2 months ago
24
Mario Jones, better known as DJ Skipp, is a student at Kellits High School in Clarendon. The young DJ triumphed in the SunCity High School Disc Jock Competition on Saturday, showcasing his talent and dedication. Surrounded by more experienced selectors, the upper-sixth form student drew inspiration from them, fuelling his passion for the craft.
“My friends and my family members motivated me because as a young deejay, I mostly par with older DJs, that’s what gives me the motivation,” Jones told The Gleaner.
He went on: “I’m a music composer already. I’m planning to turn this deejay thing into my full-time job. I want to play on some of the big events that I’m seeing that are running the place and just further my greatness.”
Jones participated in the tournament in 2024, but was eliminated in the first round of the competition. He was called back into the competition as a wild card, but his path was cut short once again after he faced elimination.
He has earned the title of ‘resident deejay’ at his high school, being the preferred deejay for school events.
Following his win, his teacher, Mrs McKay-Burke, was ecstatic saying, “I am so proud of him! He is very quiet, and today to see him take on a different personality for the competition and actually win, I am very much proud of him. I have never seen him talk like that. This also means a lot to us, because we are promoting students not only in academics but in other aspects, both vocationally and in the DJ competition. So, we are showing Skipp our full support all the time. Whatever we see the students are good at, we try our best to support them. ”
His friend and the 2023 winner of the same competition, DJ Iconic, shared similar sentiments.
“He is coming from a very shy and reserved person. Never really liked talking to people and the least thing people said used to him mek him get shaky. Me and a lot of people around continue to push him and help develop his confidence and skills. Compared to last year, he was never a talker. He was never really confident. But this year, he surprised all of us. I’m glad he did because there were other people who didn’t believe in him, but now, he proved a point and nobody has anything bad to say about Skipp.”
Highlighting the significance of the competition, Jones said it’s important for youths, as it’s like “training for younger deejays when they go out in the world.”
“For me, I would say I have improved by 90 per cent from last year to this year. I have developed in song selections, track-mixing and BPM matching, and song research. I, however, need to improve in the MC ting fi talk, yuh know, because mi kinda nervous sometimes,” he admitted while laughing.
St Mary’s Snacks, the competition’s title sponsor for the last three years, has been a major backbone. Candise Bulli, brand manager, emphasised the importance of supporting young creatives.
“Students are our core audience. And so, we’re happy that we get to be a part of their passions and their dreams. It’s not just about being a lawyer and a doctor and a marketer, it is okay to to see creative outlets to express yourself,” she said.
DJ Sanjay of Bridgeport High took second place, while DJ Dae Dae Bwoy of Waterford High and DJ Hibby of Campion College finished third and fourth, respectively.
English (US) ·