Sport & Entertainment
JAM | Mar 17, 2025

Red Bull Selector ignites the sounds of Jamaica: A groundbreaking fusion of rhythm and culture

OLIVIA HUTCHINSON

OLIVIA HUTCHINSON / Our Today

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Brush1 ‘The Road Marshal’ guides the vibes at Red Bull Selector’s Jamaican debut, where the audience controls the musical experience of the night

Red Bull Selector made its highly anticipated debut at UWI Carnival’s D’ Aftermas on March 15. This first-of-its-kind event redefined audience engagement, delivering an interactive music experience that placed the crowd at the centre of the action. By seamlessly blending technology, competition, and musical mastery, Red Bull Selector has introduced a new approach to Jamaica’s entertainment landscape.

Unlike traditional DJ performances, Red Bull Selector introduced a real-time voting system that allowed attendees to control the musical direction of the night. Using red and blue voting tools, the audience dictated genre battles—Soca vs. Dancehall, Old School vs. New School—forcing DJs to adapt on the fly. This innovative format ensured no two moments were the same, creating an exhilarating musical experience.

“The vibe in the venue was insane! From the first vote to the last song, you could tell the crowd was locked in the whole way. As a DJ, you have to know how to switch things up on the spot, but with Red Bull Selector, it was even more about reading the crowd and delivering in the moment. That kind of challenge pushes you to be sharp, creative, and fully in it,” said Travis World. “Seeing how hype the crowd got for each genre just proved this could be the future of live music.”

Chromatic Duo JR & Creep on the 1s and 2s in part 2 of Red Bull Selector, held at UWI Carnival’s ‘D Aftermas’ event

The night featured some of the Caribbean’s most influential DJs and selectors, each bringing their signature style and expertise to the competition. Travis World, the internationally recognised DJ and Soca producer from Trinidad & Tobago, brought the high energy of Soca music to the crowd while Jamaica’s powerhouse duo, Chromatic—featuring Creep Chromatic and JR Chromatic—brought their signature blend of Dancehall anthems and contemporary hits, ensuring a seamless transition between classic and modern sounds. Special guest artiste, Ayetian, took the energy up a notch with his surprise performance, featuring his hit song ‘Balance’. Jamaica’s Brush1 ‘The Road Marshal’ served as host and MC, guiding the audience through the night’s interactive format.

Special guest artiste, Ayetian, took the energy up a notch with his surprise performance, featuring his hit song ‘Balance’ at Red Bull Selector

“What made this event stand out was how involved the crowd was. As DJs, we’re used to controlling the vibe, but this time, the crowd was running the show. It was all about strategy, which made it even more exciting. The people weren’t just there to enjoy the music—they were helping to shape the whole experience,” said Creep Chromatic. “Jamaica has always been about interactive music, in a dancehall session or a soca fete, but Red Bull Selector definitely took it to a whole other level.”

The audience was in control at Red Bull Selector – choosing between genres using special LED wristbands that switched between blue and red to indicate their selection

In addition to its entertainment value, Red Bull Selector highlighted the Caribbean’s evolving music landscape, highlighting the growing demand for more interactive, immersive experiences that go beyond passive listening, reinforcing the region’s influence on global music trends. With its resounding success, Red Bull Selector has proven to be more than just a one-night spectacle—it’s a groundbreaking format that could reshape the way audiences engage with live music in the Caribbean and beyond. The event’s fusion of audience participation, real-time DJ adaptability, and high-energy performances signals the beginning of a new chapter for live entertainment.

Brush1 ‘The Road Marshal’ and Travis World turned up the heat inside Red Bull Selector, held at UWI Carnival’s ‘D Aftermas’ event

As the demand for immersive experiences continues to grow, Red Bull Selector’s debut in Jamaica has laid the foundation for the future of interactive entertainment, creating an inclusive environment where the audience is an essential part of the experience.

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