Kayper

Kayper is London born, New York-based prominent British DJ, producer and former BBC radio personality, acclaimed for her influential contributions to the Hip Hop and Electronic music landscape.

Born and raised in Croydon, South London, Kayper embarked on her musical journey at the age of 11. Growing up in a family of DJs and producers, in the early days of her career, she drew inspiration from the likes of her cousin Nookie, a pioneer in the Jungle and Drum and Bass scene in the early 90's. She also credits DJ Jazzy Jeff for his crucial support and influence during her early years as a DJ.

Kayper's innate talent for DJing became evident in the early 2000s, while still at university studying Music Technology, she quickly gained recognition for her exceptional skills behind the turntables as a scratch DJ. With a foundation rooted in Hip-Hop, over the years her taste has evolved to encompass a broad spectrum of sounds, including UK Garage, Dubstep, House, Techno, Disco, and everything in between. Her technical prowess and eclectic taste is what has made her a standout in the global DJ community, where she is celebrated for her seamless ability to blend different genres into cohesive, high-energy sets. She has graced the stages of renowned venues and festivals worldwide, including Ministry Of Sound, Printworks, Eden Ibiza, Amnesia Ibiza, Coachella and Glastonbury.

As a key figure on the BBC Asian Network and BBC 1Xtra from 2005 to 2012, Kayper's Friday night show was instrumental in championing emerging British South Asian talent. By showcasing that South Asian artists could excel in the electronic music scene, she challenged and helped dismantle preconceived notions of "mainstream" music, paving the way for greater inclusivity and diverse representation in the industry, particularly for women of colour.

In addition to her success as a live performer, Kayper has also made significant strides as a producer over the last decade. With releases on labels such as Hypercolour Records, Eton Messy, Main Course, Hard Times, Spinnin' Deep, and Toolroom, her bass-heavy productions have garnered acclaim from esteemed outlets such as Pitchfork, BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, and Clash.

During the pandemic, like many other artists and DJs, Kayper embraced the world of streaming. From her Williamsburg apartment, with the iconic New York skyline as a backdrop, she launched into her now legendary Twitch streams that garnered thousands of viewers online every week. These streams quickly became a cornerstone of her digital strategy, providing fans with a direct and interactive avenue to experience her DJ sets and creative process. Her streams caught the attention of Defected Records, which led to a regular monthly show for Defected Broadcasting House.

Kayper’s longevity in the industry is a testament to her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft. From spinning vinyl records in London clubs in the early 2000's to embracing new technologies like streaming, she has consistently evolved with the times, remaining a relevant and influential figure across different eras and trends. Today, she continues to be a trailblazer, pushing the boundaries of music and inspiring the next generation of artists.