Dj Payou — “the Soca is Alive!”

INTERVIEW WITH

by Simple FX

Dj Payou — Credit Photo : Fabrice Mauvois

“Soca is Lived!”

Hello! My name is Payou, originally from the beautiful island of Martinique. I have been practicing my passion and profession as a deejay for almost 8 years now. A lover of Music with a capital "M," I listen to and am interested in different styles of music, although I have a natural and pronounced inclination for Caribbean sounds. I also love to travel, meet new people, discover, and share. In a word, I love Sharing, enriching myself, and enriching others with multiple and diverse knowledge.

Turning Passion into Profession

How did your passion for deejaying come about?

Since my adolescence, I was already a bit interested in the world of deejaying. Indeed, I am part of the generation that spent hours in the car listening to mix shows on the radio. Then there was this big 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 technique, 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 was not at all planned that I would make it my profession! Initially, I was aiming for a career in the Commercial field. I studied accordingly, and it was ultimately these studies that led me to make it my profession.

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

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

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

Soca Ambassador

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

Although I am French, we, 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 therefore naturally ingrained in me. And if there is one musical style that represents it, it is Soca. At first, I just liked listening to it because I love what moves! Then, talking with others who have participated in various carnivals in the Caribbean, I really began to take an interest in what was clearly not just music but a state of mind.

Moreover, I immediately connected with this way of living music, having fun, and sharing.
I had the opportunity in 2014 to start transmitting this passion through a major event that was the "Jouvert" in Martinique. Since then, I have indeed continued to promote Soca, which is much more than a musical style; it is 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!

However, it is true that our audience may be a bit more demanding! This has its pros and cons. I wouldn't say we have trouble letting loose, but rather that we consume fun differently. The approach is not necessarily the same, which is normal. That said, this difference is fading as more and more people travel and open up to the outside.

We are part of the Great Caribbean Family

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

In one word: "Energy"! When you return home after such events, all you want is to share with everyone the energy and good vibes you have accumulated. I also saw that despite the language barrier, we, Francophones, have our place completely, and we should not be afraid to export ourselves. Because it is also by reaching out to others that we can bring them to us and discover our culture. We are part of the Great Caribbean Family.

I have 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 to come together and share our influences.

I have made wonderful encounters that have allowed me to grow both professionally and personally.

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

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

Any advice for aspiring DJs?

I am myself an aspiring DJ! I am just starting; 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 being a profession, it is a passion! Oh yes, for those who think they will make millions as DJs, don’t kid yourselves; not everyone will be a David Guetta!

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

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