DJ Naz still pushing ‘gurlpower’

The disc jockey playing field still remains a predominantly male ground but DJ Naz Gurlpower continues to go for gold.

"I can't honestly say that the industry is evolving or that the doors are being opened for female DJs as often on the Jamaican scene, but there are a lot of females getting that opportunity overseas ... at least, from the point that the platform appears more accepting. We have shown our strength and just continue to do the work," she explained.

The DJ, who happens to be the daughter of musical icons Joy White and Don Taylor, said she's not about to speak on behalf of other females in the industry on the topic of paving the way for future generations. She said "I want to see more growth and opportunities to travel. It is a male-dominated thing and even for me, I am based in Kingston and majority of my bookings over the years are outside, in other parishes."

She has made a name for herself, standing out on several sound clash platforms since 2009 when she entered Heineken Green Synergy. This year, she returns to the stages, virtually, on the 2021 Guinness Sounds of Greatness for a third time.

"This will be a showcase for me to showcase the music and the talent. So even though it's going to be done in the virtual format, persons who tune in can expect the same greatness that is DJ Naz Gurlpower. Just me doing my thing and showing straight girl power," she said confidently.

"There's nothing I can tell another sound or disc jockey to expect or be afraid of when it comes to my strategy. Me jus' a tell dem to bring dem 'A' game and me a bring mine as the lone female. Clash is a competitive thing ... to analyse how someone play and counteract it," she shared. "I'd love to see more females, I welcome it, but I do it because I love it and if someone comes into the field and not seeing what they expect, it will frustrate them, like the business of music overall."

Not one to sit still for too long and dwell on the frustrations, DJ Naz Gurlpower, given name Nazaria Taylor, has been keeping busy doing her dubplate programmes and is active on the US-based, all-female disc jockey and host radio station, My Turn Radio. She also ventured into clothing retail with her online store Belabels Collection which she said is an investment for her six-year-old daughter Isabel Nelson.