Innovative workshops for young people & adults in urban London

 

Promo Video

Click here to see our latest promotional video, filmed and edited by JAO!

About Us

The British DJ & MC Academy is a youth arts organisation based in North London.

In 2008, Krissy founded the DJ&MC Academy, driven by a passion to connect people through music. Pioneering a revolutionary mobile outreach van, she brought the rhythm directly to communities. In 2010, Krissy's appearance on Dragons Den became a platform to showcase her unwavering determination, setting the stage for sustained success.

Over 12 years, the academy has touched the lives of 100,000+ individuals across London, Wales, and Manchester. Through economic challenges and pandemic lockdowns, Krissy's journey from a teenage DJ to a youth hostel manager reflects her commitment to positive impact.

Krissy's global DJ career includes commanding sets from Miami to Ibiza and a decade at Kool FM. The academy's team, including former participants turned tutors, plays a pivotal role in its success. Beyond outreach projects, the academy excels in community events, cultivating a talented pool of DJs, producers, and artists.

Re-established as a Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2019, the academy secured funding, including support from Sadiq Khan's violence reduction project. Achievements extend to establishing radio stations, building studios, and nurturing artists under the Sonitus Music Group label. Notably, our artists have earned MOBO nominations, Sony ATV contracts, and over 100 million streams on mainstream radio.


The DJ&MC Academy stands as a testament to Krissy's vision and the transformative power of music.

Music unquestionably connects people from all walks of life. The work we do continues to leverage this virtue, delivering programmes to some of the most deprived parts of our city.
 
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Meet the Team

 

Krissy
CEO
 

Christian
Managing Director
 

Maldi
Radio Presenter & Sound Engineer
 

Grace
Singing Tutor
 

Kareem
DJ, Producer & Mentor
 

Keon
DJ & Radio Presenter
 

Irish
Young Ambassador
 

DJ E Dott
DJ, Radio Presenter & Producer
 

Mariah
DJ, Radio Presenter & Tutor
 

Olona
Rapper & Producer
 

Will
Dancer
 

Bradley
DJ Tutor
 

Enzo
DJ Tutor
 

Oskar
DJ, Music Production & Presenting Tutor
 

Nathaniel
Lyricist & Production Tutor
 

Jay
Podcast & Music Project Assistant
 

Tilly
Volunteer
 

Dre
Young Ambassador
 

Kiki
Young Ambassador
 

Terence
Young Ambassador
 

Emmanuel
Young Ambassador

Case Studies

To name just a few young people who have come through the Academy and are now inspiring artists and tutors alike.


 

Glenn Sonko

Glenn Sonko, a seasoned professional with roots in education and mentorship, initially taught on a course at Barnet College before extending his expertise to mentoring with the DJMC Academy. His journey has led him to manage renowned artists such as Tion Wayne and Potter Payper, showcasing his exceptional talent in artist management.

Additionally, Glenn holds a pivotal role as an A&R representative for Def Jam, contributing his keen insights and industry experience to the renowned record label. With his remarkable track record and dedication to nurturing talent, Glenn Sonko continues to shape the landscape of the music industry, earning him widespread recognition and admiration.

 


What People Say

It was so fun and entertaining. I personally enjoyed the lessons and the fun, friendly and enthusiastic staff.
 
AT (pupil), Fern House Scool
We were excited to welcome the DJ and MC Academy to Chipping Barnet Library on Wednesday 14 February for Superstar DJs!

22 children had the opportunity to learn how to mix and match rhythms using professional DJ equipment under the guidance of teachers from the Academy at this fun, hands-on Creative Communities event. They took turns using the decks and selecting and mixing songs, using volume and other effects like reverb and delay.

The children also had the chance to create their own radio show and there was a group presentation at the end of the event, where they welcomed the audience to their radio show while music played in the background. Superstar DJs was a fantastic event with a diverse and fun selection of music and everyone really enjoyed it, and the event also demonstrated the power of music to connect with and unite everyone in our community.

At the end of the 90 minute session, there was a lot of positive feedback – including the parents, who wanted to join in, too!

We appreciate you working with us. Hopefully, we will work together again in the near future.
 
Justina Gore, Service Development Librarian, Barnet Libraries Family Services
The British DJMC Academy have been warmly received by our students, who have loved the opportunity to experience writing lyrics and then getting the chance to perform them on a microphone. Their staff are extremely friendly and seem to have a lot of experience working with and supporting students.
 
Andrew Louis, Curriculum Co-ordinator & Music Teacher, Enfield Secondary Tuition Centre, Eldon Site
The British DJ academy is an organisation that is very forward thinking and very driven by what the community wants in particular young people... it has a very good understanding of partnership work and is very happy to listen to new ideas... but most importantly it has a real passion for the arts and teaching young people how to be the best in this field.
 
Alkas Rahman, L&Q
The British DJ & MC Academy have been contracted by London Action Trust to deliver diversionary programmes to young people from high crime gang affected estates on the Waltham Forest gangs intervention project. Activities included open music workshops and accredited courses over a period of 12 weeks. They have successfully engaged young people in positive activity teaching techniques, lyric writing and radio presenting skills.

The young people have learned how to create and perform demonstrating a transition in their thought processes, thinking about their aspirations and directions in life. British DJ & MC Academy have remained professional, enthusiastic and have made every effort to develop the young people using minimal resources. I am willing to support this organisation because I sincerely believe the team have great motivation and a proven track record to make a change in the communities by offering young people alternative paths.
 
Diane Prempeh, Project Manager, London Action Trust

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Partners

Click here to see a complete list of our partners and clients.