4 months ago
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When Reggae Sumfest 2025 hits Montego Bay this summer, all eyes will be on the stage as artistes turn up the heat. One of those heating things up from the booth is DJ Gabby – real name Gabrielle Davis – who’s carving out her own lane in a traditionally male-dominated space.
“Confidence is key,” she told The Gleaner ahead of the event. “Being a woman in this space means you have to go ten times harder. Sadly, most times you’re judged before you even perform. But I just drown out the noise and focus on being my best self.”
It’s that mindset – and her ability to move any crowd – that has earned her a coveted spot at Reggae Sumfest 2025, where she’s set to spin at the Global Fête on Thursday, a high-energy night that will feature performances from Moliy, Yung Bredda, and Marcy Chin, plus a showdown between Tony Matterhorn and defending Global Sound Clash champions, Notorious.
DJ Gabby started learning how to DJ at the tail end of 2019 into early 2020, just before the world shut down. “It was something I had wanted to do for about five years, but I was focused on other things. During COVID, I finally took the opportunity and invested in something I really had an interest in.”
Now, she’s an open-format DJ, skilled in many genres, with a deep love for dancehall, hip-hop, and Afrobeats. Whether it’s spinning riddims at a club or commanding a festival crowd, DJ Gabby aims to always bring the vibe, especially when she’s playing for the ladies.
“Sumfest 2025 is such a surreal moment for me. I will be focusing on keeping the energy high and positive, and I’m always playing for the ladies, so look out for a great ‘gyal’ segment.”
Outside of Sumfest, Gabby is keeping her bookings tight in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean, and has her eyes on Europe as well.
“I’m currently working on my routine channel,” she says. “My goal is to keep consistent. I am also working on my YouTube channel, so stay tuned!”
Wondering what would have been her profession if she weren’t a DJ? “I’d be a child psychologist,” she said. “I love kids.” And when she’s not behind the turntables, you might catch her in front of the camera. “I have many interests, and I love learning new things, but modelling will always be a passion of mine. I need to get back in front of the camera,” the model and actress said.
DJ Gabby Sumfest 2025 playlist – ‘Sumvibes’
As part of her Sumfest prep, The Gleaner asked DJ Gabby to curate a five-track playlist, with the inclusion of the two headline acts, Vybz Kartel and Toni Braxton. ‘Sumvibes’ was the title given to her selected playlist – which is inspired by the artistes and energy of this year’s festival.
1. Romantic Call – Lila Iké & Masicka
“I love this song. It’s catchy, refreshing, and pays homage to Patra.”
2. The Comet – Vybz Kartel
“This one speaks for itself (laughs). Timeless and powerful.”
3. Little Miss – Skeng
“A must-play! The girls always go crazy when this drops. Still a summer banger.”
4. Shake It to the Max (Remix) – Moliy, featuring Skillibeng and Shenseea
“This track is dominating globally. Moliy will be performing at the party I’m DJing on July 17, so I’ll be shaking it to the max for sure!”
5. He Wasn’t Man Enough for Me – Toni Braxton
“This selection is a reminder for all my baddies (laughs). Total anthem.”
Honorary mention? DJ Gabby couldn’t leave out reggae gem Satisfy Her by I-Wayne. “It’s such a classic. I can’t wait to hear him perform it live.”
English (US) ·