Born and raised in Saint Lucia, DJ King Beatz has been surrounded by music for as long as he can remember. What started with a Facebook name generator and a natural gravitation toward DJing has since grown into a career that bridges cultures and sounds. With strong influences from reggae, old-school classics, soca, dancehall, and afrobeats, King Beatz has carved out a space that’s uniquely his own. Inspired by Caribbean trailblazers like DJ Puffy, and sharpened by his time on radio and live stages, he’s quickly becoming one of the region’s most promising talents. But his journey hasn’t come without hurdles — from late payments to being overlooked as a young DJ — challenges that he continues to overcome with persistence, growth, and a dedication to the craft.
Can you share the story behind your DJ name, “King Beatz”?
I got it from a Facebook name generator, then I removed “DJ” and added “King”.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a DJ, and how did you get started?
It was something that just happened naturally. I grew up around music/djs
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your style?
DJ Puffy was a huge inspiration for me. Watching him succeed on the Red Bull Thre3style stage and become recognized for his music production, and seeing someone from the Caribbean who I could relate to achieve that level of success, really gave me the confidence that I could make it as well.
How has your upbringing influenced your musical tastes and career?
My father significantly influenced my music taste. He found his happy place listening to reggae and old-school music, and by extension, I absorbed much of his musical preferences. Growing up in Saint Lucia, Soca, and Dennery Segment were and still are very influential in the music I play. Additionally, my friends were all passionate about music, so I was constantly exposed to a wide variety of sounds.
What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
The biggest hurdles I face are late payments and event promoters not taking younger, upcoming DJs seriously. On a more positive note, I’m constantly growing and refining my craft. I’m always working to improve my mic usage, scratching, and mixing techniques. My role at the RCI radio station has been a huge help, and my mic skills have definitely improved because of it.
How would you describe your signature sound or style?
Being a DJ from the Caribbean means I’m immersed in a melting pot of diverse musical genres that have influenced the world stage. Because of this, it isn’t easy to distil my style down to just one word.
What genres do you specialize in, and how do you keep your sets fresh and engaging?
I specialize in Dancehall, Soca, Hip Hop, and Afrobeats to name a few. To keep my sets fresh and engaging, I stay on top of what’s trending and new by closely monitoring social media.
Can you walk us through your process of preparing for a live set or event?
I don’t typically prepare my sets in advance. Instead, I make sure to arrive at an event at least an hour early. If I’m not opening, I’ll listen to the DJs playing before me, taking note of what they’ve already played and how the crowd reacts. This helps me get a good read on the type of audience and what will really get them going.
How do you approach creating a playlist that resonates with diverse audiences?
I usually freestyle my sets, letting the energy of the music guide me. It’s all about how the music makes me and the audience feel. My playlists are a mix of vibes and hits, you know those songs, like “Get Busy” by Sean Paul, that people recognize and love no matter where you play them.
How do you read and adapt to the energy of a crowd during a performance?
There are clear signs when a DJ is going in the wrong direction with their music choices. The energy of the event drops, and people’s reactions and body language are big giveaways. It’s a lot of trial and error, but with time, you become better at maintaining the high vibe of an event.
Can you share a memorable moment from one of your gigs that stands out?
I specialize in Dancehall, Soca, Hip Hop, and Afrobeats, to name a few. To keep my sets fresh and engaging, I stay on top of what’s trending and new by closely monitoring social media.
How do you handle song requests that might not fit the vibe you’re creating?
I just don’t play it.
Have you ever had to deal with technical difficulties during a set? How did you manage the situation?
There are many types of technical difficulties that can come up. Some I can solve on the fly without anyone even noticing, just by keeping calm and thinking quickly, while others are simply out of my hands.
How has the landscape of this career changed since you started, especially with technological advancements?
The equipment and software available now are advanced. We can now stream music during live sets, meaning that with an internet connection, we have access to virtually all the music in the world. These new mixers/controllers also allow DJs to reimagine and create new mixing techniques that were previously not possible or extremely difficult
What advice would you give to aspiring DJs looking to make their mark?
Stay focused, keep practicing, do it for the right reason, and be all-rounded as an artist.
For DJ King Beatz, the mission is simple: keep the music alive, keep the crowds moving, and keep pushing boundaries. His versatility, cultural roots, and ability to read and adapt to any audience make him a rising force in the global DJ scene. And as technology reshapes the industry, King Beatz is determined to stay ahead while remaining grounded in his Caribbean essence. If one thing’s clear, it’s that this Saint Lucian DJ isn’t just spinning tracks — he’s building a legacy, one set at a time.
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