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.


 

FKA Twigs

Tahliah Debrett Barnett, known by her stage name FKA Twigs, is a multifaceted British artist renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to music, dance, and fashion. Before captivating global audiences with her genre-bending soundscapes and avant-garde performances, Twigs honed her craft as a dance tutor at The DJMC Academy in 2011.

From those formative years, she emerged as a trailblazing singer-songwriter, dancer, and visual artist, captivating audiences worldwide with her unique blend of electronic music, trip hop, R&B, and avant-garde influences. Twigs' meteoric rise to prominence includes critically acclaimed albums such as LP1 and Magdalene, along with her recent mix-tape, Caprisongs, released under Atlantic Records. With a Grammy nomination, numerous accolades, and a groundbreaking NME Godlike Genius award to her name, FKA Twigs continues to push artistic boundaries and inspire generations with her unparalleled creativity and visionary approach to artistry.

 


What People Say

The British DJ & MC Academy sessions were a fantastic experience for our class. The DJs were incredibly understanding of the children’s varied needs and patient when focus was difficult. They created a calm, fun, and supportive atmosphere where every child could shine. Writing a song together and dancing to our own music was an unforgettable highlight!
 
Dorota Witkowska, Vale School
I enjoyed using the microphones and decks to make a radio show. It was fun making our own beats.
 
JM (pupil), Fern House School
It was so fun and entertaining. I personally enjoyed the lessons and the fun, friendly and enthusiastic staff.
 
AT (pupil), Fern House School
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
I appreciate the opportunity the youth club at TAB has given me. I look forward to visiting the studio, learning to use the equipment and getting the chance to create my own sound. No matter which member of staff is at the studio they are always willing to share their knowledge and encourage my passion for music. See you back in the studio soon!
 
Lewis (student), Potters Bar

Click here to read more Testimonials.

Partners

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