Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ McShellen Michelle Ndely.
Hi DJ McShellen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well, my journey into deejaying started right before the pandemic hit. The isolation opened up an opportunity to dive deeper into something I’d always been surrounded by: music. My dad came from Cameroon and fell in love with deejaying, mom was a choir director, brother a beat maker, so it was literally impossible to not be immersed in a musical environment. Growing up, I was that one friend with the aux cord. I loved introducing people to something they hadn’t heard before, whether it was a song or a genre. That passion for music naturally led me to pursue deejaying.
I started as an open format DJ, mixing different genres, and in just five years, I’ve had some amazing experiences. I’ve had the chance to open for global stars like Tiwa Savage, and perform at major venues such as the Target Center, Varsity Theater, First Avenue, 7th Street Entry, and countless bars, lounges, and community spaces.
I’ve also worked with incredible brands and organizations like Nike, USA Olympic Gymnastics, Redbull, Afropunk, 300 Ent, Dash Radio, KMOJ, and Carbon Sound. One of the biggest milestones for me was selling out my first-ever event, which was all about celebrating the art of deejaying. It’s been a crazy ride, but I’m really proud of where I’ve come and the opportunities I’ve been able to create for myself and others along the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When you decide to express yourself creatively, there are always trials and tribulations that come with it. Right now, I’m a one-woman show—I have a 9-5, multiple side hustles, and of course, my DJ career. So, a huge struggle has been finding that balance between work, life, and deejaying. It’s not always easy to carve out time to practice, learn, and just enjoy the craft when there are so many other things demanding my attention.
But despite these challenges, I’ve made it a priority to create an authentic and strong DJ community, both here in the city and virtually. That’s been a game changer for me—having a solid network of people who understand the hustle and can offer support has really made me feel like I’m not alone in this.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My passion for deejaying is all about creating a melting pot of different sounds—from old school throwbacks to new school hits and futuristic vibes. I love to mix 50% of that’s my jam with 50% of ‘oh, this is a bop!’ I specialize in genres like Afrobeat, Amapiano/Afro-house, Bounce, Funk Fusion, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Reggae, but as an open format DJ, I’m all about breaking boundaries and blending styles to create something fresh every time. My goal is always to bring something different to the music scene, and I aim to create a fun and enjoyable experience that leaves people excited to come back.
I’ve had the chance to work across a variety of spaces, from lounges and art galleries to community and corporate events, as well as clubs, concerts, and pop-up events. I’m known for my eclectic song selection, seamless blends, genre-less sets, and the infectious energy I bring to the stage. I pride myself on being professional and personable, and I love supporting the event as a whole—not just through my music, but by creating a vibe that enhances the entire experience.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my first-ever series, COOLER ROOM, an open format party designed to be a DJ-centered, experimental playground. It was my own take on like a MN’s very own boiler room experience. The event featured rotating DJs, allowing them to lead the energy in a truly creative and exploratory way, with their unique musical contributions taking center stage. It was a space for DJs to feel free, and the vibe was all about pushing boundaries while keeping the crowd engaged and entertained. That’s something I’m really proud of, as it represents my passion for creating spaces where music, creativity, and community come together in an unforgettable way.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
When it comes to risk-taking, especially as a woman DJ in a male-dominated industry, I’ve learned that you have to take up twice as much space to truly expand and be heard. And I’m more than happy to do just that. However, with that comes the challenge of constantly stepping out of my comfort zone. My goal has always been to grow, expand, and carve my own path, sound, and experience in this industry. And there are definitely moments when I have to face my fears and take risks in order to do that.
As a creative, taking risks is a part of the process. There are countless times when you share your work with the world and feel the pressure for it to be perfect. But over time, I’ve come to realize that the beauty often lies in the rawness of it—the authenticity of the moment. So, while risk-taking can be intimidating, it’s essential for growth. Whether it’s trying something new on stage (like being on the mic), pushing my boundaries, or just being me, I’ve learned that it’s about embracing those moments and trusting that the journey will lead to something meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmmmmdeli
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19yJEh1Nh7/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/EobcVYIEC54
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/XZJ9vkxF4gqxQjvV7
- Other: https://spokesman-recorder.com/2024/08/08/cooler-room-dj-experiment/
