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
 

Debbie
Outreach & Engagement Coordinator
 

Kyan
Social Media Manager
 

Rebecca
Admin Apprentice & PA
 

Maldi
Radio Presenter & Sound Engineer
 

Grace
Singing Tutor
 

Dean
MC
 

DJ Keaun
DJ & Radio Presenter
 

DJ E Dott
DJ, Radio Presenter & Producer
 

Olona
Rapper & Producer
 

Orion
Producer & Engineer Tutor
 

Will
Dancer
 

Enzo
DJ Tutor
 

Oskar
DJ, Music Production & Presenting Tutor
 

Jay
Podcast & Music Project Assistant
 

Lillie
Photographer
 

Sean
Tutor
 

JV
Youth Ambassador, Lyricist & Rapper
 

Irish
Youth Ambassador
 

Dre
Youth Ambassador
 

Kiki
Youth Ambassador
 

Terence
Youth Ambassador
 

Emmanuel
Youth Ambassador
 

Amy
Youth Ambassador & Singer
 

Aaliyah
Youth Ambassador & DJ
 

Tilly
Volunteer
 

Krim
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

What a wonderful addition to a really brilliant panel! We're so grateful to you for coming along and offering such crucial insight on such an important topic. The feedback from the room has been really wonderful - I think the message was super strong, particularly the emphasis on needing spaces for young people to not only express creativity but to develop essential social skills. I hope you were able to make a few connections too! It would be great to do something in the future again.
 
Molly Graham, Engagement and Events Officer, Youth Music
We wanted to say a huge thank you for being part of the Pavilion Summer Programme! Your participation helped make it a real success, and we appreciate your support in it.
 
Khalif Koleoso, Place Shaping Officer, Journeys and Places
A long overdue and huge thank you for the set you did at the prom in July. The kids were so delighted with the party. The vast majority never get to experience anything like this and rarely socialise outside of school, so thank you for playing a massive part in the celebrations and taking the karaoke mob in your stride!
 
Laura Thistlethwaite, Vale 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
The work the academy does with children and young adults has a significant positive impact on their lives and self-esteem. The Academy has always been very flexible with our needs. We would definitely recommend the DJ & MC Experience for corporate and team building events – it is very different, extremely energising and great fun!
 
Salesforce.com, UK

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Partners

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