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DJ Mac made an appearance at AfroPlus Fest in Washington, where he was introduced to the crowd by Ricky Platinum. Following the appearance, WMV caught up with the Jamaican producer and DJ to discuss his growing international profile, his experience touring Europe and what he has learned about the global appetite for dancehall.
DJ Mac’s new song Starbucks with Feloni19 has reinforced his appreciation for artists who understand exactly what they want to accomplish in the studio. The song has climbed to top 30 in Jamaica on Apple Music. He described the experience as similar to collaborating with other established acts, pointing particularly to Feloni19’s speed and versatility.
“Working with Feloni19 is similar to working with most of the established artists,” DJ Mac told WMV. “He is fast and knows how to deliver in whatever tone he wants to. He’s not just a regular DJ.”
His recent European tour also offered a clearer picture of just how far his own name and music have travelled. DJ Mac said the reception he and Baba received overseas exceeded his expectations.
“Touring Europe was a great experience. The love they showed me and Baba, I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I didn’t know that’s how far my brand had travelled and made an impact worldwide. I’m grateful to be representing my country and reggae music.”
Beyond the reception, however, the trip gave the producer a firsthand look at how international audiences are consuming Jamaican music. What stood out most was a gap between what is sometimes marketed as dancehall and what European listeners and partygoers actually want from the genre.
“Europe definitely opened my eyes to what the world is accepting or deeming as ‘dancehall.’ It’s not what we think it is,” DJ Mac explained. “They love it, but want more of the authentic riddims that they can dance to.”
Mac takes his hits filled set on tour in Japan next.
English (US) ·