Dj Dankers — the French Soca Maestro

INTERVIEW WITH DJ DANKERS

by Simple FX

Dj Dankers

Hello! I’m Dj Dankers, a Caribbean DJ from Guadeloupe, passionate about music of course, but also about travel and everything related to the Caribbean. My love for music came naturally during college and it hasn’t left me since… I listen to everything, but it’s true that I love what embodies the Caribbean, especially Soca. I decided to promote the genre after its decline from our musical landscape in the 2000s, likely due to the rapid rise of dancehall at that time. It’s been over 10 years that this has become my battle cry.

Your loyalty to Soca has made you a reference point for Francophone DJs in this music style, and you’re now booked to bring that festive atmosphere to parties. What’s your take on this growing enthusiasm?

It’s a huge pleasure to see this rise because for years, I felt a bit isolated, so to speak, as few people believed in this music. It represents a sort of culmination, even though there’s still a lot to do to sustain this “trend phenomenon” for some and a true passion for others. That’s the primary mission of the French Soca Lovers.

We’ve seen you alongside internationally renowned DJs like Walshy Fire, Dj Puffy, Dj Payou (:-D), and others. What do you take away from these experiences?

Each experience is different, but they are all so enriching, lol! I’m really grateful to represent our Francophone islands on different Caribbean islands, in the USA, and to be the first French DJ to mix at Soca Brainwash during Miami Carnival, for example… being alongside superstar DJs is a real honor and allows me to assess the work done and the work still to be done.

(left) Walshy Fire with Dj Dankers | (right) Atlanta Carnival Party

You’re now playing internationally with performances in Trinidad, St. Lucia, Miami, Atlanta, Paris, Uber Soca Cruise, and more. How do you approach an audience that may not know you?

It’s true that it’s not always easy, but you have to believe in yourself, reassure them musically by showing that I truly love and master this music while marking my difference by introducing them to the culture of our French islands as well.
Seeing people vibe to Zouk, Kompa, Bouyon at the Uber Soca Cruise, for example, is really a lot of emotions.

You’ve been part of the Caribbean Dream “Premium Edition” adventure since its inception. Do you have a memorable moment to share from one of these events?

No particular moment comes to mind, but it’s true that it’s one of the rare events that truly feels Caribbean, whether through the music, the atmosphere, or the beautifully simple yet stunning setting! It’s really a great event!

Next stop Martinique | February 9 for Caribbean Dream with Marzville, The Hypeman, & Dj Payou

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We’ve noticed a rise in styles from St. Lucia within the Soca scene, such as the Dennery Segment, the Bouyon from Dominica, but especially the use of Zouk rhythms in the new Sweet Soca tracks. Could our Zouk artists and composers see this as an opportunity for new markets at a time when some say it’s “dead”?

It’s a vast debate. But it’s true that reaching out to our neighbors allows us to realize the aura that Zouk has over the Caribbean, and this interest from Soca music producers in recent years for all the musical variations that permeate the Caribbean is a real opportunity to create bridges and thus confront our cultures to enhance them.

Karukera One Love Festival

It’s hard to mention you without thinking of the artist Riddla, who has had the chance to produce Soca tracks. Do you think a Francophone artist could one day have a Soca track that would be embraced in Anglophone carnivals, especially with a resurgence of Bouyon?

Of course, it’s possible. It’s a matter of timing and opportunities, but I truly believe it, especially him; he really has the potential for it.

You’ve released quite a few mixtapes. Have you considered producing a compilation? What are your upcoming projects?

I’m thinking about it… The future will tell us more.
Otherwise, I plan to continue shining a light on the Francophone Antilles as far as possible.

DJ Dankers — Philipsburg, Netherlands Antilles

Thank you for supporting and encouraging me in this mission. Soca is Love… French Soca Lovers to di world!!!!!

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