DJ Papalotl celebrates 30th anniversary in the biz and Reggae Month

Double excitement is brewing for DJ Papalotl, also known as Buttahfly, celebrating Reggae Month and her 30th “DJ-versary (anniversary).” 

“DJ Papalotl is celebrating 30 years, all year long, in a musical space, where still few women dwell,” Caribbean entertainment publicist Flair Lindsey of Acclaim PR told Caribbean Life on Friday.

“As co-owner of the Kingston 12 Hi-Fi sound system with a partner, the renowned Shinehead, DJ Papalotl has delighted worldwide audiences with infectious sets of reggae, dancehall, and rare grooves,” she added.

Whether the international DJ is wowing thousands of revelers during her “Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise” residency or thrilling Japanese fans during a 7-city Japan tour alongside Shinehead, Lindsey said, “DJ Papalotl proves time and time again she can rock any sized audience, anywhere, seamlessly.”

“It’s a competitive business, whether you are clashing or entertaining folks for all types of occasions,“ said DJ Papalotl in her celebratory Instagram post.

“It’s even harder for women DJs, but after jumping on turntables in the mid-90s, playing with an iPad since 2011, and now spinning with Serato on the fly (How? I’m Buttahfly) since the third city of the Japan Tour, the mission has been the same,“ she added. “Bring joy to people with good timeless music.”

Lindsey said DJ Papalotl is proud of her legacy and hails DJs worldwide for their often under-represented accomplishments.

“She firmly believes a real DJ is a committed individual who grows into the craft, both musically and technically,“ Lindsey said. “A real DJ endures all the changes in people’s tastes and moods.

“DJ Papalotl has been in this game for a long time, but for more than a decade, she has truly been inspired by a special individual,“ she added.

“I have an overwhelming amount of gratitude to Shinehead for the infinite support and confidence he has instilled in me,“ DJ Papalotl said. “Further, I am extremely thankful that he has entrusted me with opportunities on world stages.”

Lindsey said the popular DJ also hails her loyal fans and industry peers, who have encouraged her over the years.

Lindsey, based in Southern California, said, “The fierce selecta kicked off her anniversary celebrations at Raggamuffin Reggae Party, which will now be a Kingston 12 Hi-Fi monthly event, starting in March.“

Much to her credit, Lindsey said DJ Papalotl followed her kick-off with several appearances since the start of the new year.

“While some have recently caught the talent at ‘Milk Crate Mondays,‘ others have soaked in the DJ’s good music vibes at ‘Riddim N‘ Brews‘ and ‘SouthBay Dub Club,‘” Lindsey said.

“All can agree the entertainment factor never disappoints,“ she added. “When the Kingston 12 Hi-Fi sound is on deck, ‘Fuhgettabout it!‘

“With a love and ability to navigate many music genres, DJ Papalotl understands what comes in tow with being a female selecta,“ Lindsey continued. “She doesn’t view being a woman as a plus or a minus. Rather, she credits her musical passion and tech skills as a certified sound engineer as the principal reasons that have gotten her this far.”

“Now that I’m DJing with Serato, I’m still learning my craft, and thus the journey continues,“ said DJ Papalotl proudly.