Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jennifer Ward. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jennifer, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Finding my purpose wasn’t some overnight epiphany. It was a journey of exploration, self-discovery, and embracing the moments that made me feel most alive. Music has always been at the center of it all.
Early Influences & Cultural Roots
I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, surrounded by the vibrant sounds of my parents’ Guyanese Soca rhythms. From a young age, music was woven into my identity, and the energy of NYC’s diverse music scene only deepened that connection. I realized early on that music wasn’t just background noise—it was a force that brought people together, a universal language I felt deeply connected to.
Following My Passion & Taking Action
It started with curating songs at family gatherings to set the vibe and make people feel good. That love evolved in college when I started experimenting with DJing. 2014, I made a bold move—I bought my first DJ controller. That moment was a game-changer. I had no idea what I was doing initially, but I was driven by passion. Through trial and error and many late nights, I realized this wasn’t just a hobby. DJing lit something inside me—I knew I wanted to pursue this seriously.
Recognizing the Impact of My Work
From spinning at private events and streaming on Twitch to rocking crowds at major venues, I’ve seen firsthand how music moves people. The joy, the energy, the connection—it’s everything. Watching people come alive through sound, seeing communities form around shared vibes—that’s when it clicked. I aim to connect people through music, celebrate culture, and create sonic experiences that touch the soul.
My Advice to Anyone Searching for Purpose
Follow what excites you. Pay attention to the things that light you up, even if they start small. That’s often where the magic begins.
Take action. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just start. Try, explore, and be open to where the journey takes you.
Notice the impact. When your work brings joy or value to others, take note. That’s often a sign you’re on the right path.
Music isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am. And as my journey continues, I’m more committed than ever to sharing that passion with the world.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Music has always been more than just sound to me—it’s memory, culture, connection, and purpose. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, my weekends were soundtracked by everything from Soca, reggae, dancehall, gospel, opera, jazz, to house music. Every Saturday at my grandparents’ house was a full sensory experience—vibrant Soca blasting while the smell of cook-up rice filled the air and we did our Saturday chores. That was the heartbeat of my childhood.
House music especially had a huge impact on me. My teenage Uncle Troy and Aunt Sharon would dance with me in the living room, letting the bass move through our bodies. Fridays were for fashion shows at home—my mom, aunt, and uncle would pull out outfits and we’d strut through the apartment to whatever was playing. Music made everything more alive. My mom was the ultimate vibe curator—her radio was never off. That 5-CD disc changer? That was my first DJ controller in the ‘90s. Our CD collection was stacked and diverse—every genre had a place, and I soaked it all in.
As I got older, that deep love for music naturally evolved. I started curating songs for family gatherings, trying to create the perfect vibe for every moment. In 2014, I took a leap and bought my first DJ controller. That step changed everything.
From 2015 to 2020, I built my name through private events all across NYC—refining my skills, developing my style, and growing into my own sound. In 2021, I expanded my reach by taking my sets online and streaming on Twitch. That move brought me a whole new community—over 3,000 fans who connected with the energy and intention behind every set I played.
My love for House, Afro House, Afrobeats, and Amapiano rhythms helped shape my identity as a DJ, and in 2022 and 2023, I was honored with back-to-back nominations for Best Afrobeats / World Music DJ—alongside legends like Natasha Diggs and DJ PFU. That recognition fueled me, but it’s the connections I make through music that truly keep me going.
In 2023, I joined the Haitian All Starz Team, founded by DJayCee and DJ Hard Hittin Harry (former resident DJ of The Fugees), and secured a residency at EKO Lounge & Restaurant from September 2024 to January 2025. I’ve also had the honor of spinning at events like the Zazou Experience’s All White Affair & Blazer Affair, and coming up, I’m booked for the Dashiki Affair in both Brooklyn and Montreal this summer. I’m especially excited to bring my sound overseas to the Teamshellinz Island to Island Weekender in Spain and Gibraltar.
One of my proudest creations is “Bang Da Damn Drums”, a virtual event I host on Twitch that will soon transition to an in-person experience right here in Brooklyn. The drum is the heartbeat of everything I do—my sets are designed to take people on a rhythmic, soul-moving journey.
Music isn’t just something I play—it’s who I am. It’s family, culture, joy, and resistance. It’s a memory of my mom’s 5-disc changer, the fashion shows on Fridays, the smell of cook-up on Saturdays, the bass in the living room, and now—it’s my gift to the world.
