Caribbean Export OUTLOOK 3rd Edition

Our Competitive Advantage 62

“I knew I was representing the entire Caribbean when I saw the excitement from other countries online. People were so supportive and I believe that played a major role in how I felt going into the final that Saturday. I was doing it for US! By US I mean the ENTIRE CARIBBEAN.”

a living organism is the fact that it’s extremely sensitive to changes or elements in its environment and I’m no different.” This adaptability also fuels Puffy’s creativity. His music, much like his personal style, is somewhat of an evolution, and this creativity is instrumental to his craft. Puffy’s ability to connect with the crowd and the performer, and his knack for bringing the element of surprise to the set came to the fore during his run to the finals of the Red Bull Thre3style World DJ Championship in 2016. He entered the competition as a Wild Card, following encouragement from a fellow competitor and colleague, United States- based DJ Trayze. “Red Bull Thre3style was a priceless experience. I didn’t go to Chile to win the competition. I saw an opportunity to be placed in an environment that would facilitate the growth of an aspiring DJ, and I couldn’t let it pass. Being surrounded by the greatest DJs in the world for just over a week had a HUGE impact on my craft. I wouldn’t have traded it for anything. I just wanted to go to Chile and learn as much as I could for that week.” Puffy has been a follower of Thre3tyle for a few years, but he admits that training for the championships, like any other competition, was extremely hard. “Coming up with unique concepts, being mindful of all the possible factors, and being a perfectionist isn’t a helpful combination. Then there’s the society that we come up in. The Caribbean never saw being a DJ as a ‘real job’.” Despite these challenges, he excelled and made it to the finals, while capturing the hearts of hundreds of thousands

of followers across the Caribbean. This support was something that Puffy came to appreciate immensely. “I knew I was representing the entire Caribbean when I saw the excitement from other countries online. People were so supportive and I believe that played a major role in how I felt going into the final that Saturday. I was doing it for US! By US I mean the ENTIRE CARIBBEAN.” Winning the Thre3style has catapulted Puffy’s career and provided a platform for the 26-year old phenom to showcase his signature style while experiencing places and things that most people only ever see on television or read about in magazines. “I love performing all around the world. Every country has a unique culture and it’s extremely exciting to see how different people react to me and my music. One of my most recent gigs took me to Dubai, where it’s always a movie! Shout out to the Caribbean’s own DJ Crown Prince who is the man out there. Overall it has been an extremely educational journey and I’d love to keep learning and keep it going!” The entertainment industry, and no doubt DJ-ing, can change your life in an instant. The key to surviving the daily demands and the growing fame is often a solid support system. For Puffy, this system is family and close friends. “My mom was a musician but she is also my best friend. She definitely supportedmy choice and keeps me grounded. My dad also loves music but believed more in academics. At first he was extremely against me going into a musical career, but when he saw the results and how people respected me around the world, he supported me. It’s totally important

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