DJ Puffy, the trailblazing disc jockey from Barbados, has once again made history by winning the coveted International DJ Of The Year award at the Caribbean Music Awards held last week Thursday at Kings Theatre, Brooklyn, New York. This marks a significant milestone not only for DJ Puffy, but also for the entire Caribbean region, showcasing the immense talent and global influence of Caribbean artistes.
In a heartfelt speech, DJ Puffy (Andre Parris) dedicated his award to everyone who has supported him throughout his career, stating, “I want to dedicate this award to everyone who has been rocking with me from day one – my management team and agents, family, my friends, and, of course, the people who show up and show love no matter where I am in the world.”
DJ Puffy also shared an exciting announcement about his absence from the award ceremony, revealing, “I don’t think I’ve ever announced this officially but the reason I am not able to attend is because I’m performing at my residency in Las Vegas. A huge accomplishment for a Caribbean DJ and just a small example of how far we can go. For a kid from Barbados, this is more than I’ve ever imagined.”
The International DJ Of The Year award is a testament to DJ Puffy’s relentless dedication to his craft and his ability to break barriers on the global stage. His victory is a beacon of inspiration for other Caribbean DJs as he encouraged them to “keep hustling, keep grinding, and keep believing in your craft. The Caribbean is an incredible training ground for DJs and is filled with so much talent. We are a force to be reckoned with! Let’s continue to elevate our sound, our culture, and each other”.
DJ Puffy’s journey from Barbados to the world stage is a story of perseverance, passion, and the power of Caribbean culture. His Las Vegas residency, a major achievement for any DJ, underscores the heights that Caribbean talent can reach when given the opportunity.
He extended his gratitude to the organisers of the Caribbean Music Awards and expressed his admiration for his fellow nominees, stating, “Big up to the organisers of this amazing event and to all the nominees – being in the same category as you all is a privilege. This award isn’t just mine; it’s for every DJ out there who is passionate about what they do.”
DJ Puffy’s historic win is not only a personal triumph but also a victory for the entire Caribbean, shining
a spotlight on the region’s rich cultural heritage and its influence on the global music scene.
He won the 2016 Redbull Thre3style DJ Championship, the first Bajan and Caribbean DJ to do so.
In 2022 he went on his sixth month-long multicity Asia Tour, reaching several venues in Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Japan including Toyko, Osaka and Hokkaido. The tour, produced and promoted by Diamond Edge Inc. based in Asia, marked a pioneering milestone as Puffy raised the bar as the first Caribbean DJ to establish annual tours throughout Asia.
Puffy has performed at some of the most prestigious venues and events this year including J. Cole’s Dreamville Music Festival, Lewis Hamilton’s private parties, Electric Brixton, London, The Do-Over, Los Angeles, and Sundown Festival in the Maldives.
Last month he was in Barbados for his Crop Over fete Hypd, which started in 2016. (NS/PR)
