Francine Black, Staff Reporter

DJ Jigga - file

DJ Jigga, winner of the Jamaican leg of the 2008 Heineken Green Synergy finals, says he is keenly preparing for the competition he will face at the regional finals in Curaçao.

Jigga, who hails from the West was one of two DJs selected from a group of six to compete at the regional finals of the competition to be held later this year. DJ Richie from Belize also advanced to the finals following an intense competition involving six DJs at the Chinese Benevolent Association last Saturday.

Although the DJ said he did not know what his competition's weaknesses were, he was working on his set to ensure that he comes out on top. "Well honestly, DJ Shine, a him mi a hear bout. Mi nuh know his weakness, but me know my strengths," Jigga said

Strong selections

He warned the DJ to ensure that his music selections were good because he was coming with some strong selections. Jigga, who was described throughout the competition as having a strong dancehall edge, said this would be part of his presentation, but he was tailoring his set to suit the audience that will watch the competition. In preparing for the finals, Jigga has been working with DJ Nico, the 2006 winner of the competition.

DJ Jigga, in addressing claims that he could not mix, said they were false as he considered himself to be good at mixing. He said usually in his performance, he normally set the mixes and then talk over it, and that he would still ensure that they are perfect for the finals.

In the meantime, Jigga says he has not decided how he will spend his $1 million, which was one of the many prizes he received when he won the Jamaican leg of the competition.

Three month stint

In addition to the cash, he also received a DJ console, an internship at FAME FM, which should begin in November and a three-month stint at a club in Thailand.

Jigga says being in the competition has opened new doors for him, including being asked to play at various entertainment events. He said winning felt good. "Well, it feels good. Many people doubted me reaching that far and I showed them that I could do it," he said.

DJ Jigga, born Andre Reid, got his name because of strong resemblance to rapper Jay-Z. He is originally from Albion, Montego Bay, and has been playing at a lot of parties in Montego Bay. He entered the Heineken Green Synergy competition to expose his talent and also to win the equipment that was being offered as a part of the prize package.