Conversations with Dj Rad Gyal Kassandra Agunanne

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dj Rad Gyal Kassandra Agunanne.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
What influenced my musical experience at a young age? Growing up in a cultured home with immigrant parents, they put a lot into making sure I was an active child, which helped me find my creative side. I spent countless hours doing ballet, tap, contemporary, and hip-hop classes with music in my family. My uncles had a reggae band, and my uncle in South London (Crystal Blue Premier Sounds) is also a known DJ. Watching them while growing up influenced me to want to get into music; I didn’t know how or where I would start. In 2017, I learned how to DJ on vinyl from a local DJ in BPT, CT. They would have parties called jungle bangers, and I would see the people dancing and experiencing themselves. I fell in love with how the music made them feel, which led me to find my passion for music. Back then, I didn’t have as much money, so I couldn’t afford the DJ equipment that discouraged me, so I stopped practicing. Years went on. I moved to LA in 2019 and still missed the energy I had from DJing, so it’s 2023, the beginning of the new year. One day, I prayed about my career. My lash business wasn’t doing so hot, so I had more time on my hands to practice DJing for hours. Then I got a controller and Mac book straight to it with a leap of faith and god. They say practice makes perfect, and I would find myself practicing for a full day and taking. After a 30-minute break, DJ Marley helped me with my DJ pioneer system. Then, a shoutout to DJ Goofy, a local LA DJ who also assisted me with different DJ techniques. How did you find my unique sound? My unique sound came from my roots. I’m of Jamaican & Nigerian blood, and I was born in America, so those to different cultures I want to awaken my ancestors, so I found my craft and gained recognition for my unique style. I began performing at larger venues and events as my skills improved, gradually building a dedicated fan base. Her eclectic mix of genres and infectious energy behind the decks made her performances stand out, attracting more opportunities and collaborations with renowned artists.

• (Ron Herman- Bimmer Bens Car show)
• Station 1640 Afro beats night
• Afro beats to the world summer event
• The Line Hotel
• Revel Night club
• The SRGN Studios (Home to the League)
• Rams Stadium ( WISE – Women In Sports+Events)
• YflnMradio~ SoleFolks
• Local Nightclub Kultur Lounge
• Zeus’s Baddies East premiere for (Scarface)
• Crenshaw High School Football Playoffs
• Rad Tingz Event
• Dwelling In Divinity
  Soho Warehouse x The Hood Healer

Through hard work, dedication, and a deep love for music, I carved out a niche in the industry. My journey was marked by perseverance, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of her passion for spreading joy through music. Today, I’m known for my electrifying energy, and her influence continues growing as she inspires others to pursue their dreams in the music world.

“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.” -Nelson Mandela.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road; nothing is perfect, and nothing that lasts long will be an easy fight. Some of the struggles were getting booked at certain clubs, dealing with many nos, turning them into many yeses, and securing bookings can be challenging amid external skepticism and internal competition. Overcoming gender bias, racial stereotypes, and unequal opportunities within your community adds an extra layer of complexity.

Transforming adversity into opportunity, I shifted focus by throwing parties on Tuesday nights and securing private gigs. Actively engaging with the community became my passion, aligning with my desire to make a positive impact.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
DJ Rad Gyal is known for her work as a DJ and promoter, specializing in Caribbean and global bass music. She’s recognized for promoting inclusivity and diversity within the music industry, particularly highlighting the contributions of women and marginalized communities. She specializes in Caribbean and global bass music. Her expertise lies in curating and mixing tracks that encompass a fusion of Caribbean rhythms, global sounds, and bass-heavy music styles. She’s known for her unique blend of genres that combine diverse cultural influences, creating vibrant and energetic DJ sets. I’m known for highlighting the cultures and influences of Jamaica and Nigeria through her DJ sets.

Additionally, she’s known for blending these cultural elements with contemporary electronic music, creating a unique and vibrant sound that resonates with a diverse audience. DJ Rad Gyal takes immense pride in her contributions to the representation and elevation of female DJs within the music scenes of Jamaica and Nigeria. She strives to empower and inspire other women by showcasing their talent, promoting inclusivity, and creating opportunities for female DJs in these regions. Through her work and advocacy, she aims to break barriers and foster a more diverse and equitable space for women in the music industry. Her diverse cultural/ energy engaging with the crowd influences her music style and how she connects with her audience. She brings a fusion of Caribbean and African sounds to her DJ sets, offering a distinctive blend of music that reflects her multicultural roots. This combination sets her apart, allowing her to create a vibrant and eclectic experience that resonates with a wide range of listeners.

What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to travel the world and go on tour, explore new adventures with this gift that god gave me, and start throwing more parties in Jamaica, Nigeria, Dubai, London, Soho warehouse (DTLA), etc. RadTingz Will be the movement to empower those who doubt themselves, encouraging uniqueness in those who fear standing out. I plan on throwing my first themed event in February for the lovers, more information will be on my instagram in February stay tuned. This summer I also plan on turning up the vibez in London hopefully Dubai as well.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/C0ZljvsPh77/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mZD0nZZZvy4
• SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/44QXWZhW8MfRH8a4A

Image Credits
Debra Orols