Meet Stephanie Jeanty

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Jeanty.

Stephanie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always had a passion for music since I could remember. I started off dancing when I was five years old. In middle school, I played the flute and in high school, I was on the drumline, which means I played almost every percussion instrument. While in high school, I was also a choreographer for the dance team at my church. I also danced for a travel dance team and was a background dancer for an upcoming Christian rap group called R.U.G.G.E.D. When I moved away to start my college career at Kennesaw State University, I was told I would not get anywhere with dancing. So I started looking into long term careers in Accounting.

Shortly after graduating with a BBA, I started to get into my DJ career by watching videos and creating relationships with DJs I knew in the Haitian community. In the summer of 2018, DJ Final reached out to me and asked to mentor me in the DJ industry. Later in 2018, I decided to give him a call and we started the training. November 2018, DJ Final, invited me to spin at an All Black party at the Coconut grill. I did not want to tell anyone I was spinning except my close friends and family because I was afraid I would be made fun of since we had only been practicing for a month. So I only invited my close friends and family. From the time I was on the stage, I remember my hands shaking from how nervous I was.

After I finished, I went to the bar to get a drink and I will never forget hearing the guy next to me saying, “The DJ that just played killed it.” And my best friend overheard him and tapped him and said, “Oh she is right here.” He had no idea I was spinning and was shocked it was me, because a guy was talking on the mic. After that night, the videos were on social media and the word was out. I started getting calls to do Haitian concerts for celebrities I grew up listening to as well as parties alongside DJ Kash from 107.9. I also started DJing for YAH (Young Atlanta Haitians), which is a Haitian organization in the Atlanta community, that is targeted to bridge the gap for the younger generation. It is very tough being in this industry as a female DJ, but no matter how many times I feel defeated, I will continue to get up and do what I was called to do because I have an amazing support system besides me. Although I’m the new kid on the block, I am here to stay and I will do whatever it takes to keep pushing ahead.

DJ NeNe (Nee-Nee). It has been a little over 15 months since she officially started the journey, and she has found herself playing alongside DJ’s that she looks up to and celebrities that she grew up listening to. “This feeling is surreal,” says DJ NeNe. “As a woman in a male-dominated industry, it is very easy to get skimmed over as a female DJ. Although I’m the new kid on the block, I am here to stay and I will do whatever it takes to keep pushing ahead.”

Has it been a smooth road?
This has not been a smooth road for me. I have only been djing for about 16 months. During my DJ career alone, I have been through two laptops and three controllers/turntables just because certain products were not the best for me to practice with. The main challenge for me is being the only Haitian female DJ in Atlanta. It does put a lot of pressure on me because most of these DJs are men and have been around for 5+ years. I see it as an opportunity to practice longer and harder since people expect more from me.

Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I am DJ NeNe and I specialize in DJing in the Caribbean community. I am known for being the only female Haitian DJ in Atlanta and also the new kid on the block and this sets me apart from the other DJ’s since this is a male-dominated industry. I am most proud of the opportunities I have had since my business started. I have played for Haitian celebrities like Nia, Tonymix, Alan Cave, Phyllis Ross, Nu Look, VAYB and 5lan.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like most about our city is the amount of support they give to me. It is amazing to see people come out and want to see you do better and grow. I planned my first party, with Final Touch ENT, in February and the amount of people that came out was amazing! I did not expect the party to be that packed because it was snowing that day and people were afraid to leave their homes.

What I like least about our city is how segregated it can be. When you go to other cities, you see the Caribbean community as one. In Atlanta, it is a bit more segregated. This is something I am working on and I want to fix because we are stronger together.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @djnene_atl
• Facebook: @DJNENEATL
• Twitter: @djnene_atl

Image Credit:
Imagery That Fitz
Rico Vibez Photography
Photos by W

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