On 30 March 2019, two Disc Jockeys (DJs) representing SMU Stereometa battled it out in the finals of Live Mix Maestro and achieved outstanding results.

Initiated in 2012, Live Mix Maestro is an annual inter-tertiary DJ competition, where DJs create and perform seven-minute long competition routines showcasing creative mixing techniques, musicality and originality. With the top prizes worth more than $1000, this platform provides exposure for budding DJs and has been a stepping stone for many DJs who are currently making waves in the scene – these include LeNERD, Shai, MadJester, Tinc and Dopplegangers. The event also aims to push DJ culture forward in Singapore.

Held at *Scape, this years’ 5th edition saw two of our very own turntablist DJs from SMU Stereometa – Club President Nicholas (DJ Kong) [First Year, School of Business] and Akmal (DJ Ayekay) [joining SMU School of Business in the new academic term], among the eight finalists after beating more than 20 other DJs from other tertiary institutions in the first round. Akmal and Nicholas battled it out in front of a panel of industry leaders such as DJ Rattle (2-time Disco Mix Club World Championships finalist) and DJ Anrev (International DJ Association World Battle finalist).

Both DJs put up electrifying performances and emerged as top four in the finals. Nicholas clinched the 1st Runner-Up title, just 0.1 points behind the first place, and Akmal achieved 4^th place.

The highlight of the competition was when Nicholas borrowed his teammate's Akmal's bandana to blindfold himself while DJing – something never done before in a local DJ competition – wowing the crowd and judges.

Nicholas who narrowly missed out on the top prize said, “I was nervous and did not perform to the best of my abilities, but I'll be back next year to win it all!”

Reflecting on his experience, Akmal said, “There’s a lot that goes into a DJ battle. You have to prepare and perfect a routine, which can take months. Then you have to perform in front of a crowd and a judging panel of industry veterans, which is a challenge in itself. Anything can go wrong; equipment can fail or you might miss your cue if you don’t focus 100%. Not to mention, the competition this year was really tough. I would like to thank all those who came down to support us. I had lots of fun and I hope you learned a thing or two about DJing.”

Congratulations to the two Stereometa DJs on their outstanding achievements.

[Featured photo: Finalists of Live Mix Maestro (SMU Stereometa President Nicholas (DJ Kong) in red-colour tee and Akmal (DJ Ayekay), in a yellow lanyard]