This is the sixth in a 10-part series on emerging and established sound system selectors. Today, we feature DJ Jigga from St James, who won the Heineken Green Synergy DJ competition in 2008.

Kevin Jackson: How is DJ Jigga different from other selectors?

DJ Jigga: I do not play to show off on other DJs. I play for the patrons and my uniqueness comes from my ability to read the crowd, no matter if it is 10 people at an event.

KJ: How did you get into music and selecting?

DJ Jigga: I got into music by listening to the radio. I used to listen to DJ Wayne (on Irie FM) when I was in high school in the early 2000s. The way that he played each song told a message and even in how he brought in the commercials; very talented. My father used to have a home stereo system so music was always in my blood.

KJ: What kind of platform did Heineken Green Synergy provide?

DJ Jigga: It provided a lot of opportunity and it made people in every parish get a chance to see my talent. I did not enter to win. I just wanted people to hear what I can do and that I can start getting paid for doing what I love because I just live music so much, but it was not bringing in any form of income for me.

KJ: What is your real name and how did you come by Jigga?

DJ Jigga: My real name is Andre Reid. I came by Jigga because while I was in high school they said I look like Jay-Z.

KJ: Which school did you attend and what did you study?

DJ Jigga: Herbert Morrison Technical High School in Montego Bay. I studied Food Preparation at HEART Academy.

KJ: How did your family react to you becoming a selector?

DJ Jigga: My family is appreciative of my decision to pursue a career in playing music. My mother is a Christian and sometimes she makes some smart comments, but overall she supports me.

KJ: What other profession would you be doing if you weren’t a selector?

DJ Jigga: I would definitely do culinary arts or visual arts.

KJ: What have been some of your most memorable gigs?

DJ Jigga : St Maarten is like a second home for me. I love playing in that country; they really appreciate music on a different level. Locally, I must say a show in Montego Bay called MoBay Crabfest; that show always brings out the best in me, I guess because it has both young and older people, it’s always a good experience.

KJ: There has been an increase in crime in St James since the state of emergency ended. How can crime be curtailed?

DJ Jigga: To be honest, I would not say that crime has increased. Yes, Montego Bay has a crime issue, but it is not worse than anywhere else in the world. What I think the Government could do to slow it down or prevent it from happening is to provide more random security. We as a society need to focus more on the positive things that’s happening in our country. We always highlight negativity and sweep the positivity under the rug, and that we really need to fix ASAP.

KJ: Reggae is celebrating 50 years this year, if you were part of the Government, what would you do to commemorate this milestone?

DJ Jigga: Well, if I had a seat in Parliament, I would find designated areas in each parish where we could play music beyond the regulated hours as loud as we choose to.

KJ: What is your advice to up-and-coming selectors wishing to enter the business?

DJ Jigga: I would tell them do not come into music if you do not love it because as with everything in life, there is the good and the bad. You have to love it because when you have eight shows to do in three days, that will have you stressed if you do not love it. Also, remain humble and believe in yourself before anybody else believes in you.