As a young music enthusiast, Poppa fondly recalls the days of burning CDs with her friends and sharing the latest tunes. These humble beginnings laid the foundation for her journey into the world of DJing, where she has found her calling in hip-hop and dance music. Transitioning from hosting DJ sets on Twitch and SoundCloud to commanding the stage at clubs and festivals, Poppa has carved out a niche for herself in the music scene.
Through her monthly club night, aptly named Poppa’s, she has created a welcoming space for emerging DJs to showcase their talents and express themselves freely. With a radio residency at George FM and a packed schedule of touring dates, Poppa is in high demand and shows no signs of slowing down. Even in the midst of our conversation, she is tirelessly working on event graphics for her upcoming shows, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her craft.
In a recent interview with Complex AU, Poppa shared insights into her journey, her efforts to foster a sense of community in the New Zealand club scene, her collaboration with JD Sports, and how she navigated her first festival experience. Reflecting on her beginnings as a DJ, she recounts how the lockdown period provided her with the time and space to learn the basics of DJing from her boyfriend, who introduced her to his uncle’s DJ controller. What started as a personal project to create a mix of her favorite songs for her birthday soon evolved into a passion for music and a blossoming career as a DJ.
Looking back on her initial mix, she chuckles at the memory of her DJ friends hyping her up in a Zoom call, despite the mix being a humble beginning with no prior experience. Their encouragement fueled her determination to improve and grow as a DJ, setting her on a path that would lead her to where she is today. Poppa’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the support of a community that believes in her talent and potential.