Juggla Spotlight

Usually I spend my Sundays at home watching TV, and catching up on sleep. This Sunday however, I decided that since Monday was a holiday I would pass by Hot Sunday’s @ The Spot to show love and support to my fellow promoter Juggla. Got there yardie time aka ridiculously late….gave my boy working the door daps and walked into the club.

Musical selections were nice, heard everything from Beres and Sizzla to Celiene and Alisha Keys, perfect Sunday night type vibe. Anyway after tecking in a few chunes courtesy of Natural Vibez and Mix Master David, Juggla and I went outside for the long overdue ‘Interview’.

Born Dec 2^nd, Dwayne Lawson spent most of his childhood years in Jamaica before moving to Bronx, New York with his mother at the age of 9. It was there that he developed his love for Music and the sound system business and honed his somewhat inherited skills as his father as well as his Uncle, owner of Bojangles Sound System and Cousin were also Selectors. Despite his mother’s displeasure and lack of support Dwayne from as early as the age of 13 followed his heart and gathered inspiration from not only his father but also Stone Love, Bass Odyssey, Body Guard and king Adese.

Even though his desire to grow and progress in the sound system business was strong Dwayne focused on his education and completed an Associates Degree program in Communications & Media arts. He moved to Atlanta in 1999 and after playing as selector Supa D on Bojangles Sound System for some years he decided to branch off and do his own thing. Thus October 2000 heralded the start of a new legacy and a new name - DJ JUGGLA. He has since then played on a number of local events, including large concerts such as Buju and Elephant Man.

It wasn’t long before JUGGLA tried his hand at event promotions. He has promoted a number of events here in Atlanta and has subsequently gained the title of Mr. Gyal Farm. JUGGLA began promoting ‘Gyal Farm’ at the Village Hut in August 2001 and later moved the event to The Royal Peacock in January 2002. The infamous Ladies Night event is held every Thursday and boasts a heavy rotation of the best local sounds in Atlanta, as well as Guest sounds each week.  JUGGLA also promotes ‘Hot Sunday’s’ which used to be held at The Aquarium before moving to its current venue The Spot.

JUGGLA describes himself as being laid back and easy to get along with. “I’m easy to get along with. I get along with almost anybody…..dealing with promotions, music and being in the barber shop business you pretty much have to be a people person”. Despite his natural talent as a selector the journey on his never ending quest has not always been easy but as he puts it “Loving it makes it a little easier”.

His advice to aspiring selectors and sound systems is “Do it for the love not the money…you’ve gotta love it and be prepared to pay your dues”.

Signature: He never leaves home without his Cap or Bandana.

Favorite Club/Venue: “Peacock definitely, why? Cause you can almost play anything”

Partner in Crime: John Wayne

Favorite Sound to play alongside: “Textra – he gives that hardcore vibe that I like..”

DJ JUGGLA would like to thank “God. The people that support on a regular basis and those that support when they can”.
 

Scotch Bonnett ... scotchbonnett@atlantareggae.com ...