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How, why and when did you get into salsa?
I decided to take up Salsa dancing about eight years ago; I was bored with the gym and needed something else to keep a bit fit.
Who first taught you to dance salsa?
I went to a number of clubs in the Essex area, but my first real teacher has got to be Fire from London, he really worked me hard to pick-up the timing to the music. Many thanks to you Fire for all the hard work.
Did you have any dance training prior to salsa?
No, I was the man at the back with two left feet.
Tell me a little about your company. When, why and how was it set up?
I don’t really have a company, it’s purely the love of real Salsa/World music, dance, people and raising money for charity.
How, when and why did you get into DJing?
I did a bit of DJing when I was in my teens playing Reggae and chart music. My first big Salsa gig was down to Fire, who invited me to play at a Salsa club called Boots & Laces in Southend - he allowed me to play a set, and named me The Diamond Geezer.
My next big break was a call three years ago from Tony M of the Torquay Salsa Weekenders held [Feb & Sept] every year asking if I would like to help spin the discs with him over the weekender. I have been on their DJ list every year since, so a big thank you to Tony M, Robert Charlemagne and Phil Heath of the Latinfest team.
I have since been DJing in Essex, Kent, East & South London clubs and not forgetting house parties in London.
Also, don’t laugh but I am also resident DJ for a Belly- Dance club called Shimmy-Licious in Rochford Essex - the girls go mad over Reggaeton. Website: www.sitaradance.co.uk
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Purely from the love of the music, and seeing everyone enjoying themselves.
Who do you admire?
Most of the Salsa musicians for their talent and energy.
What’s your favourite track at the moment?
JoJo, this is a hard one to answer but at this moment in time it is ‘La La La’ by Direct Latin Influence. Many thanks to DJ Lubi Jovanovic for his second compilation.
What are your all time favourite tracks?
Again, this is a difficult one to answer, but here goes [My mixed bag]:-
1 Rebelion – Cambalache
2 Si Tu No Vienes No Bailas – Edwin Bonilla [Team Dimelo! Dance- Mix]
3 Desenganos De La Vida – Orquesta Alma Latina
4 Que Bueno Baila Usted – Ibrahim Ferrer
5 La Muerte Salsa Remix – El Gran Combo
6 Son De Un Amigo – Paulito F.G.
7 Que Hay De Malo – Jerry Rivera
8 Mi Media Mitad – Rey Ruiz
9 Ven Devorame – La Organizacion
10 Acid – Ray Barretto
11 Abibou – Africando
and many more……….
What are your favourite albums?
Any of the ‘Old School Classics’ set.
What was the last CD you bought?
Imported from America, Los Grandes Exitos De Salsa De Los80Y90 – [30 Pegaditos] double album.
What music is in your car/cd player/tape player at the moment?
Old School Classics Vol 3.
Who are your favourite artists?
Africando, Grupo Niche, Jerry Rivera, Victor Manuelle, Eddie Palmieri, Oscar D’Leon and many more………..
If you were not a successful Promoter/Teacher/DJ, what would you be doing instead? Or if you also have a full-time job, what do you do?
During the day I work as a Health, Safety and Training Manager.
Tell me something most people wouldn’t know about you?
That would be telling!!!!!
What’s your all time favourite salsa club/event that you have played/taught/danced?
It has to be my first Torquay Salsa Weekender for DJing, and Boots & Laces for learning to dance.
What has been your most memorable moment?
DJing at Torquay in front of people from all over the country, and the great Robert Charlemagne.
Have you had any embarrassing/nightmare-ish moments in salsa?
Yes at Boots & Laces, when Fire made me hold a bright green ladies handbag on my arm for not keeping my hands at waist position, not once but three times in one night during class.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yes a “big thank you” to you JoJo, and Salsa Central for this interview.
Dave: The Diamond Geezer (TDG) xx
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