Britain’s Dj Sarah Love

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Hip hop DJ, Medical researcher and radio host, womens rights activist and all round Queen ..... tell us what it was that made you become so passionate about being a warrior for music and these other entities of your character. 

 

My father always said to me “doing a job that brings joy to OTHER people’s lives, what can be better than that”. So ultimately I have to say my parents. They gave me an unorthodox upbringing in a musical and mixed-race family in London, surrounded by artists, intellectuals, freedom fighters, band rehearsals, house parties, generally inspirational situations and people from all corners and backgrounds. So, I grew up embracing thinking outside the box. My mother literally escaped apartheid South Africa by using her musical talents, and my father came from working class Britain, where his parents were determined he work hard for opportunities that were never possible for them growing up in poverty. I see it as my duty, due to my culturally privileged upbringing, to do what I can to work for a more loving world.

 

 

Being in London you have been able to be privy to all the arts and music you could poke a stick at... what are you grateful for and how do you see this has been such a privilege for you. 

 

I’m grateful for every bit of it! I grew up in Wood Green, which is the most multicultural place in Europe. Real, integrated, working class London communities and I think that’s an enriching privilege. In many ways, I can’t imagine a city I could have been luckier to have grown-up. It would be hard to find an artist of significance throughout history that hasn’t in some way connected with or lived in London. We really do get the best of the best of every field. Britain’s colonial history means that London has been a gateway to every part of the world. I’ll never forget DJing in Cambodia and a journalist from Hong Kong said to me “London feels like the centre of the world” which had never even occurred to me before!

 

 

You have obviously had to be on the hussle for a long time in a very male dominated industry (past tense?) Have things changed in this area, do you see a more basic equilibrium in this genre happening? 

 

I never in my career distinguished myself as a female DJ. All I’ve ever focused on and aspired to be was a dope DJ. That would be respected DJing before Jazzy Jeff or KRS One. Women are still in the minority but it’s probably easier for women to form connections and get involved in HipHop in this digital era, as it also is for anyone with an internet connection, compared to when I entered the game. The fact we are often STILL referred to as a ‘female DJ’ where men are never called a ‘male DJ’ makes me think we are still considered a novelty.

  

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Another major factor about being in London it has really exposed itself politically to the rest of the world with its, let's say not so positive changes of late. How do you see the Brexit affecting you personally and those around you. 

 

The former Italian prime minister recently said: “Brexit is the biggest political mistake of any European country since the war. Leaving the European Union is bad for the Union and catastrophic for the UK." And I agree. It’s hard to see or find any evidence of benefits to be gained from the UK separating, and if — IF — it goes ahead (fingers crossed it wont!), life is going to get extremely tough for everyday people, industry and the economy in Britain. They will all be diminished. It would be a sad and disastrous day. The world needs more unity not less!

 

 

Lets talk about something alot lighter..... fashion !!!  Ukiyo has been a brand that is super close to my heart because it has such depth and meaning and has a social and ethical conscience. How do you see the way clothing is moving forward in a world that is as good as falling apart?

 

First of all, I think every generation has thought the world is about to end, so there’s some comfort for us to take from that! There are so many people doing wonderful things out there when we look for it, like passionate grassroots fashion brands like Ukiyo that represent us in a heartfelt way. The world needs that love. The large fashion retailers don’t remotely care about Us, and will continue to manipulate public into addiction to fast fashion that is cheap in value and quality, and has a devastating impact on the environment and communities for profit. Style-wise, a lot of mainstream trends right now seem to be what we wore in 1991 hahaha! Which is great, I loved 1991! But would also be exciting to see more innovation in design too.

 

 

You have such a strong and individual sense of fashion ... are you aware of the brands that you align with and their ethics? 

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Most definitely! Earlier in my career, I was sponsored by all four of the major sports clothing brands. I was basically one of the only female broadcasters representing black music on the biggest mainstream radio and TV networks every week, so it was a prime opportunity for them. Today, I know ALL our individual choices contribute to the quality of the world we live and I don’t feel comfortable actively giving my face brands doing damaging things. We’re all in this together.

 

 

You have dj'd all over the world and performed with some of the industries greatest. Tell us about your favourite gig and why .... 

 

Ooooo, that’s a tough one because I’ve done shows from underground parties to concerts with my musical heroes, all over the world. DJing at Splore Festival in rural New Zealand on an entirely solar powered stage on the beach was very cool! But the party closest to my heart will always be ‘Kung Fu’ where I was resident DJ in London. The first ever one was the first time I had DJed out, my Pops and my sister were there and about 10 other people hahaha. And it grew into a massive, pivotal event that people now call legendary. I built my DJ rep there and basically opened the doors for my future career, which is now 20 years deep in the game! I’m very proud to have helped bring Kung Fu together and I’m privileged to have been part of something special to many people’s lives and careers.

 

 

Can you give us your favourite outfit of all time from these gigs? !!!!  Ive seen you in some very amazing gold shiny leggins and bombers and I know there are some highlights of your career just based on these outfits!!!! 

 

Hahahaha!! Aaaah, what a compliment to get from a real connoisseur! Yeah those high-waisted, spray on gold disco pants always get comments hahaha! DJing in Kenya, I was like ‘right, I’m reppin my roots tonight’ and wore my Xhosa tribe’s traditional dress and beads galore. I was the only person in traditional African garms and it turned a few heads! One that’s particularly special to me, is a tailor-made by Weave halter-neck, slinky, full length dress that flares out at the hip with a low cut back, made with the most beautiful delicate fabric and exceptional cutting, that perfectly compliments my boobs and bum. I wore that DJing at the label’s [WAS IT CYBER THIEF PARTY??] anniversary party in Sydney, which again is a special time in my life with special people.

 

 

Sarah , thank you for your time and I know our readers will be so grateful that you have taken time to share with us. 

 

My absolute pleasure and honour to be invited to share with you!

 

All my love

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