Previously a duo, DJ Bri is keeping the party going as a solo spinner of Soul. Funky Reggae House Party is everywhere this Pride Week… get into it!
Thotyssey: Bri, hello! Thanks for chatting with us today! How has Pride Month treated you so far?
Funky Reggae House Party: Pride Month has been a mix of emotions — powerful, joyful, and at times, heavy. The last couple of months have been extremely tough for me, and then with the added stress of this administration it hasn’t made life any easier. I had to really pull myself out of very deep sadness recently, and learn to let go of things that I cannot control. It’s beautiful to be surrounded by so much love and community still. But it also brings up the realities of the work we still have to do just as humans, outside of throwing events. I’ve stepped back a lot to enjoy life, but also do a lot of things in my own community like working with children and doing more advocacy work. I’ve felt seen, supported, and inspired, and I’m grateful for every moment that reminds me I’m not alone in this journey
You just played MOBIfest, how did that go?
Playing MOBIfest was an incredible experience. The energy was unmatched — it felt like a true celebration of Black queer joy. MOBI creates such a beautiful space for us to show up as our full, authentic selves, and I’m honored to have been part of that through music. Seeing the crowd dance, connect, and feel free reminded me exactly why I do this. I just want to thank Laquann and all the members of MOBI for having me again.
Funky Reggae was originally a duo, but I see you are currently representing that brand as a solo DJ. May I ask how that happened… and what is the origin of the name?
So, we were a duo – my friend Dymond and I, who started house parties together. Our parties were called Funky Reggae House Party, started by my love for Bob Marley and one of his songs, “Punky Reggae Party.” We dressed funky, played a lot of reggae and house music, and had a popping queer party in the house… and that’s how we began. Eventually we started having events outside of the house, and the name just stuck. I started to DJ under it too, because that’s what people knew me as.
Unfortunately last year Dymond battled cancer, and has decided to step away to heal and recover. So currently I hold it down by myself, and I miss her deeply — not just as a collaborator, but as my person. (I’m tearing up because life has been hard for both of us, but it takes a lot of growth to understand that sometimes you have to do things for yourself.) It’s been hard, but I carry her energy with me in everything I do.
We wish Dymond a full rest and recovery! Every day this year has been a new type of scary / crazy for all of us. How important is dancing and being social in these times, especially for the queer community?
In times like these, dancing and being social aren’t just fun — they’re necessary. Especially for queer people and queer immigrants, joy is a radical act. With this current administration, the fear is real — from anti-LGBTQ+ policies to harsh immigration crackdowns, it feels like our existence is constantly under threat. For queer immigrants, the stakes are even higher — navigating identity, safety, and legality all at once. That’s why spaces where we can dance, laugh, and be fully ourselves are so sacred… but also what we do and how we show up outside of the dancefloor really matters. Creating spaces like this is just a reminder that when you look around, there are people just like you that exist. My hope is that when folks come to my events and see me, they feel inspired to know that we are here and we’re not backing down.
These days, how might you describe your DJ sound? And how would you describe the sorts of events and venues we can usually find you spinning in?
My sound is rooted in feeling and deeply influenced by Caribbean, Soul, and house music. I love blending genres that make people move, but also feel something real. You’ll usually find me spinning at queer-centered events and community-driven spaces that celebrate joy. I’m drawn to venues where the energy can be intimate with great sound, or huge but transformative. I love to DJ at cultural festivals and wellness-driven gatherings like MOBIfest. I gravitate toward spaces where the curation is intentional. I play a lot for my friends, and those are usually my favorite gatherings.
What genres or artists are you listening to these days when you’re not working?
OMG! I listen to a lot of Cleo Sol, Hiatus Kaiyote, Leon Bridges, Khrangbin, Bob Marley, Beres Hammond. I have turntables at home, so I usually find cheap vinyl in record stores of artists or orchestras I never heard of, and come home and listen to it. My playlist is usually everywhere, but I love Reggae and Soul music.
Can you tell us a bit of your origin story? Where are you from originally, and what sort of music did you grow up with that influenced you?
I was born in South Trinidad; I was raised in a super small area called Rousillac Village. My mom and aunt were really protective of me, so I was in the house mostly doing something creative. On the islands, usually children are in school or outside playing. I loved being around trees and grass and waking up to the smell of my moms baking or fruits.
