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
 

Kareem
DJ, Producer & Mentor
 

DJ Keaun
DJ & Radio Presenter
 

DJ E Dott
DJ, Radio Presenter & Producer
 

Olona
Rapper & Producer
 

Orion
Producer & Engineer Tutor
 

Lize a.k.a. Redd
Lyricist & Tutor
 

Will
Dancer
 

Enzo
DJ Tutor
 

Oskar
DJ, Music Production & Presenting Tutor
 

Jay
Podcast & Music Project Assistant
 

Isaac
Beatboxer, Rapper & Songwriting Tutor
 

Lillie
Photographer
 

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

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.


 

Bellah

Bellah, the prodigious talent nurtured under our wings for seven transformative years, now stands as a beacon of contemporary UK R&B. Nominated for a coveted MOBO award and hailed as the artist to watch in 2023, her journey epitomizes the fusion of soulful melodies and candid lyricism. Drawing inspiration from luminaries like Summer Walker, Kehlani, and SZA, Bellah infuses her British Nigerian heritage into her music, crafting a sound that resonates deeply with audiences.

With her debut EP, Adultsville, she solidified her status as the UK's new princess of R&B, offering a nostalgic nod to the genre's golden era while carving out her unique space in today's musical landscape. Her ability to effortlessly blend raw emotion with infectious hooks has earned her accolades from industry titans and critical acclaim from platforms like Complex and BBC 1Xtra. As she continues to ascend, Bellah's trajectory symbolizes the resurgence of authentic storytelling in music, captivating hearts and minds with every soul-stirring note.

 


What People Say

I liked how enthusiastic the staff were. They showed a lot of commitment to making us learn new skills and stay engaged.
 
RC (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
The Academy was enjoyed by all those who attended, with many young people demonstrating a natural ability in mixing and making music.
 
Paula Frank, Hammersmith & Fulham Project
British DJ & MC Academy ran a brilliant workshop on using music to tackle street crime at an event we put on in November 08. The facilitators related really well to the young people. The workshop itself was really engaging and fun and the young people absolutely loved it!
 
Rachel Segal Hamilton, Events and Marketing Coordinator, Envision
Barnet Homes have worked with British DJ and MC Academy for over four years now and they have delivered on a number of successful events and projects. The young people that they have work with enjoy the interaction and opportunity to have real hands-on support to learn how to DJ, MC or write music. Great organisation with a real personalised family feel.
 
Charlie Kanareck, Early Intervention and Prevention Manager, Barnet Homes

Click here to read more Testimonials.

Partners

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