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
 

Kyan
Social Media Manager
 

Debbie
Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
 

Maldi
Radio Presenter & Sound Engineer
 

Grace
Singing Tutor
 

Kareem
DJ, Producer & Mentor
 

Keon
DJ & Radio Presenter
 

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
 

Layla
Singer/Songwriter
 

Isaac
Beatboxer, Rapper & Songwriting Tutor
 

Lillie
Photographer
 

Irish
Young Ambassador
 

Dre
Young Ambassador
 

Kiki
Young Ambassador
 

Terence
Young Ambassador
 

Emmanuel
Young Ambassador
 

Amy
Young Ambassador & Singer
 

Aaliyah
Young Ambassador & DJ
 

Tilly
Volunteer

Trustees

Introducing the Academy's Trustees

 

Serge Wyett
Chairman
 

Kenny Barber
 

Grace Dixon
 

Cynthia Coburn
 

Christie Anayiotou

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

The DJ'ing at the LFA opening party was a great success, thanks for working with them to make it happen. It was great to have part of the Barnet programme represented live at the event. It was wonderful to see some of the college students engaging.
 
Sarah Turner, Culture & Public Art Officer, Barnet Council Growth and Corporate Services
The DJ Academy brought an incredible energy to the Black History Haringey 365 launch event. Their music created a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that reflected the spirit of the event. It was inspiring to see local talent engaging the community and showcasing the cultural richness of Haringey. We’re grateful for their professionalism and creativity, and we look forward to working with them again on future events.
 
Rachel O'Donohoe, Creative Events and Engagement Officer, Haringey council
I am told that the footage of yesterday’s event does not do justice to what happened yesterday. Your staff and performer brought the mobile youth hub into a new level of excellence. Jordan will be reaching out to follow up with you about the impact yesterday’s performance had and would like to explore more opportunities to promote your work and empower our young people.
 
It has been a pleasure to work in partnership with The DJ and MC Academy over the last couple of years. They have shown dedication and commitment to the projects at our youth centre and the young people have responded with great enthusiasm for the DJ'ing and Mc'ing projects. A young person who attended a DJ course in June said – ‘More people know me and I feel more confident speaking on the mic to them. Over the summer I DJ'ed more and spoke on the mic and taught other people. I also showed older people how to use the decks.
 
Kate Smith, Youth Development Worker, Oasis Enfield, EIYCT
I just want to say a massive thank you for supporting the event, the DJ workshop got rave reviews.
 
Darren Smith, Football Development Officer, London FA

Click here to read more Testimonials.

Partners

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