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.


 

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 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
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
Just a few notes on the good work that you and your team have done on these estates with the youth
 
Erhan Mestanoglu, Community Development Officer, Ascham Homes
Working with the DJMC Academy has been an absolute pleasure. They are really professional; promote good values among students and really know how to have fun when doing so! I was so impressed with how flexible they were in creating our individual programme and the willingness to keep going until it was perfect. And, it was perfect! There is no doubt that this day and the important message about safety will not be forgotten. Great energy – hope to see you for more inspiration soon!
 
Kathleen Sorrell, Assistant Principal, Walthamstow Academy
The British DJ & MC Academy delivered an excellent specialised course to young people as part of the Greenwich Summer University that was both lively and focused. I was particularly impressed by how the tutors and guest speakers not only provided expert advice and guidance in music and DJ skills but also provided an insight into future careers and improving aspirations that was delivered with enthusiasm and passion…I was also massively impressed by the resources and in particular the 4×4! Very cool!
 
Peter Webster, Greenwich Council

Click here to read more Testimonials.

Partners

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