Macy – Also known as Macyy Jadee, I am half English, half Jamaican
From stealing her dad’s phone to play with a DJ app as a child, to going viral during lockdown with a mix that racked up 20,000 views, Macyy Jadee’s journey is the definition of humble beginnings with unstoppable ambition. The Manchester-born, half-Jamaican, half-English powerhouse has transformed her love for music into a career that has already taken her to Notting Hill Carnival, BBC Radio, and international stages in Miami, Malta, and Tenerife. Known for her unpredictable sets, blending soca with everything from funky house to dancehall, Macyy Jadee has quickly become one of the most exciting female DJs representing the Caribbean sound in the UK and beyond.
What first drew you to DJing, and what was the moment you decided you wanted to pursue it seriously?
Djing was always a hobby for me. When I was younger, I used to steal my dad’s phone because he had a DJ app on it. I had no idea what I was doing, but I would spend hours on it. One day in lockdown, I released a mix for fun, and it went viral with over 20,000 views. A club saw it and then booked me to have my first ever DJ set, from there the bookings were rapidly picking up, and I had no choice but to take it seriously!
Can you share a vivid memory of one of your humble beginnings—maybe your first gig or a DIY setup that didn’t go as planned?
I remember during lockdown, I used to do live streams, DJing. I look back on some of the videos and cringe. I had no idea what I was doing or how anything worked. I was just winging it because I genuinely loved being behind the decks. It’s great to be able to see the growth from then to now!
How did Manchester shape your sound, and what’s unique about the SOCa scene there?
Unfortunately, the soca scene is still quite small in Manchester, compared to where I would personally like it to be. It definitely works in my favour as I use it as an opportunity to educate and get creative. I always think about what song the crowd knows, then make a mash-up with soca lyrics on a familiar beat. It keeps the crowd moving while learning new songs, and I also get to play my favourite soca songs, so it’s a win-win for everyone! I think that’s where my love for being unexpected in my DJ sets has come from. Mixing the most random songs and watching the crowd’s reaction makes me laugh. I would like to think my sets are unpredictable, and hopefully I can keep it that way.
What challenges did you face early on—was it gear, budget, or opportunity?
I think my hardest challenge has been breaking the stigma around female DJs. It’s something that I am still fighting even 4 years into my DJ Journey. I have even been shouted at in clubs by security for being in the DJ booth as I’m setting up my equipment for my set. I definitely feel like I’m constantly having to prove myself and that I have been booked, whether that’s having to pull my DJ laptop out of my bag to show that I’m here to work and not just trying to get into the club for free, or showing my social media that says I’m a DJ. It’s definitely tough, but I just hope I go through all of this so other female DJs don’t have to.
Do you remember the first track you ever mixed live? What was it, and how did it go?
Oh wow, I remember when I first started DJing, I used to play Funky House, Garage, and Bassline. I was DJing at a house party and mixed dancehall with house, and the crowd was literally screaming and jumping. I think that’s when I realised I can take DJing wherever I want to go with it, and the opportunities are endless
You’ve done some exciting mixes—from Soca for Notting Hill Carnival to BBC Radio mixes—what’s your mindset going into those big moments?
I always get so nervous, even now! I do spend months preparing, whether that’s researching, listening to podcasts, talking to DJs, I always make sure I am overprepared. I just try to enjoy it. I always DJ better when I’m having fun, so I try not to take my sets too seriously!
Who were your early support systems—fellow DJs, friends, mentors?
Aw my friends and family were and still are the best. There are too many to name, but I’ve always been blessed to be surrounded by the most amazing people who make me feel like nothing is impossible. Special mention to Morgan, Ros, Thaiyana, and Ravel. I wish everyone to have friends as good as mine because never in my life have I had people support me as much as they do. They probably don’t realise how much they have contributed to my DJ Journey and my growth. They even fly out to come and support my international sets. It’s always scary abroad, but having that familiar face next to you enjoying themselves helps me more than they will ever know. My family has always been supportive! My dad even bought me my first DJ decks because he saw how much I love the DJ app on his phone, haha.
How do you approach curating a SOCa set—what connects all the tracks and keeps people moving?
If you have ever seen me before a DJ set, first of all, apologies! I go into this analysing mode. I will always go hours before my set, watching the crowd to see which songs they like/don’t like. Listening to the DJs to make sure I don’t repeat songs – as that is my biggest pet peeve!! Most of my sets, I don’t go in with a plan of what I’m going to play; I just work off of the crowd’s energy. I love when people are wearing the flags and repping their country because then I can play music from their island, make them feel at home, that’s my way of building a bond with the crowd. Once that bond is built and they trust you, you can start with educating them on some songs they may not have heard!
What’s an unexpected track or genre you’ve found blends well with SOCA—and why?
Has to be funky house! It works so well! It’s also my 2nd favourite genre after soca, so hearing them two together just makes me so happy. I grew up with both soca and funky house, so hearing them together gives me the best feeling of nostalgia. Plus, they both have the greatest instrumentals, so the crowd will always keep moving!
Describe that instant when you realized you were no longer just doing this for fun—you had truly “arrived.”