I grew up surrounded by the sounds of calypso and lovers rock — music that’s full of storytelling, rhythm, and soul. I was an only child, so I did a lot of things by myself mostly. When we moved to America, I really loved listening to Biggie Smalls. I would record his music on tapes so I can play it over and over to learn the lyrics. I also loved Mary Mary. Coming from a church background in Trinidad, hearing gospel music in such a different way that you can dance to really had me in a chokehold as a kid! Calypso music — and watching elders sing it around me as a kid, just hitting their bottle with a spoon, belting it out loud — really influenced and taught me the power of melody and emotion, and how music can bring people together, even through struggle.
What have been some of your favorite gigs and memories of working or playing in nightlife?
Ahhh, there’s so many! I would say my favorite was playing at a block party, and my mom and aunt pulling up to support me. We had a moko jumbie and everything; they were shocked at how so many people pulled up. They were also shocked that I was their lil’ Trini massive gay child, just spreading the love of my country in these spaces with no fear. Definitely not my biggest gig, but my parents showing up to support me still has me in tears to this day.
Have you observed the nightlife scene changing over the years in any particular way, good or bad?
The nightlife scene is definitely changing, and having started in this world when I was 20 — now in my 30s — I’ve really witnessed the shift first hand, especially in New York. But I don’t see it as a negative thing at all. In fact, I think we’re entering a more meaningful era. People aren’t just going out to party anymore — they’re going out to feel something, to connect, to be in rooms where they can truly be themselves. Especially for queer folks, immigrants, and people of color, nightlife has become a space for healing and joy, not just escape.
What I’ve seen is a move toward intention — curated events, safer spaces, events with really great DJs, and a focus on community. There’s this desire to find your people, your tribe, and to be surrounded by energy that uplifts you. And that’s beautiful. So we should definitely be excited with all the changes, and be proud of people redefining what nightlife looks like. I’m honored to be part of building that, not just as a DJ, but as someone who wants to create spaces that leave people better than when they came.
I understand that a possible dream of yours is to own your own venue: The Village BK! What can you tell us about that?
Yes, The Village BK is a dream that’s been living in my heart for a long time. I imagine it as more than just a venue — it’s a home for culture, community, and creativity. It’s a space that centers queer and Black joy, where artists, DJs, healers, and creatives can gather, grow, and feel safe.
Also, a Queer West Indian bar does not exist… so I’m still on the hunt to find the perfect space. The last space we took over was super stressful with the landlord and the neighbors’ complaints of noise or threats of eviction, and as a new business owner that was truly difficult to deal with.
Gentrification is one of the biggest challenges standing in the way of dreams like The Village BK, and it’s something I’ve witnessed up close in New York… especially in Brooklyn. As neighborhoods change, the cultural heartbeat that once made them vibrant often gets pushed out. The very communities that built the energy, the sound, the style — Black folks, queer folks, immigrants — are priced out and left with fewer places to gather safely and affordably.
For someone like me, trying to open a venue rooted in culture and community —through crowdfunding, but also our own savings —it’s not just about finding a building. It’s about protecting a space from being swallowed by displacement and commercialism. Gentrification doesn’t just raise rents; it erases history. Seeing it happen with some of my favorite spaces, it’s definitely sad. That’s why The Village BK matters so much to me. It’s not just about nightlife and just creating something quick, it’s about preservation. It’s about carving out a space that resists erasure, that holds onto the spirit of Brooklyn before it became a playground for developers. It’s about planting roots that can’t be easily moved, and making sure our culture, our joy, the amazing things we create and our presence remain unshakable.
Let’s discuss some upcoming gigs! First up: the LGBTQ Pride Mixer at Kingston Public House on Wednesday, June 25th.
This was curated by my longtime friend DJ Nett, which makes it even more special. Nett has been a pillar in NYC’s queer nightlife and creative community for years, and what she’s doing is so important… not just for the culture, but for the next generation. She founded a nonprofit called Nettwork Inc, which is all about giving back. They go into underserved communities and teach kids how to DJ — giving them skills, confidence, and a creative outlet that could change their lives. That kind of work is powerful and rare. She’s throwing a free event in Crown Heights at Kingston Public House with great music, dope local vendors, good food and drinks. I love doing events with people like Nett because it’s not just business, it’s history. She’s someone who has seen me grow, evolve, and show up in different ways over the years, and being able to collaborate with folks who really know you hits differently.
Next up: Urban Sapphic Pride Week’s “Grownish” at The Rum Bar BK on Thursday.
Grownish is a singles event for the 28+ crowd, but it’s really about more than just dating; it’s about genuine connection. Whether you’re looking for love, friendship, or just vibing with someone over a shared playlist, this event is about finding your people through music. We’re using wristbands to help folks match based on their favorite genres, which makes it fun, low-pressure, and super intentional. I’m especially excited to be collaborating with Urban Sapphic, who have been creating such meaningful, affirming spaces for queer folks. Their events are always rooted in care and community, and I’m honored to be part of something that brings those values into a new kind of experience. Tickets are still available, so pull up if you can.
