Whether you use Virtual DJ or Serato Pro, mix with Numark or Pioneer turntables and play with Synch Lock on or off, the world of DJ-ing is an all-encompassing experience for any individual who chooses to become one. As our Caribbean society evolves, it’s refreshing to see more women stepping into industries and roles that were typically male-dominated. I believe wholeheartedly that women are the superior tastemakers in our society, and in the artistic arena, their presence and creative contributions are desperately needed. Entertainment arts such as the craft of being a DJ was traditionally male-dominated, but women like Charlotte ‘DJ Charlotte’ Chadee are working tirelessly to increase the female representation within the industry.
DJ Charlotte has been on her journey to finding her purpose in the entertainment industry and eventually decided that DJ-ing was where she adds optimum value in the entertainment business. The proud Trinbagonian has been very transparent about the fact that other DJs such as Vashtie, Private Ryan, Puffy, and Lord Hype all inspire her to hone her craft to the pinnacle of its potential. It cannot be often understated how passionate DJ Charlotte is about inspiring other women, and at her core, she wants to show other young women that greatness can be achieved in male-dominated industries, regardless of the opposition from the hecklers and naysayers.
Charlotte Chadee is a masterful musical curator and tastemaker in Caribbean music. The fluency in her mixes and her eclectic ear for different genres makes the San Fernando native a true gift to our Caribbean culture. Her mixes are always conceptual and are made with a desire to resonate with her listeners. Mixes such as The Long Drive series are a perfect example of the contextual brilliance DJ Charlotte exemplifies with her DJ skills.
CARIB VOXX: Who were the first females DJ you ever remember hearing play?
Charlotte: “I went to UWI, St. Augustine, and I studied BSc Chemistry & Management. I remember when I used to club back in my university days and there was a female DJ that was killing it. She probably won’t ever know but at the time I decided to quit being a DJ. I had lost the motivation, but hearing her set inspired me not to give up. Her name is Alicia D’ Duchess.“
CARIB VOXX: Do you feel that being gorgeous gives you an unfair advantage as a female DJ, or does it work against you in any way?
Charlotte: “Oh wow (blushes)… I’m humbled that you think I’m that gorgeous lol. Personally, I don’t think of my looks when I’m on set; rather, how I sound. That seems to leave a better, long-lasting impression on people as opposed to remembering just a pretty face. I would say outside of being a DJ it does have its advantages, especially when it comes to marketing. I’ve gained a lot of confidence over the years to be able to love myself and how I look.“
CARIB VOXX: Your mixes are soothing and chill. Is there any genre that you find a little bit difficult to play thus far?
Charlotte: “There are so many genres of music out there that it’s impossible for me to limit myself to any one genre, so it’s never difficult for me. ‘The Long Drive Mixtape’ series is an example of the range of genres that I enjoy mixing, but I wouldn’t sleep on the other mixtape series on my SoundCloud. The ‘Charlotte Street Mixtape’ series is another fav and it’s fire lol. I also have a Soca mixtape series coming out in early 2021, so please look forward to it.”
CARIB VOXX: If you could get three Caribbean artists to come together and do a special DJ Charlotte dubplate, which three would you choose and what riddim would you put it on?
Charlotte: “Only three? Damn, lol. I would go with Kerwin Du Bois, Kes & Patrice Roberts and I would put it on a riddim that I produced myself. I’ll call it ‘The Charlotte Street Riddim’ 😉 “