And trust me… I’m just getting started. 🎶🔥
— DJ Jen Jen
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey so far, three qualities and skills have been absolutely key for me: versatility, persistence, and community-building. These have shaped not only how I approach music but also how I’ve grown as an artist and connected with others along the way.
1. Versatility
One of the biggest things that’s set me apart in this industry is my ability to blend genres—House, Afro House, Afrobeats, or Amapiano. I’ve always been open to exploring different musical styles and diving into what resonates with diverse audiences. That curiosity helped me develop a sound that feels authentic while reaching people from all walks of life.
Advice: If you’re starting, spend time listening to and learning about different genres, cultures, and rhythms. Don’t box yourself in. Experiment, play, and allow your sound to evolve. The more versatile you are, the more doors you’ll open—musically and professionally.
2. Persistence
When I bought my first DJ controller in 2014, I had no idea where this would lead. There were a lot of late nights, technical hiccups, small gigs, and quiet moments of doubt, but I stayed committed. From those early days to now, earning nominations and international bookings has not happened overnight. I kept showing up, practicing, and pushing through.
Advice: Stay consistent and be patient with your growth. There will be setbacks—trust me, I’ve had plenty—but those moments teach you resilience. Keep refining your craft, showing up even when it’s hard, and putting yourself out there. That consistency builds momentum.
3. Community-Building
I’ve always prioritized community, from streaming on Twitch to rocking stages at live events and joining the Haitian All-Starz Team. Talent alone isn’t enough—it’s about the people you connect with, collaborate with, and grow with. Some of my most enormous opportunities came through genuine relationships and mutual support.
Advice: Don’t do it alone. Connect with other artists, show love to your audience, and find or create spaces where you can grow together. Whether it’s online or in person, community is everything. The support, the inspiration, the opportunities—it all comes from building genuine connections.
So, to anyone just getting started, focus on your craft, stay dedicated, and surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you. Growth takes time, but you’ll get there with heart, hustle, and community.
— DJ Jen Jen
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Right now, one of the biggest challenges I’m navigating is increasing my exposure and genuinely breaking into the lane I desire in the music industry—deeply rooted in Afrobeats, Afro House, and Amapiano. These genres speak to my soul. They reflect my cultural influences, energy, and the kind of sonic experience I want to create for people globally.
Growing Into My Sound & Increasing Exposure
I know where my heart is musically, and I’ve intentionally carved out my space in this Afro-fusion world. But getting the proper visibility, building with the right people, and positioning myself for more enormous opportunities takes strategy and consistency.
How I’m approaching it: I’ve been focusing on curating sets that reflect who I am as a DJ—infused with African rhythms, percussion, and soul. I’m creating more content, staying active on Twitch and social media, and saying yes to collaborations and platforms that align with where I want to go. It’s about being seen in the right spaces and continuing to show up with intention.
Managing My Time, Career & Lifestyle
Balancing my music journey with real-life responsibilities is also a considerable part of the equation. I’m an educator by day—that’s how I support myself and cover my lifestyle. But at the same time, I have a big vision for my music career. I want to tour, travel, grow Bang Da Damn Drums, and take my sound international.
How I’m handling it: Time management is everything. I’m constantly working on finding a rhythm that allows me to hold my day job while still investing in my growth as an artist. It’s not easy, but I remind myself that this season of hustle is building the foundation for something greater. I’m making strategic moves, staying organized, and surrounding myself with people who support both sides of my life—because both matter.
Leveling Up the Business Side
As more opportunities arise, the business side gets more complex—contracts, bookings, brand partnerships, and financial planning. I’ve learned that passion alone isn’t enough—this is a business, and I have to move like one.
How I’m handling it: I’m working on getting the right team, from legal to financial guidance, to protect what I’m building and scale it appropriately. I want to grow my brand to honor the art and secure the bag.
Despite the challenges, I’m more motivated than ever. I see the vision. I know the sound I want to amplify, the communities I want to connect with, and the stages I want to be on. And I’m committed to doing the work—strategically, consistently, and with purpose.
This journey is about more than just playing music. It’s about building legacy, culture, and connection. And I’m just getting started.
— DJ Jen Jen
Contact Info:
- Website: https://djjenjen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_jenJen
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/dj_jenJen
- Soundcloud: https://www.youtube.com/@dj_jenjen
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