Sky Juice credits music for lifting him to stardom
Legendary selector and entertainer Sky Juice said music took him from sleeping in the market to touring the world, entertaining fans through his creative song selections and his famous ‘belly rolls’.
“Mi used to sleep inna di Cross Roads Market as a kid, because when mi leave dance a night time, mi nuh have nowhere fi go. That’s why I don’t grudge people fi dem things because I don’t know what dem do to get it because me did affi go through some things and work hard fi wah mi want,” the veteran selector told
Sky Juice said that through music, he has “done ‘bout 17 passport”.
“I feel very good fi how far me reach because mi use to affi play fi sounds and affi a lift up sound box a night time. Outta music mi coulda buy mi house. I have nine lovely children and mi mek sure dem get the best education dan me and go college,” said Sky Juice, whose given name is Dalton Bogle. He also praised his wife for playing a huge role in motivating him.
THE STAR.
He started playing on several sounds before he became a ‘resident DJ’ on Metro Media Sound, whose founder, Peter ‘Metro’ Clarke, stood up for Sky Juice even as others didn’t think he could play.
“Mi feel really grateful seh him did push fi mi because from mi start play, dat sound is history,” he said. Sky Juice has been selecting for more than 35 years, but was initially a dancer.
“Mi used to follow a sound call Gemini in the 80s and dance wid a youth call Skanka. While there at events where Gemini a play, mi used to dance. One of the DJ, Archibald, usually leave the sound [in the middle of the event] and gone suh that’s where I used to go and change the records and start play and ketch mi practice. And today, I’m one of the greatest selector in the world,” said Sky Juice, who received a Guinness Sound of Greatness recognition award in 2023 for his years of involvement in music and the sound system culture.
He said sound systems, clashes and the street dance culture moulded his career and set the standards for dancehall music, which was birthed from reggae. He opined that the genres have changed.
“Back in my time, certain music and songs couldn’t deh inna dancehall, but you always have good and bad songs. A jus you as a deejay must know how to keep it real and pick the right song and play. Play the ones weh can teach people supmn,” he said.
“Mi is a ‘vibesy’ selector, mi know how fi entertain di crowd cause when mi tek off my shirt and roll my belly, jump up and draw chune and back it wid a catchy speech, I stand out and remain relevant and people, di girls dem all over di world love me fi dat,” he shared with a laugh.
Sky Juice, who suffered a minor stroke in 2017 said that despite his antics on stage, he maintains a healthy diet by “eating right and exercise”. However, he said he will forever remain as the self-proclaimed ‘big belly man’ as his belly roll is his trademark.