gigs to play at birthday parties, house parties, college parties, various local clubs, weddings and events.

When asked for his thoughts on the entertainment scene in the Bahamas, DJ Spuddy said he would like to see more unity and peace between the local Djs.

“I would also like to see the more advanced and veteran Djs give the younger Djs who love music just as much as them, a chance. Help them improve their skills as the next generation of music lovers and make the world aware that the Bahamas has some great disc jockeys, music producers and artists,” he said.