From the chaos of a live press conference to the pulse of a dance floor, 35-year-old Adrian Williams moves seamlessly between two worlds. By day, he moves through the corporate world as a dedicated news reporter at CVM TV, uncovering stories that inform the nation. By night, he transforms into “DJ Fenix”, spinning tracks that keep fun-seekers energised.

However, his two passions frequently overlap, whether through DJ-ing gigs for CVM itself or through initiatives that blend storytelling and sound, allowing him to amplify voices while keeping audiences entertained.

Adrian’s love for the arts was ignited early in life within the walls of a Methodist Church in Kingston.

“That is where I learned to sing, perform in drama pieces, and even learnt sign language, but the music is what stuck with me the most,” he recalls. His passion for DJ-ing developed in high school and, by sixth form, he had already started earning from his craft, growing his brand through gigs for friends and family.

Though his passion for music was evident, Adrian also valued his education, determined to thrive in the corporate world. So, after graduating from Meadowbrook High School, he pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Technology, Jamaica, but soon found himself at a crossroads. After much contemplation, he changed majors and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Technology, setting the stage for his journalism career.

“My journey into journalism started when I began writing with Kalilah Reynolds,” he shared. “I learnt a lot of my writing style from her and getting to know the business side of the industry. I eventually developed an appreciation for storytelling because, while technical skills are important, understanding people and their stories is just as crucial. That perspective eventually led me to where I am today at CVM,” he said.

Jamaica’s creative and media industries are inherently connected, even if professionals don’t always navigate both spaces. Adrian’s journey is a testament to this intersection.

“Being a DJ isn’t a traditional profession, so many people do not perceive the job in a serious light,” Williams explained. As a news reporter, he is often met with surprised reactions when others learn about his other career. However, he has learned to navigate spaces where the stigma surrounding DJs persists. Still, he believes the craft has gained more respect over the years as demand for the talent grows and hopes this recognition continues to expand.

This belief is reflected in his role as the resident DJ for Kingston Creative — an initiative dedicated to unleashing Jamaica’s cultural and creative potential. His deep connection to the movement is as much about playing music as it is about curating an experience that celebrates Jamaica’s artistic heartbeat.

“I’ve been involved in Kingston Creative’s Artwalk for six of its seven years. It’s important to me to support its growth, to help artists and creatives become better versions of themselves, while also creating a vibe that fuels the creativity happening all around us,” shared DJ Fenix.

A big part of that energy comes from the community that supports the arts — including brands like Red Stripe Flavours, which has helped fuel the creative scene.

Williams shared that he has seen first hand how this kind of backing creates opportunities, giving DJs and other artistes the space to showcase their craft.

Said he: “Beyond just being a sponsor, Red Stripe Flavours is part of the experience… It’s a reminder that creativity, culture, and good times go hand in hand.”

Williams was particularly pleased to have participated in the recent Kingston Creative Artwork Festival during Reggae Month and hints at plans to explore international opportunities in 2025.

By blending journalism and music, Williams challenges traditional boundaries and highlights the value of versatility in today’s creative landscape. And, despite his growing success as a DJ, he has no plans to choose between journalism and music.

“I am passionate about both, so I will continue juggling both,” he said.