Nhandi Craig

TEXT SHANNON M. HOFFMAN

VISUAL FARIDA AMAR

It takes most people years to make it, others a lifetime, and for many, it never happens — but maybe you should ask NHANDI CRAIG AKA DJ YOUNG 1. While most elementary school kids were on the playground learning hopscotch and jumping rope, a musical genius was being developed. Nhandi would go home after school – perfecting her skills for hours a day with two turntables, a regular 2-channel mixer, and vinyl records. By the time she was 9-years-old, she had already graduated with honors from the legendary Jam Master Jay’s Scratch Academy LA and made her debut appearance on NBC’s America’s Got Talent – a performance that attracted the attention of the Obamas, and landed her a gig at The White House. 

This girl’s resume is impressive for a lifetime of work — let alone for a 16-year-old. At age 12, Nhandi made history by becoming the youngest DJ at iHeart Media, with her own weekly set on Real 92.3 FM. From her European tour, to the Queen Latifah show and her iHeart Music Festival performance, she has become an international voice for not only teenage girls but for women of all ages and backgrounds, including my 26-year-old self. 

Naturally cool, strong and poised, with a distinct afro, Nhandi stands tall with confidence. She’s comfortable in her skin, wears no makeup, and speaks with the conviction of a 30-year-old. 

Hailed as a “True Turntablist,” Nhandi explains the importance of skill and raw talent. “With recent changes in technology, DJs can press a button to mix and sync songs. But real DJs demonstrate expertise when they’re able to manipulate and alter music without technology, by taking two songs that don’t even sound alike and making them sound incredible. It doesn’t always have to be mixing, however. You can add effects like echo and play other songs with the same energy. It’s the way that you present it that reflects true skill. Scratching also requires a high level of practice and technique.” 

Nhandi is a true role model. Focused on success, she is determined to be known for the work that she does and nothing else. Maturing every day, she’s proud of being a young black woman in the music industry and leads by example, with a strong, powerful presence. 

Music is her life – shutting herself in her room to produce beats, Nhandi barely takes the time to eat. It’s clear when you speak to her that all of the qualities needed to make it in the industry are inherent. 

“Being a woman in this business, you have to work twice as hard just to be an equal.” Nhandi continues: “People fail to recognize that this makes us so much stronger.” 

Her tenacity is definitely earning her recognition, but perhaps most importantly — college money. 

As a lover of literature, she’s committed to continuing her studies. She stresses that being a highly educated woman in the music industry is extremely important to her. 

Nhandi’s passion and perseverance as a DJ and music producer is undeniable. A note reading, “No one has to validate your creativity, know your worth” is inserted into the edge of her mirror. Reflections of her core values and private meditations are reinforced daily. “I meditate every day. For me that could mean making music, taking a walk, writing down my innermost thoughts or just sitting in my bed doing nothing — I stay grounded.” 

She never lets rejection stop her. “Whether you’re trying to get somewhere, aim for a higher business position, or trying to be a singer or dancer — you’re gonna get a lot of no’s. But if you keep at it, eventually you will get a yes.” Optimistic about her future as a black female DJ and music producer in a male-dominated industry, Nhandi sees challenges that young women face as opportunities to grow, and believes that excellence is the best deterrent of racism, sexism and inequality. All in all, Nhandi has a lot of hope for women in the music industry. 

Nhandi is currently in the studio with veteran music executive Peter Rafelson producing her debut EP, scheduled to be released in Spring of 2019. The tracks already feature both established and new artists, and she hopes to collaborate with Chance the Rapper, Drake, Frank Ocean, and Pharrell in the near future.