We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andre Parris. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with ANDRE below.

Hi ANDRE, thanks for joining us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

From the heart of Barbados, Andre “Puffy” Parris is the celebrated DJ who has set the world alight with his infectious energy and genre-blending style. A Red Bull Thre3style World Champion 2016, DJ Puffy’s journey from wildcard entrant to global phenomenon has cemented his legacy as one of the most skilful DJs of his generation. He is recognized for pioneering a Caribbean-EDM sound that brings crowds to life, transcending borders and electrifying audiences worldwide.

Puffy’s big break came in 2016 when he stunned the world on the stage of the Red Bull Thre3style World Championship in Santiago, Chile. There, he captivated judges and fans alike with his unique, eclectic sound and unmatched turntablism. His commanding presence and masterful skills earned him the championship title, judged by legends Nu- Mark, Scratch Bastid, Craze, Z-Trip, and DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Since that moment, DJ Puffy has travelled the globe, performing hundreds of shows across the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and Asia. Beyond his exceptional DJ sets, he is a trailblazer who produces original music and hosts unique events that celebrate Caribbean sound and culture.

His dedication and passion have also earned him a Caribbean Music Award for International DJ of the Year in 2024, marking a historic achievement for a DJ from Barbados and the Caribbean. Adding to his impressive accolades, DJ Puffy won the Red Bull Culture Clash with his crew No Long Talk, a thrilling event showcasing his versatility and ability to connect with audiences on a massive scale. This victory further solidified his position as a force in the music world, showcasing his dynamic style and captivating performance skills.

Andre “Puffy” Parris stands as a true Caribbean icon, continuously pushing boundaries and redefining the art of DJing with his magnetic presence, groundbreaking music, and unstoppable drive. His journey is far from over, as he continues to innovate, inspire, and take the world by storm, one set at a time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

For those who may not have heard of me before, my name is Andre “Puffy” Parris, and I’m a DJ, producer, and creative entrepreneur from Barbados. My career took off when I became the Red Bull Thre3style World Champion in 2016, and since then, I’ve been taking Caribbean music and culture global.

My journey into DJing started as a teenager with an obsession for music and turntablism. I was that kid who would spend hours practicing scratches, blends, and transitions, studying DJs I admired. I started DJing at local events and radio, slowly building my name in the scene.

The turning point came in 2016, when I entered the Red Bull Thre3style World Championship as a wildcard entrant. Competing against some of the world’s best DJs, I delivered a set that combined Caribbean energy, technical skill, and genre-blending creativity—and it won me the championship title. That moment changed my life forever.

Today, I’m more than just a DJ—I’m a cultural ambassador for the Caribbean, and my work spans DJing, music production, brand partnerships, and event curation.

🔹 Live Performances: I tour globally, playing high-energy sets at festivals, clubs, and special events across the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and Asia. My style is a fusion of dancehall, soca, hip-hop, EDM, Afrobeats, and house, creating an experience that’s both unpredictable and electrifying.

🔹 Music Production: I create original music that blends Caribbean sounds with global influences, pushing the boundaries of what Caribbean music can be.

🔹 Creative Collaborations & Brand Partnerships: I work with brands that align with my vision of taking Caribbean culture worldwide. Notable partnerships include Red Bull, Serato, Pioneer DJ, and most recently, my role as a brand ambassador and investor in Corus. Corus is a drink brand I truly believe in—not just as a business move, but as a way to support Caribbean entrepreneurship and bring something fresh to the global market. My investment in Corus represents my commitment to building generational wealth and creating opportunities for other creatives.

🔹 Event Curation: I’m focused on curating experiences that celebrate Caribbean culture. Whether it’s an international tour or a local event, my goal is to bring people together through music and energy.

At my core, I help people feel something real through music.

For audiences: I create an immersive, high-energy experience where people can let loose and celebrate culture.
For brands & partners: I bring authenticity and influence to collaborations, helping brands connect with a global audience through music.
For Caribbean creatives: I prove that Caribbean talent can compete on the world stage, and I aim to open more doors for the next generation.
What I’m Most Proud Of
Winning Red Bull Thre3style World Championship (2016)—a defining moment for both me and the Caribbean DJ scene.
Becoming the first DJ from Barbados to win a Caribbean Music Award (2024) for International DJ of the Year.
Winning Red Bull Culture Clash with my crew, No Long Talk, further proving our ability to command global stages.
Investing in Corus, not just as an ambassador but as a partner who believes in building a brand that represents Caribbean excellence.
Building a global brand that represents Barbados and the wider Caribbean with pride, authenticity, and innovation.

My mission is simple: Take Caribbean culture to the world in the most exciting and unexpected ways.

Whether it’s through music, live performances, collaborations, or storytelling, my goal is to elevate our sound, showcase our talent, and create unforgettable experiences.

The journey is far from over—there’s new music, big collaborations, major international events, and the continued growth of Corus on the way.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My growth on social media was very organic—it all started with simply sharing my daily life as a DJ and creative. In the beginning, I wasn’t focused on “strategy” or algorithms—I was just documenting my journey. I posted behind-the-scenes moments, my travels, and raw clips from my shows, giving people an inside look into my world.

As social media evolved and the demand for engaging, bite-sized content grew, I naturally adapted. I started creating one-minute DJ routines that showcased my skills in a quick, exciting way. These clips caught people’s attention, got shared widely, and helped me expand my audience beyond just music lovers—reaching creatives, DJs, and even brands who resonated with my energy.

Now, I’ve built systems that turn everything I do—whether it’s a performance, studio session, travel experience, or brand collaboration—into some form of content. But the key is, nothing feels forced or staged. Everything I share is real, unfiltered, and a true representation of who I am. That’s what keeps my connection with my audience authentic and strong.

My Biggest Advice for Those Starting Out:
💡 Stay Authentic – People can see through inauthenticity faster than ever. If you’re posting just for engagement but don’t truly connect with your content, your audience will feel it.
💡 Share What You Love – Your content should be a natural reflection of what excites you. Whether it’s your craft, your experiences, or your personality—make sure it feels real to you.
💡 Be Consistent, But Not Robotic – Consistency is key, but forcing content just for the sake of posting doesn’t work. Quality over quantity.
💡 Engage & Evolve – Pay attention to what resonates with your audience, but don’t be afraid to experiment and evolve. Social media is always changing, and so should you.

For me, social media isn’t just about numbers—it’s about building a community of people who vibe with my energy, my music, and my vision. And that’s the mindset I’d recommend to anyone looking to build their presence the right way.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I’ve always believed that success isn’t about where you start—it’s about how far you’re willing to go. My goal is to continue pushing boundaries, elevating Caribbean culture on the world stage, and showing the next generation that anything is possible with hard work, passion, and resilience.

If someone can look at my journey and think, “If Puffy did it, I can do it too,”—then I know I’m fulfilling my purpose. I want to inspire, empower, and create a legacy that opens doors for others to walk through.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.DJPuffy.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/deejaypuffy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeeJayPuffy
• Twitter: https://x.com/deejaypuffy/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DeeJayPuffy

Image Credits

Alexander James