DJ Puffy puts his own spin on music

As the 2016, RedBull 3Style World Champion, DJ Puffy has spun records all over the world.

And based on what he has planned for this year, he won’t be slowing down any time soon.

Two years ago, after Puffy, birth name Andre Parris, submitted his video entry to the international contest, he went from being a wildcard entrant, emerging as the most skilful DJ of the bunch.

In the near future, in addition to playing other people’s music, he also plans to spin his own.

“I’m getting more into the production of music so I’m going to releasing a lot of music this year.

“And we’re going to be building on a lot of those relationships that started in 2017, so there will be new passports, new flights, more vibes and more energy,” the 26-year-old said. 

Last month in Krakow, Poland, his reign as champion came to an end when he enthusiastically passed the baton to Italian DJ Damianito, who is now the eighth winner.

Like on many of his other trips as ambassador, he said the RedBull team planned another unforgettable week, where he competed in challenges, learned some Polish, took in the sights and sampled the food, all the while taking time to practise.

Though he crowned a successor, Puffy however does not feel he has lost in any way.

“Once you’re initiated into the 3Style family, you are there forever. Once you win it, it’s yours; so you never lose the title. You’re recognised for what you did for the culture; so everybody gains,” the undisputed champion said.

Since 2010, the RedBull 3Style World DJ Championships have sought to advance the culture of DJing and entertaining audiences all around the world.

In this year’s competition another Barbadian, Jus Jay, also made it to the first round in Poland.

But despite the life-long friendship between Puffy and Jus Jay, he said he gave all the competitors the same advice.

“My advice to them was to be unique . . . study the criteria, but most importantly stay true to yourself because you were selected for a reason,” he said.

“The entire experience is like a huge training camp with a competition at the end of it . . . a very intense training camp. But nobody leaves a loser here at all.

“So it’s important to cherish all the experiences you will be apart of. There are friendships here that will change your career, or things you might see that could help you advance,” Puffy added. (TG)