Supa Hype a Superman in his own right

Long-standing disc jockey Supa Hype has been in top form for more than two decades.

Every set has been talked up as buzzworthy, from selecting dynamic tracks to show-stealing one hour segments where he is acting like a superhero, saving the energy from falling off the edge inside a party.

Ironically, he used to boast the moniker DJ Superman in the earlier years of his career when he attended the University of Technology and freelanced at the college events.

“The name DJ Superman never stuck. I actually did not like the fact that it represented a cartoon and around the same time of deliberating a name change I joined Code Red Sound which set the platform,” Supa Hype told THE STAR.

He revealed that his father, a lecturer at the university, was not pleased that his son gave up a tertiary education to work the local parties, but he has proven his career in the entertainment industry to be a creditable one.

Supa Hype may not wear a long red cape or walk around with an ‘S’ on his chest but he is confident that if no-one compares the skill he demonstrates around a console and his prolonged existence in the industry to that of the fictional character’s strength, that his personality and secret weapon would earn the respect of the people.

And that secret weapon – remixes that he continues to create – contributed to his overall success as much as being an active member of local sound systems, record labels and entertainment groups like Code Red Sound, Hyperactive Entertainment and UPT-007 Records, before launching as a solo act.

“With about 10 years of making parodies of popular music and doing remixes, I cannot say it was just done for nothing; I have been doing it from the Welcome to Norbrook, a comical spin off Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley’s Welcome to Jamrock and Uptown Story (inspired by Ghetto Story by Baby Cham). From then until now, I remain consistent and can safely say I am the ‘remix king’ … them remix help kill nuff sound inna clash ah yaad an’ abroad,” Supa Hype said.

Never far from the action, Supa Hype, given name Stephen Davis, explored production comprehensively and found he had the flair for it, developing tracks for dancehall heavyhitters like Tony Matterhorn, Mavado, Busy Signal, and Vybz Kartel.

Work cohesively

“I am an all-round entertainer, there is no other way to describe me. As an event promoter, TV host, radio and in-the-street selector, and producer, I am Superman in my own right with the power of music, doing what I love,” he said. “All titles work cohesively because as a DJ, I am able to get the music out. I learnt to buss my own tunes and not wait on anyone, and being on the ground, know what people want to hear; so many people have come and gone but I am still here.”

By taking seriously the ethical standards of his various professions, Supa Hype could set an example for the disc jockey community as a man that is dedicated to not only learning new methods of the art, but teaching it as well.

He recently returned from a short tour across Italy, Germany and Austria to promote his rendition of Koffee’s Toast and has also released a remix to Teejay’s Owna Lane titled Owna Weed.

He is currently in studio working towards releasing the Tangerine Kush rhythm.

How does he balance being the life of the party, a serious producer and personal life?

He answered: “It is easier said than done. Clearly I know when it comes on to playing music, keeping the energy high is central until it climaxes. I know what is needed for productions that are worth listening to, not just upbeat dancehall but rhythms for meditation. And in regards to personal life, being a father of three girls (one of whom is only two years old), that having compassion, creating a balance and making time is what is important.”