9-Year-Old DJ Michelle from Dubai Outperforms 70 DJs in DMC Battle
While she didn’t make it through the finals, Dubai’s DJ Michelle out scratched nearly 70 other DJs in a prestigious DJ battle. Michelle tied in 14th place in DMC’s World Portablist DJ Competition. Which is pretty freaking awesome considering she’s just nine-years-old!
Competing in the same battle, Michelle’s dad DJ Shock is in the finals. So we’ll be cheering for him as he reps the UAE.
Standing Ovation
DJ Michelle is one of the youngest turntablists to ever enter a DMC battle and she made an impact. DMC organiser Tony Prince said: “Every year we hope to see the girls enter the DMC World DJ Championship challenge. There have been far too few in years gone by and so, from England, I give DJ Michelle a standing ovation.”
Price added: “Michelle is young and confident which is key to all things. At nine years of age she has a great image and could have a lot of fun with music to make a career and outshine her dad DJ Shock in the future. Good luck Michelle, show the boys how it’s done!”
“DJ Michelle did really great,” said Christie Z of DMC USA. “This could be the first time I’ve seen a father and daughter in the same battle although I have seen fathers and sons compete in the past. I’m happy that the DMC judges took her entry seriously and she competed with and placed with champion DJs.
“I do hope DJ Michelle continues to compete. Most DJs don’t win the first DMC battle they enter. Many strive for years. Her placing is a huge accomplishment.”
Dope
DMC posted our previous story announcing that DJ Michelle had entered the competition on their Facebook page. It sparked a flurry of comments from fans impressed by her skills. Comments included “She’s dope” to “Legend already” and “Next A-Trak”.
The Finalists
In all, 85 DJs competed in the 2021 DMC Numark World Portablist Elimination Round. Entrants submitted one-minute videos showcasing their scratch skills on a portable turntable. Belgian DJ Swordz came out on top, scoring a perfect 10 from each of the four judges.
Jose Rodriguez (Spain), DJ a.k.a (Austria), Nelson X (Germany), Drazec (France), YulDJ (Spain) DanOne, Hijinx and DJ Pearly (USA) join Swordz and DJ Shock in the finals. Each finalist will now submit a two-minute portablist routine. Hosted by DJ Woody, the finals premiere on Saturday 29 May at 10pm (UAE). Catch the action here.
The World Portablist DJ Competition is the first of eight DMC World DJ Championships events throughout 2021. Head to the DMC website for watch-a-longs, panels, DJ workshops, product demonstrations and more.
Also read: Celebrate Record Store Day with The Flip Side – Dubai’s Independent Haven for Vinyl Junkies
