Two of the DJs who are set to compete at this Friday’s staging of the Miramar Selecta Showdown in Miramar, Florida, are promising patrons a night of musical excellence.

DJ Fergie and DJ ShawtyRedz plan to bring their A-game to the proceedings alongside another industry veteran, DJ Toots. All three will battle for musical supremacy at the event which will shine the spotlight on dancehall music as well as a tribute and recognition to dancehall veteran Spragga Benz.

DJ Fergie, whose parents are Jamaican immigrants, said he likes to have fun with a crowd while unleashing the hits.

“I like to become one with the crowd and have fun with them too. What you can expect on Friday night is the unexpected. Honestly, you have to be there to catch the vibe, because when I play, it’s not normal,” DJ Fergie, a commercial pilot by profession, shared with Observer Online.

“Outside of being a professional DJ playing at events, I fly commercial / corporate jets. I have also been working on radio in Miami since 2007,” said DJ Fergie.

He explained how he got into music.

“I was born into it! My father was a DJ in New York City, and seeing his love for music was enough to spark my interest in trying my hand in the music business. I started playing for parties in the summer of 2000 at that time I was too young to drive so I pushed my DJ setup down the road on a dolly, needless to say I did a great job at that party and the rest became history,” DJ Fergie reminisced.

He said his Jamaican heritage is a big influence on the music that he plays.

“My heritage has played the biggest role in my work! Being of Jamaican descent I’ve learned a variety of music from the old to new and a wide range of genre’s from soul to dancehall. I wish I could tell you what I bring to the table musically, but as my mentor always told me “If your work speaks for itself, then don’t interrupt.”

With close to 23 years as a professional DJ, DJ Fergie spoke about his journey.

“I can definitely say that I have been blessed. I started practising on vinyl back in the 90’s and took my talent public in 2000. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the industry from its analog days through today’s digital era. The best way I like to sum it up is I’m cut from that special old school cloth.”

Miami-based DJ ShawtyRedz, who is of Trinidadian heritage, recalls when she was first introduced to Jamaican music.

“I was introduced to Jamaican music as a little girl when my two older sisters, while cleaning the house, used to listen to music. And at certain points I used to hear reggae music, especially Bob Marley. I fell in love with reggae and dancehall ever since,” said DJ Shawty Redz.

She has been a professional DJ for the past three years.

“As a DJ, I bring versatility to the table because I have a love for music in general, I play quite a few instruments (piano, steel pan, drums, trumpet and the organ) and I’m able to read and write music, and I play by ear as well. I’m able to use these skills to my advantage as a DJ. Taking any style or genre of music and mixing it alongside a reggae or dancehall track may be a challenge for some, but not for me. I love it,” she explained.

Born Jacqui Ferdinand, this is DJ ShawtyRedz first time entering a DJ clash.

“I have never entered a clash before, this my first time. I have been to many of them though, and always said to myself one day, that’s where you’ll be,” DJ Shawty Redz reasoned.

DJ ShawtyRedz, who also works in radio, said she is looking forward to the Miramar Selecta Showdown.

“What I am looking forward to most about the Selecta Showdown is just making my mark in the entertainment industry. Being a part of the Selecta Showdown has presented an opportunity for me to make that happen. Yes, the vibes and fun will be happening of course, but I see this as a big opportunity for more people in this world to know who DJ ShawtyRedz is,” she explained.

The Miramar Selecta Showdown is set to take place at Shirley Branca Park, 6900 Miramar Parkway, on Friday, February 16, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. This event is a celebration of Dancehall Week and is the Pre-party event for the Afro Carib Festival which takes place on Saturday, February 17 at the Miramar Amphitheater.

-Kevin Jackson