If you are Burundian and you like to party, then there is no doubt you know Dj Trick Triick. If you are not Burundian and you don’t like to party, well you should still know him. Trick Triick is one of the best deejays from Burundi. Based in Canada, he started his career in 2013. He shared with us his story and his unexpected beginning as DJ. He confessed to be terrified of cemetery and plane turbulence. So in a few words he is terrified of death!
What is the story behind Trick Triick? (Laugh) Well my road to become a DJ started in a weird way. I used to be the guy in house parties/birthdays/after parties that would randomly play music. I did it by juggling with two tabs open from YouTube. This experience taught me a great lesson on how to control a crowd. Close friends that heard me play kept on encouraging me to consider this DJ thing seriously but I wasn’t convinced enough that I had it in me. However, unpredictable circumstances left me no choice in August 2013 when my friend, Herbert Ntwari and I had this crazy idea to organize a party and hire a DJ (and add me as a second DJ as a way to get a feel of the spotlight). The DJ we hired bailed out on us a few days before the party, I was left alone to DJ the whole party. I had some saved money in my bank account, which I used all to buy my DJ equipment. Luckily, I came across a lesson offered on YouTube (still), which taught me how to manipulate this equipment. With less than 48 hours before the party, I was determined to learn and make this first time in the public eye memorable. With lots of help and support from my friends, the party turned out a success and that gave me a tremendous push to continue. I had Trick as a nickname just a little before I became a DJ. My first name is Patrick and some friends/family were used to call me “trick”. I can’t remember when or how it started, but at the time I was becoming a DJ I decided to continue with that.
Tell me two things that I must have to become a DJ myself? One is have love for the music and then have an ability to read a crowd. Waouw, that does help kweri. How does one read a crowd Patrick?
One challenge you face as a DJ and how? There are many (laugh) but I would say that the more you start making yourself a name in this business, the more different people reach out to you for different types of gigs so your challenge is versatility. Knowing what to play for different types of music lovers, as they trust in your craft. The solution is always to be prepared and organized in advance.
Who is your favorite Burundian musician? My all-time favourite is Big Fariouz.
Since you were recently in Bujumbura, can you tell us what the vibe is like over there? For the short period of time I was there, my stay went well. I am stating that because we are mostly worried about what has been happening lately. However, residents are still very kind and respectful. I was able to move around and visit family in different places. That surprised me and I’m still thankful.
What are the top three places that you liked going to when you were in Burundi? Top three are Borabora, Buja Cafe and Toxic.
What is your favorite plate to have when you go to Burundi? ayaya! I always like to have some isombe, Pilao and some Gitoke. Plus a cold Amstel on the side 🙂 Of course akayeri ntikabura!
What is Trick Triick doing when he is not on his mixer? Besides work, I enjoy chilling with friends & family. I’m a free-spirited person so I am down for new things.
Would you rather DJ in Burundi for one night and in Canada forever or Canada for a night and Burundi forever? (Laugh) you got hard questions. (Thinks) Being stuck in one place just seems hectic. I love Burundi to the very core, I think there is a huge market in entertainment once everything settles down but I would choose Canada for the time being. However, I still have projects for Burundi.
Would you rather change your past or your able to see the future? I’d rather see my future in case there is anything I could avoid or change while I still have the chance.
Why do you enjoy being a DJ? I feel a sense of responsibility. People come out for different reasons, some to celebrate and others to change their moods if they are going through a hard time. It’s this sense of control through music that I cannot explain.
What is it about DJing that makes it interesting for you, comparing to let’s say producing music? It’s funny you say that, cause deejays are becoming more considered as artists/producers. The two worlds are blending together. Personally, I would love to see how production works. I haven’t been exposed yet but I love this evolution. Because nowadays, deejays are becoming producers. Deejays are releasing albums and making shows.
Where do you find the music for your mixes? I find them all online. Some from YouTube, SoundCloud and different music sites.
If I was to come to see you getting ready for a show/an event you have to DJ for, what are the three first things I would see you do to get ready for the night? (laugh) You would see food, drinks and music playing randomly from my laptop. Seriously, that’s what gets me hyped. I don’t prepare music that will be played during a specific event. I used to do that before, but then it would mess up my flow cause I would always try to stick to the music I selected in the folder. So I try to be easy on myself and do it from the heart. I have saved folders of my music, all well divided in sections so I know where to look for all my stuff at anytime. I just need to plug my equipment and we are good to go.
Is your family supportive of your work? Very much. They’re all behind me. I don’t think I would have had the pleasure to continue without their continuous support. Even though at first, they couldn’t believe that people would pay entrance to come see me perform.
I asked one last question to Patrick. I wanted to know on a scale of 1 to 1000, how much fun he had answering my questions. His answer was one of the best, he said: “I will go with 10,000 on the scale (laughs). They were fun […] you got the keys!” Well, I guess all the deejays speak in ‘keys’ language.
Don’t play yourself and go listen to Dj Trick Triick’s mixes on mixcrate. I mean, you should do it now! You can thank me later!
I like that…I like that!
’til next time
Lots of love
-Dee-
I appreciate your spontaneity and the time you spent answering these very tough questions Patrick! 🙂 Keep giving us the love of music.
Being Duchesse 