It’s been 14 years since DJ Wade moved to Australia, hoping to make it in information technology and as an artiste/producer.

Known Down Under as Dasvibes, he scored a big hit there this year with Stickmen Toys Rock.

That song did well on the Australian EDM Chart. He followed-up with an Amapiano (South African genre) remix alongside Zimbabweans DJ Terry Moyaz and Tanika Siziba, which is expected to be part of his first EP, scheduled for release in early 2024.

Dasvibes, who lives in Brisbane, Queensland, spoke to the Jamaica Observer recently about the collaboration’s origins.

“The partnership was an organic progression, blossoming from our mutual love for the ever-evolving Amapiano genre. We recognised the potential to merge our distinct cultural backgrounds and music styles to create a track that would stand out in the dance genre landscape,” he said. “Through shared aspirations and a dedication to create something uniquely representative of our combined cultural roots, the Amapiano Remix of Stickmen Toys Rock took form.”

Stickmen Toys Rock was recorded using samples from the popular Stickmen Toys, a NFT (non-fungible tokens) manufactured by Warner Bros UK and Bose.

The upcoming EP will comprise remixes of his hit single, as well as Bring That Come, a dancehall song by Wiski D, a Kingston-based deejay. DJ Wade said interest around the release is mounting.

“The response thus far has been highly promising with widespread radio coverage across various stations in Australia. Additionally, we’ve seen an overwhelming pre-save count, with over 10,000 enthusiastic users expressing their anticipation for the release. Given the current momentum of Amapiano’s popularity, we’re confident that this track will make a significant impact upon its release,” he disclosed.

A mobile application developer by profession, DJ Wade cut his teeth as a selector on the Dub Sonic sound system in Seaview Gardens. He developed a fondness for information technology while attending Kingston College, but went into music production shortly after graduating in 2001.

Moving to Australia eight years later, he has released several songs as Dasvibes and performed throughout Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the United Arab Emirates. Stickmen Toys Rock is his biggest triumph as an artiste.

“The song is gaining momentum in Jamaica, having secured airplay on several radio stations. The Amapiano dance wave is being embraced to propel the track further, with plans underway to introduce a captivating dance move curated by one of Jamaica’s top dancers, aiming to elevate the song to unprecedented levels of popularity,” he said.