I feel like I’m still doing this for fun, so many bookings I have done and forgot to get paid! Money is just a bonus for me. I think a huge milestone for me was seeing my queue at 11:30 pm at my most recent event @mixupwithmacyyjadee. The doors opened at 11:00 pm, we had people queuing up at 10:00 pm, and the venue hit full capacity at 12:30 am. I had never seen anything like it in my life. I still to this day can’t believe that I did THAT. All by myself!
What’s been your proudest milestone so far? Maybe playing with icons at Notting Hill Carnival?
Has to be my international bookings. Tenerife for Lvsh, Malta for Caribbean Rocks, and Miami for Miami Carnival. If you had told me when I first started djing that this is where I would be getting booked, I would have laughed! It still doesn’t feel real, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunities always. One of my proudest milestones was the first time I played at Notting Hill Carnival in 2023. I played for Flagz Mas Band. One of the biggest soca sounds in the UK with the best DJs! I had only been DJing for two years at that point, and Notting Hill Carnival was on my long-term goals list, so to achieve that at such an early stage in my career, but also at such a young age of 21, I was over the moon. I remember I cried the whole way home (a very long 5-hour journey back to Manchester) because I was so happy and grateful for the opportunity! So a huge shoutout and thanks to Kemoy, Latisha, and Flagz for making that happen.
Who are your biggest musical influences—within SOCa or outside it?
I learned a lot from DJ Cee B’s YouTube channel (@DJCee_B). He’s great to watch, especially if you are new to DJing. DJ Nate and English Fire – they have events all over the country and even internationally. I admire DJs who have set up their own successful events companies, Izzy Bossy and DJ Emz – huge pioneers for Female DJing. Machel Montano – One of my favourite soca artists and the singer of most of my favourite songs. A true visionary for soca music.
Tell us about a mix or set that didn’t go as planned—and how you turned it around.
Technical issues are the worst. Power cutting out, Decks freezing, Music disappearing. I’ve had it all. It’s just one of those things that most of the time you can’t help. Just always have a backup for EVERYTHING, keep the crowd entertained, and stay calm.
What’s the most surprising reaction you’ve received from a set, whether in person or online?
One of my TikToks hit 5.5Million Views. It was just a simple mix that I uploaded to my private Snapchat story! I was lacking content, so I posted that video just for the sake of it. The next day I woke up and it had 1Million Views, and it has grown ever since and still is! I wouldn’t mind the mix, isn’t anything special, just a transition from one song to another. Just goes to show, don’t overthink content, just post!
Beyond music, what drives you—what fuels your creative spirit and your hustle?
My environment 100% – I’ve always been surrounded by hard workers, so I think that’s something that has come naturally. Whenever I’m not working, I feel useless and try to stay as productive as possible. Also, being from Manchester, with it being such a small town, not many of us make it out. So, I really wanted to lead by example to other females, especially since it is possible.
What’s your go-to SOCa anthem right now—something that ignites you every time?
I have so many at the moment! I’m currently loving Jab and Vincy Soca. A few faves are Jab Decisions – V’ghn + Terra D Governor Whale Fu See – OG Park Rum Lawd Fraid Horn – Problem Child.
If you could collaborate with any artist—SOCa or otherwise—who would it be and why?
Lady Lava! I love that she represents independence and strength for women in the Soca scene. I love her music, and it really stands out to me as a DJ, as every single one of her songs gets the crowd, especially the girls, moving. As women in the soca scene, the collaboration wouldn’t just be about music; it’s about being seen. When women come together, it shows future generations that there’s room for female voices, female energy, and female leadership in SOCA and the music industry.
How has your brand—or your personality—evolved as you’ve grown?
I’ve always been shy – I still am, but there was a point in time when you couldn’t have a conversation with me because I was that shy. It’s definitely something I’m still working on, but being a DJ has grown my confidence massively!
What’s next on the horizon for you? Any exciting gigs, mixes, or projects coming up?
So much! I have a mix appearing on Radio 1Xtra for black history month, so I cannot wait for that to air. I also have City Splash, which is huge for 1. I’m also in the works for international bookings next year, so a lot’s in store!
Finally, what advice would you give to someone starting from “humble beginnings” and chasing their DJ dream in SOCA today?
Firstly, never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. I am a huge believer that anything you put your mind to will be possible. Consistency is Key. In terms of being a Soca DJ, my best advice would be to never stop learning. Whether that’s the culture of different islands or the latest music. Soca is a genre that is constantly evolving, and you have to stay on top of the latest riddims. Finally, just put 100% into everything you do and every DJ set. Whether there are 10 people in the crowd or 10000. Do your best. You never know who is watching.
As Macyy Jadee continues to break barriers and inspire the next generation of female DJs, her mission remains simple: bring joy, represent her roots, and prove that nothing is impossible with consistency, passion, and self-belief. With a 1Xtra mix on the way, more international bookings lined up, and her own event brand, Mix Up with Macyy Jadee, growing rapidly, the world is only just beginning to see what she’s capable of. One thing’s for sure—her sets will always keep you guessing, moving, and smiling.
Contacts/ Socials :
Instagram @macyyjadee
TikTok @macyyjadee
Events @mixupwithmacyyjadee
