Meet Anitra “DJ Shai” Hunt

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anitra “DJ Shai” Hunt.

Anitra, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Anitra, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. I’ve always had a love for music. Since high school, I’ve always expressed myself through dance–from hip hop to jazz and to most recently, DFW Swing Out. The thing I love about dance is that I get to be creative with the music that I love and just get lost in it. DJ’ing was just a natural progression for me since dance and music go hand in hand. I’m not sure exactly where my interest in it originally came from, but the desire just kept tugging at me. I kept mentioning it to my husband, and he didn’t take me seriously at first. I guess I talked it about so much that he eventually bought me some equipment and surprised me with DJ lessons. After taking a few lessons and later spinning for some friends and doing a few small-paying gigs, I thought, “you know, I could really do this”. Later, I enrolled in the Keep Spinning DJ Academy, led by internationally known and Dallas-based DJ Jay Clipp. After taking his classes and being under his mentorship, my confidence has grown and I’m learning more every day.

Has it been a smooth road?
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. DJ’ing is a lot more complicated than people think. It’s pretty technical and more than meets the eye. Some people don’t really get why I became a DJ. Most people think of DJ as being someone extroverted, young, and male… something I’m not! Growing up, I was very shy (hence the name DJ “Shai,” like the 90’s R&B group). Being in front of people can be intimidating, but I’ve learned to face my fears and it feels good to face a challenge head-on. I chose my DJ name as an oxymoron. This takes guts and confidence! And as I mentioned, DJ’ing is a complex process. It’s not just about putting some music on. You have to read a crowd, choose the right songs, and present the music in a way that creates excitement and a vibe.

Please tell us more about what you do, what do you specialize in and most proud of.
I specialize in playing R&B, Hip Hop, and Reggae from the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s. I love the stuff you don’t hear on the radio from independent artists, but I’m into some of the popular stuff, too. And as a DFW Swingout dancer, I play the type of music for that culture, as well. The thing that sets me apart is that I’m a female DJ in her 40’s. (Rock on!) I’m most proud that even though I have doubted myself at times, I’ve pushed through and pursued my interests in spite of it.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
There are already so many dope female DJs out there, but I think our presence will begin to grow and grow. I meet a lot of women that express an interest in DJ’ing and I tell them to go for it. Soon, we won’t be known as “female DJs” but simply as “DJs.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://about.me/djshaidfw
• Phone: 469-619-7418
• Email: djshaidfw@gmail.com
• Instagram: @djshaidfw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djshaidfw/

Image Credit:
Degrate Photography

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