Dj Payou — "Soca is a Way of Life!"

INTERVIEW WITH

by Simple FX

Dj Payou — Photo Credit: Fabrice Mauvois

“Soca is a way of life!”

Hello! I’m Payou, hailing from the beautiful island of Martinique. I’ve been pursuing my passion and profession as a DJ for nearly 8 years now. A lover of Music with a capital “M,” I listen to and am interested in various music styles, although I have a natural and pronounced inclination towards Caribbean sounds. I also enjoy traveling, meeting new people, discovering, and sharing. In a word, I love sharing, enriching myself, and enriching others with diverse knowledge.

Turning Passion into Profession

How did your passion for DJing come about?

Since my teenage years, I was already a bit interested in the world of DJing. Indeed, I belong to the generation that spent hours in the car listening to mix shows on the radio. Then there was that major event in the years 96-97 called “Choc des Deejays,” and that’s when I really got hooked.

Seeing the effect of music on the audience, hearing the different transitions, the techniques, the scratches, the creativity of DJs was just magical. After that, I started going out to parties, traveling, and my passion only grew.

When did you realize you could make it your profession?

To be honest, it wasn’t at all planned for me to make it my profession! Initially, I was aiming for a career in the commercial sector. I studied accordingly, and it was ultimately these studies that led me to make it my job.

Like many, I think, I really started mixing at home first, just because I loved it. Then, from barbecue to barbecue, and through friends' birthdays, I truly confronted the professional landscape in 2011.

Event organizers, nightclub and bar owners trusted me, even allowing me to mix solo, which was very formative. I had the chance to learn alongside experienced DJs such as Gil, Boos, Demboss, Kos’D, to name a few. It was really after working as a resident DJ for 2 years that I realized this was what I truly wanted, and especially that I had the chance to combine my passion with my profession.

It’s also true that when I invest in a project, I like to see it through to the end and ensure it’s done well, which is why I chose to professionalize.

Soca Ambassador

You have no problem mixing at any type of event, but you are recognized as a reference DJ for Soca in Martinique. Where does this passion for the style come from?

Although I’m French, we in Martinique, and more generally the French Antilles, are lucky to be immersed in the Caribbean basin. I grew up with this musical and cultural diversity. The warm and rhythmic sounds of the Caribbean are naturally ingrained in me. And if there’s one musical style that represents it, it’s Soca. At first, I just loved listening to it because I enjoy music that moves! Then, talking with others who participated in various carnivals in the Caribbean, I really began to see that it was not just music but a state of mind.

In fact, I immediately connected with this way of living music, having fun, and sharing.
I had the opportunity in 2014 to start sharing this passion through a major event called “Jouvert” in Martinique. Since then, I have indeed continued to promote Soca, which is much more than a musical style; it’s a way of life.

Indeed, Soca is lived!

The Caribbean Dream allows for the discovery of this “Way of life,” this lifestyle that is Soca.

What makes it a truly unique event is that we break down language barriers to create a festive and multicultural gathering.

More information about this event

We know how to have fun here!

It’s true that our audience might be a bit more demanding! This has its pros and cons. I wouldn’t say we struggle to let loose, but rather that we consume fun differently. The approach isn’t necessarily the same, which is normal. That said, this difference is fading as more and more people travel and open up to the outside world.

We Are Part of the Great Caribbean Family

Even before DJing brought you there, you traveled and participated in events like Crop Over or UberSocaCruise as an audience member. What has that brought you as a DJ?

In one word: “Energy”! When you return home after events like that, all you want to do is share with everyone the energy and good vibes you’ve absorbed. I also saw that despite the language barrier, we Francophones have our place, and we shouldn’t be afraid to export ourselves. Because it’s by reaching out to others that we can bring them to us and share our culture. We are part of the great Caribbean family.

I’ve had the chance to mix for diverse audiences from Martinique to Barbados, Saint Lucia, New York, and beyond. What struck me the most is that regardless of nationality, music allows us all to come together and share our influences.

I’ve made wonderful connections that have helped me grow both professionally and personally.

Is there a place or event where you would have liked to play?

Right now, I would love to perform at the legendary Trinidad carnival! You never know!

Any advice for aspiring DJs?

I’m still an aspiring DJ myself! I’m just getting started, and I learn every day! But if I had to give advice to young DJs, it would be to stay humble and not forget that before it’s a profession, it’s a passion! Oh yes, for those who think they’ll make millions DJing, don’t kid yourselves; not all of us will be David Guetta!

Don’t forget that it’s primarily a nocturnal profession, so for those who love to sleep, think about it!

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