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.


 

DJ EDott

NorthsFinest, DJ EDOTT, is a dynamic force in the international music scene, hailing from North London. With two prestigious awards under his belt, DJ EDOTT is celebrated for his electrifying stage presence, commanding vocal ability, and impeccable song selections that guarantee to get any crowd on their feet. A true polymath of his craft, DJ EDOTT discovered his passion for music at the tender age of 12 and has since dedicated himself to honing his skills, amassing over 10,000 hours of experience behind the decks. Boasting over 3 million plays and having performed in over 30 countries, DJ EDOTT is recognized as the ultimate party DJ.

His roots in the vibrant sounds of African music, coupled with his father's influence as the renowned DJ ANDRE TOKYO, have shaped his eclectic musical palette, making him a sought-after talent in the Afrobeat scene. From headlining AfroNation to gracing prestigious venues like The Royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena, DJ EDOTT's electrifying performances transcend genres and captivate audiences worldwide. With an impressive resume that includes live mixes on BBC 1XTRA and guest appearances on Capital Xtra, DJ EDOTT continues to push boundaries and redefine the art of DJing, earning him support credits alongside industry heavyweights like Wizkid, Lil Simz, and Tinie Tempah.

 


What People Say

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
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
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
The academy has been a huge success, we have seen some real talent and potential in the young people who have taken part, as well as increased confidence and self-esteem. The academy has given them the chance to try something new and has equipped them with valuable skills...
 
Jenny Newbold, Fundraising Officer, St Christopher's Fellowship
For almost a year, the DJ Academy has been running very successful DJing and MCing sessions in the Carnsbourne area including Colorado and Danube apartments
 
Sussan Rassoulie, Circle Anglia

Click here to read more Testimonials.

Partners

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