dj don juan

Latin music, as a genre so individual of its R&B and Hip Hop cousins often lends itself to the cross pollination of music genres and has encouraged the growth of this cultural music form, affectionately coined Reggaeton, to make it way into the clubs of Australia with Sabor y Calor, meaning flavour and passion, which are the vital ingredients in the Latino recipe. A recipe that David Uribe, a.k.a DJ Don Juan, born in Sydney, Australia to Colombian parents has well and truly introduced to thronging crowds at leading Sydney nightclubs that he has promoted events for the 8 years, building up a strong and loyal clientele all feenin for the flavours of South America to be fused with the leading commercial R&B and Hip Hop tracks on major rotation. The secret to his success to date is quite simple as he puts it, “Commitment, dedication, professionalism. DJ every gig to the best of your ability, listen to the people and don’t let the fame get to your head”.

With a DJ career spanning 12 years Don Juan could be well regarded as a pioneer in an industry bursting at the seams with all things urban to date. With his roots firmly planted in the world of Latino music, it is easy to see why the Don is Australia’s No 1 Latino DJ.

A Don Juan set never leaves you missing a beat. It is all about the pleasure factor, getting the ladies on the floor first for the men will always follow thereafter, is his theory but at the same time educating the crowd on the likes of Reggaeton artists such as Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Tego Calderon and Tony Touch, all leaders in their field and favoured by Don Juan whenever he spins. So how important then is the Latin/Reggaeton movement to the Australian Music Industry and the role of DJ Don Juan in the promotion of this music form through his new compilation? “Latin Music in general is important worldwide not just in Australia because it crosses so many racial barriers, and is accepted and enjoyed by a massive cross section of society. As long as the music in this compilation inspires one person to go to a Latino club and taste the culture and feel the passion through the beat of the music, mission accomplished”, says Don.

Apart from djing at his weekly R&B / Latino events Sydney wide, Don Juan is a promoter that is 100% committed to Reggaeton music and the events which has now led him to the conception of the first official Reggaeton Mix CD released in Australia, which is an achievement in any language. Whilst he is not focussing on the historic prevalence of what this compilation will achieve for the Latino movement and Community as a whole Don Juan remains firm in his conviction that what he gives out is always his best. He was born to do what he is doing and couldn’t imagine living any other life than the one he has been blessed with and it shows.

The Latin Voice recently caught up with renown Latin DJ Don Juan and this is what he had to say:

What inspired you to do what you do in this country?

My mother since I was little there was always music in the house; she has more music than I do.

What's your favourite phrase or motto?

You can do anything you put your mind to!

Which is your favourite band, artist or DJ?

At the moment Tony Touch, Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Tego Calderon. But anyone that is talented enough to make music gets respect.

What would you like to see more or less of in the Australian Latin scene?

More people in the clubs respecting and supporting to do Latino.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career?

Finally releasing Total Reggaeton through Universal Records. Meeting Usher, Cypress Hill, Black Eyed Peas.

Do you have a message for all the Latin Lovers out there?

Represent and support your culture and those trying to educate with lo bonito de lo que somos.

Music Style(s):

Anything that makes you want to dance

Where:

All over Australia, Spanish Harlem when in Sydney check website for gigs

Website:

djdonjuan.net

Don Juan @ Battle of the Latin DJs - Source: The Latin Voice Archives

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