Then on Friday, you’re at Sally’s in Brooklyn at 9pm.
This is a free pride mixer with my friend and also an amazing DJ, Romblay, in collaboration with MOBI.
You’re taking part in something huge on Saturday starting at 2pm: “Pride & Friends” at 3 Dollar Bill!
Ahh! This is my biggest party of Pride… and honestly, I couldn’t be more excited. This event is a collaboration between myself, DJ Spinelli and Lexie Peters, and it’s been such a labor of love. We created this day festival to celebrate and highlight the incredible talent within our queer community — DJs, performers, creatives, vendors — all coming together to bring the energy and the magic.
Creating queer space has always been at the heart of what I do — not just as a DJ, but as a community builder. “Pride & Friends” isn’t just another event — it’s a declaration that we deserve to take up space, loudly and beautifully. And doing that in a 1500-capacity yard? That’s huge. We’re talking about a space where hundreds of queer folks can come together, dance, connect, and just be — safely, joyfully, and unapologetically. We’re often pushed into the margins or expected to settle for the smallest corners of nightlife, but not this time. This is about reclaiming space that was never built for us and transforming it into something vibrant, affirming, and unforgettable. Check the lineup on the flyer!
Next up on Saturday night, you’re serving us “More Life” at Cafe Erzulie.
This event was curated by DJ Spinelli at one of the most turnt up venues in Brooklyn. To have a Pride party here during pride weekend – definitely will be a movie.
Pride Sunday is a four-gig situation for you! First up that day, you’ll be at the Pridefest stage with Krys X.
OK, this is huge… and I’m beyond excited for it! First stop I’ll be playing with Krys X at Pridefest and I am so proud of her. She is a Jamaican and Trinidadian hip hop artist. and also my amazing talented friend. She’s releasing her new video “Pretty Kitty,” which is honestly the Pride anthem, so folx tap in and catch up on stage!
Then afterwards, you’re joining the Pride March with the Caribbean Equality Project’s “Big Truck.”
DJ Debbie and I will be taking over the Caribbean Equality Project truck at the NYC Pride Parade, and it honestly feels like a full-circle moment. To be DJing on a truck, surrounded by thousands of queer people, blasting music that represents us — it’s powerful. But what makes it even more meaningful is representing CEP, one of my favorite organizations and a true pillar in the queer West Indian community. Their work uplifts, protects, and celebrates Caribbean LGBTQ+ folks in a way that’s deeply rooted in culture, justice, and love. Being part of that legacy — through music, visibility, and pure joy — is something I’ll never take for granted. We’re not just playing music. We’re showing up for our people, turning up for our roots, and making sure our flags fly high and proud in the middle of NYC. This is for every queer Caribbean person who never thought they’d see themselves celebrated out loud — we’re here, we’re proud, and we’re bringing big flags and even bigger queer Caribbean vibes!
Then at 6pm, you”’ be down at The Delancey for “Color Me Queer.”
I’m performing at NYC Pride’s biggest dance party for queer and trans BIPOC. Three floors of your favorite DJs spinning live, drag performances and more! It’s benefiting Caribbean Equality Project, GAPIMNY, SALGA NYC, Tarab NYC and Q-Wave.
Finally at 10pm, you’re at The Penthouse for “Rooftop Pride in the Sky.”
Ending Pride off on a rooftop! I’m super excited for this, and I can’t wait to celebrate and end Pride 2025 in a dope venue with some amazing people in the heart of the city.
Any post-Pride gig teasers?
Labor Day Weekend is going to be a movie!
Work! And finally: what’s your best advice for an upcoming baby DJ who wants to make it big in NYC?
Start with your “why.” Know what you want to say through your music and who you’re playing for, because intention will carry you further than hype ever could. Practice makes perfect. Never compare yourself to others. Always work on your music library. It can get overwhelming, but it can make things very easy by staying organized. Go to parties, support other DJs, build real relationships — not just for clout or to be booked, but because you genuinely care about the community you want to work in. Don’t lose the love for the music in the chase for success. NYC is big, but there’s room for your voice — so take up space, bring your sound, and don’t be afraid to carve your own lane. Have fun!
Thanks, Bri! Happy Pride!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Funky Reggae House Party’s upcoming appearances, and follow them on Instagram, TikTok and LinkTree. Also follow DJ Bri on Instagram.
Thotyssey 