Smokin Jo

Meet the Ibiza and UK legend; from playing at Space’s stunning Closing Party, the only female DJ to lift DJ Mag’s coveted ‘DJ Of The Year’ Award and resident DJ at the one and only Trade – Smokin Jo is one of the most iconic worldwide DJs to have emerged from the House scene over the last few decades and is still going strong. With recent dates topping the bill for Pikes Marston Park boutique festival as well as playing for Glitterbox and Defected in Croatia, Smokin Jo’s a tried and tested party DJ who never fails to smash it. Here she talks to DMCWORLD about what Pride means to her ahead of Egg LDN’s Pride Xtra-Vaganza afternoon into evening event this Saturday….

 

A huge welcome back to DMCWORLD Jo. What does Pride mean to you? 

It’s a chance to get together, be seen and  remember those who went before and paved the way.

Tell us about your first Pride experiences…

Everything and everyone was so much fun, especially hanging out with all my friends. One of the most memorable Pride’s was when I DJ-ed for Trade in their massive tent. There was a huge crowd smiling back at me and going wild to what seemed like every tune and the energy was unreal.

What is your favourite part of Pride? 

The parade as everyone comes together from everywhere in all their fabulous outfits and celebrates the whole spectrum of Pride, knowing we’re all connected.

Do you have a favourite Pride memory?  

Once I was DJ-ing and Skin, my mate from Skunk Anansie got on the mic and sang over my set then did a stage dive! It was epic!

Why do you think Pride is still important?  

There is still so much intolerance in the world so it matters more than ever. Gay people need to be seen and heard and continue to fight for their rights that are being taken away.  I think it’s important for younger people who may feel they don’t need to fight anymore.

The Pride March isn’t happening this year but the community will be celebrating with different events and you’re headlining the Pride Extravaganza at Egg Ldn and how important do you think it is to come together and be proud in these current times?

Same as the previous answer really as well as it’s important to connect with others and feel some positive energy

Do you have some favourite tracks you play at Pride?

I love playing some old Disco tunes and ‘Pride’  by Clivilles and Coles – C+C Music Factory – is usually a popular choice

I know you combine your DJ & production career with a flourishing career as a yoga teacher, do they both feed off other? 

They both make people feel good and give me the same uplifting  vibe and I adore doing both of them.

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Bringing the Gold Diggers and Homostash teams together, the Pride Xtravagazna event features an early UK Premier live show from Die Arkitekt & Charity Kase from the upcoming RuPaul’s Drag Race UK! Of  “Who Told You to Hate Yourself”.

At a time when we’ve never been more divided, Pride Xtravaganza shines a light for everyone with the right party attitude to come & express themselves in the stripped back underground setting of Egg LDN.  Weaving together a magical inter-connected night across the polysexual clubbing culture and electronic music stratosphere. Unmissable.

https://www.facebook.com/events/242292297793206