THE true measure of greatness is not what you achieve, but the ability to go steadfast after what you want, recognising that each step brings you closer to success. Growing up, Alleyah Wright, known as DJ Kaotic, always knew she was destined for something greater than herself. From dancing to music in her stepmother’s salon to now being the first-ever winner of the Guinness UWI Student Sound Clash competition, held during The University of the West Indies, Mona’s (UWI) Global Reggae Conference on February 15, the triumphant DJ is excited to take the music world by storm.

DJ Kaotic detailed how music has always been a huge part of her life.

“The radio was always on in my house so I listened to all genres of music every day and every time I heard a song, my love for music grew. I feel like I was born to pursue a career in music; it’s like I am intertwined with it and we are one,” she recalled. “My father dabbled in music for a while as well, so it’s something that I feel like was in my blood regardless of any direction I would choose to go, it felt as if I could not escape music.”

With a decision to explore music academically, DJ Kaotic enrolled in the enterprise cultural and entertainment management (ECEM) programme at The UWI.

“I was originally a marketing student but I wanted to invest my time in something that I was more passionate about and felt as if I could take my career to the next level. It’s because of the decision I have gotten the opportunity to experience music on a deeper level. Part of the reason why I entered the competition was because I saw that if I won, I would get money towards my tuition,” she said.

The Guinness UWI Student Sound Clash, hosted at the Faculty of Humanities and Education courtyard, marked a groundbreaking moment in university music competitions. Student DJs from across the campus were put to the test in three challenging rounds: chune fi chune/clash round, jugglin’ round, and a themed round focusing on Afrobeats and reggae.

Judged by esteemed panellists including Professor Donna Hope, Professor Dr Pablo D Herrera Veitia, Professor Mike Haijmichael, and conference chair, Dr Sonjah Stanley Niaah, the competition was fierce. Each round presented unique challenges, testing the DJs’ ability to command the crowd, showcase their mixing skills, and stay true to the event’s theme.

Amidst intense competition and palpable excitement, it was DJ Kaotic who emerged as the ultimate champion, also earning the first of the coveted spots in the Guinness Sounds of Greatness 2024 semi-finals. DJ Kaotic was also awarded a grand prize of $200,000 towards her scholarship and equipment.

Declaring 2024 as her year of no procrastination, the enthusiastic DJ immediately jumped on the opportunity to be a part of the Guinness UWI Student Sound Clash competition after learning about it the day before.

She shared, “I knew that I could not let this opportunity pass me by. I have only been a part of one other sound clash where I came out as the winner. I wanted to bet on myself and see how far it would take me. Being a part of the Guinness UWI Sound Clash has truly changed my life. I have always wanted a mixing board as I have been playing music on the radio for years and I did not have one to practice on. It may feel like a small thing to someone else but it’s like another door just opened for me.”

Looking ahead, the passionate DJ hopes to take the knowledge gained from entering the competition so that she can leave a legacy of greatness through her craft.

“I got into this field because I had the ability to control someone’s mood for the better and I want to impact people’s moods in a bigger way where I am able to travel and play in countries all across the world. It’s an exhilarating feeling to be the first winner of the competition, especially being the only female. I don’t just listen to music, I study it and to know that my talent was recognised has given me a newfound confidence in myself and my skills. This is only the beginning and I am excited to see everything the future has in store for me,” she added.

To anyone who is afraid to take steps to pursue their dreams, Wright encourages them to recognise their power as an individual.

“Stop and ask yourself if there is another you. Loving something is the easy part but if you do not have the energy to go the extra mile for yourself, it’s always going to feel like the odds are against you,” she expressed. “Slow progress is still progress, go after everything you want. It’s not about being of a particular gender, in whatever path you take, there will always be some type of competition, once you decide you are worthy to compete, then you are already a champion.”