Dj Quico is a Colombian American who spent his childhood in Charlotte, NC. He has always been interested in his cultural identity and his parents took him and his siblings to Colombia every summer and Christmas to preserve their culture. Dj Quico and his siblings were taught traditional music and learned to speak and write Spanish fluently. Additionally, he learned traditional dances such as Cumbia, Vallenato, Salsa, Merengue and Bachata.
Music played a significant role in his life. His father’s LP collection exposed him to traditional rhythms from various Latin-American regions. His mother gifted him with violin lessons from Kindergarten to 10th grade, which gave him a foundation in rhythm. The Afro-Antillean and Afro-Latino traditions of Salsa fascinated him. The rhythmic patterns of the Tumbadoras (Congas) and Bongo revealed their African identity, while the deep drumming of Cumbia represented their Indigenous heritage.
Beyond his home, he explored music further by riding his bicycle to the local Hip-hop record stores, which also carried cassettes. Gang Starr, LL Cool J, Eric B. & Rakim, and 2Pacalypse Now were some of the albums they enjoyed. 2Pacalypse Now resonated with his community’s sentiments at that time.
Upon arriving at the University of New Mexico, the upperclassmen provided guidance and encouraged the person to figure out their talent and passion. While completing a work-study project at the college radio station, KUNM, the person heard the DJs playing salsa and shared their Colombian background. Invited to participate in the show, they were given the nickname “DJ Quico” (short for Francisco). This led to throwing house parties, then university ballroom events, and eventually into the nightlife scene as a DJ, promoter, graphic designer, and event planner.
Today, DJ Quico promotes events over social media, DJs in nightlife venues, and performs at private parties while making a successful living. DJ Quico prioritizes playing the music requested by clients and then adjusting the playlist based on the crowd’s preferences. The most popular genres for Latino events include Reggaeton, Dembow, Cumbia, Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa. With experience playing at both Casino Nightclubs and Nightlife venues, the individual is versatile in covering all genres of music. As a Nightlife DJ, the individual understands that their purpose is to serve the people what they want and is intuitive in catalyzing a dance floor. Taking requests in the Nightlife ambience allows the DJ to stay informed about emerging musical trends.
DJ Quico has successfully promoted and hosted their Salsa Wednesdays event for over two decades, showcasing a high-energy mix of various genres including Reggaeton, Hiphop, EDM, Cumbia, Merengue, Bachata, Dembow & Salsa. He has held this event every Wednesday at different venues in Downtown Albuquerque, which has required continuous learning, adapting, and creativity in addition to marketing and assessment skills.
In addition to his weekly event, he has also had the honor of DJing at almost all of the Tribal Casinos in New Mexico and currently hold a residency at the Ohkay Casino on the Sovereign Native American Nation of Ohkay Owingeh. Quico views it as a blessing to witness and contribute to the preservation of the Indigenous Group’s Ancient and thriving traditions while helping drive traffic and revenue to their night life outlet, the Double O Nightclub. Their repertoire at the Ohkay Casino includes Top 40, Country, Hiphop, Oldies, Funk, Disco, Line Dances, New Mexico Music, Reggaeton, Cumbia, and more.
Overall, DJ Quico is proud of his Colombian heritage, which is a blend of Indigenous and African cultures. He prioritizes being a role model for their daughter and takes joy in providing happiness and serenity to people through music as a DJ. Quico is also branching out into fitness, meditation, and personal development, and invites others to subscribe to their YouTube channel, DJ Quico (@djquico2883)
Keep up to date with DJ Quico!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djquico/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djquico2883
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