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 loved, LOVED the DJ workshop. We would like to try get you guys to a tournament this summer!
 
Samir Singh, Inclusion Manager, Arsenal Football Club
The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to create and perform alongside the professionals. They really blossomed in confidence as the weeks went on. All students, irrespective of their needs, were able to participate and all of the DJ & MC Academy team were very gentle, calm and understanding with the students.
 
Laura Thistlethwaite, Vale School
I enjoyed the workshop as it helped me to express my emotions by playing music. It was so much fun. I really do hope we can work with them again. The staff were really welcoming and didn't make us feel bad for making mistakes. They taught us several times and were very patient with us.
 
TRM (pupil), Fern House School
The DJ & MC Academy have provided a lively and young person led programme of work. The tutors are able to relate to the young people they are working with enabling all to take part. The way in which the team are able to adapt ensures that young people participate and create pieces of work that reflect their achievements. The relaxed and flowing style of the workers allows the project to be fluid allowing for spontaneous learning to occur at all stages.
 
Helen James, Youth Club Manager, Sutton
The tutors have been really welcoming and have developed an excellent rapport with the students. Even when the singers were behaving like 'divas', their patience, professionalism and pedagogy was apt for the students. I look forward to working with the DJ & MC Academy again...
 
Kieran West, Northumberland Secondary School

Click here to read more Testimonials.

Partners

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