We recently connected with JuJu and have shared our conversation below.

JuJu, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Looking back I feel like I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic and creative path professionally, but it wasn’t understood until more recently in life becoming a DJ. Early in my childhood, I played the piano for a few years, then later learned how to play guitar, and the journey as an entertainer started at my family’s dinner table hosting game shows and segments with what whatever my mind came up with. My young artistic life really geared me up for the deejay journey, on top of my knowledge of so many different kinds of music and sounds. Family and friends had a lot of influence on my creative/artistic journey, with my Pops being a self-taught guitarist.

JuJu, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I got into deejaying from one of my fraternity brothers, DJ McWhite. Honestly, before him, I can say that I wouldn’t have even been able to explain what deejaying truly was, the effect it has on people/rooms, and especially the craft and culture. The start of my DJ hobby turned business started when he posted something DJ-related content, I responded how I wanted to be a DJ, and then he mentioned encouragingly that I just needed to buy a controller and start. Soon after I was practicing and looking for opportunities. After moving to Kanas City in 2019, I soon started working with ICON Event Group, where I touched up on emceeing skills and gathered knowledge about special events. Still wanting to enhance my DJ skill set I joined Break Free Kansas City. Break Free is a premier Hip-Hop School in Overland Park, Kansas that doesn’t just offer DJ classes but so much more when it comes to understanding the history and culture of Hip-Hop. My mentor, DJ Cynsere, explained DJ culture and etiquette, along with preaching the importance of practice and being on the beat to myself and fellow Break Free student and friend DJ Power Play. Since then, I’ve had so many opportunities deejaying in the midwest at numerous venues, clubs/bars, corporate/private parties, etc. Operating as an Open-format DJ my biggest strength I believe is to read the room and have such a diverse knowledge of music keeping any night fully rocking – no matter the genre. Along with ensuring that I’m showing authenticity with my DJ craft.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is the effect you leave on others. I am literally doing something I LOVE, something I’m beyond passionate about, and talented at doing. No matter the room, or the event I always have someone making me feel as if I inspired them whether it’s their words and/or actions – which only inspires me further and preps me for my next gig.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

My opinion on society doing its best at supporting artists and creatives is to just show up, show out and collaborate. If you really love someone’s arts/talents be there for it however you can. For me seeing familiar faces, friends, and fellow DJs at my events really amps me to see what the future will be for the DJ community and how DJ culture could be pushed and improved in much of the midwest region or in the world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://everythingjuju.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juju_witdabeatz/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/juju_witdabeatz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@juju_witdabeatz

Image Credits
Erishyll Mae Photography Dustin Evans Photography Mike Tsai