STORE MIX 107: SIPPIN' T

Sippin' T is a renowned cultural curator and multidisciplinary artist. Based in Jamaica and born in London, this DJ creates immersive soundscapes and visuals that transcend the ordinary, infusing them with deep artistic meaning. Sippin' T skillfully blends the diverse textures of electronic music, celebrating Black and Global Majority perspectives with a distinctive style that redefines the sonic experience. Bridging the gap between past and present, their practice is inherently political, highlighting class, colonial legacies, ancestral traditions, and gender through conversation, gathering, sound, and visuals, serving as a call to find a sense of home while navigating collaboration under capitalism.

A key figure in London’s nightlife for over a decade, Sippin' T creates a transformative, multi-genre experience for LN-CC's 107th Store Mix. They discuss being the co-founder of the QTIBPOC collective BBZ, the role DJs and the music industry play in promoting inclusivity and representation, their recently launched Bold in Alchemy—a sustainable artist retreat in Jamaica that embodies their commitment to community, creativity, and holistic well-being—and more.

Could you introduce us to you and your world? Who is Sippin’ T, why do you do what you do, and for the uninitiated, what does a Sippin’ T set sound like? I’m an artist and DJ based between Kingston, Jamaica, and London, UK, consistently returning to the question: “Am I becoming someone new, or returning to myself?” My DJ sets celebrate the rich textures of electronic music through a Black and Global Majority lens, creating transformative, multi-genre experiences that bridge the organic with the digital, the ambient with the club, and the past with the present reflecting where I come from and where we can go together. For over a decade, I’ve been a key figure in London’s nightlife, founding BBZ, an influential club night that became a global platform for authentic and immersive experiences within the art and nightlife space. Through BBZ and other projects, I’ve curated events that range from high-end industry gatherings to grassroots community celebrations, always with a focus on accessibility and spotlighting voices often silenced. What I do goes beyond just DJing; it's about creating spaces for healing and connection, both individually and collectively. This vision drives my latest project, Body In Alchemy, a sustainable artist retreat in Jamaica that embodies my commitment to community, creativity, curiosity, and holistic well-being.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your style as a DJ? My community, chosen family, and culture are my biggest influences and have profoundly shaped how I play. The stories, struggles, and celebrations of those around me inform every set I curate, allowing me to weave a narrative that resonates on a deeper level.

Does music have the power to change your mood, and if so, how does it affect you? Sound is energy, and those vibrations affect us on a deep, cellular level. The right frequencies can calm, energize, or even evoke emotions we didn’t know we were holding onto. Music is a powerful form of healing, and experiencing it collectively, especially within a community, amplifies that power. It’s sacred. The collective energy—the way people move, react, and feel—builds on itself, transforming music into more than just sound. It becomes a force for connection. That’s why I’m so passionate about creating spaces where people can come together to experience this connection, whether on the dance floor or at a retreat-like Body In Alchemy. Music within a community has the extraordinary ability to remind us that we are all part of something bigger.

As the co-founder of QTIBPOC collective BBZ, can you tell us how it has impacted the community and the wider cultural landscape? When I co-founded BBZ, it emerged from a deep yearning for self-expression, validation, and community—a space for Queer, Trans, Non-Binary Black individuals and People of Colour to feel seen and heard. Over time, it evolved into something far greater than we could have imagined: a time capsule of joy, experimentation, and growth. It wasn’t just a club night; it became a movement and a family that spanned continents and generations. People came together not just to dance, but to forge deep, lifelong connections and to collectively heal, rebel, and thrive in a world that often sidelines marginalized identities. BBZ reshaped conversations around inclusivity and representation in nightlife and cultural production. It became a blueprint for creating spaces that centre marginalised voices, encouraging the wider industry to rethink how it engages with and supports underrepresented communities. At its core, BBZ was about self-empowerment—reminding QTIBPOC folks that everything they need for liberation is already within them and that their very existence is revolutionary. The collective experience of creating and sustaining BBZ has been an ongoing lesson in self-awareness, compassion, and growth—not just for the community but for me as well. I feel immense gratitude for the impact we've had, the bonds we've formed, and the ripples we've sent out into the world, which will continue to resonate long after this chapter closes.

What role do you think DJs and the music industry play in promoting inclusivity and representation? Clubs have long been spaces of resistance and mobilisation for marginalised communities. Genres like hip-hop, house, and techno emerged from Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ cultures as a response to exclusion, later becoming pillars of mainstream music. Underground clubs provide a sanctuary where people can express themselves freely, without fear or judgment. In this context, DJs and promoters hold immense power as cultural gatekeepers and storytellers. What you choose to do with that position speaks volumes. Do you respect the role by curating diverse lineups, amplifying underrepresented voices, championing boundary-pushing sounds, and honouring the entire ecosystem that makes a club night possible—from security to cleaners to DJs—in order to challenge societal power structures? Or do you sit back and collect cheques, ignoring the interconnectedness at play? I see it as my responsibility as a DJ & Space maker to expand the narrative of who gets to participate in and benefit from cultural production.

What are some memorable moments or milestones from BBZ’s journey that stand out to you? The chaotic, loving, tender, and wild family we built through moments of tears, tantrums, laughter, and youthful joy stands out as one of the most memorable aspects of my BBZ’s journey.

What’s next for BBZ, and how do you envision its future in terms of promoting QTIBPOC visibility and inclusion? BBZ had its moment and made a huge impact over its five years, leaving a lasting mark on the cultural landscape. All members of the collective have now moved on to pursue their individual passions and are truly excelling in their respective fields. While BBZ has come to an end, its core principles live on through new projects. For me, that’s Body in Alchemy, an artist retreat in Jamaica that carries forward the essence of BBZ, but with a focus on wellness and less on identity markers.

What advice would you give to other DJs from diverse backgrounds who are looking to break into the scene? Honour where you come from and embrace the power of your unique voice. The music scene, much like the world, can often feel exclusionary; your presence is an act of resistance and transformation. Don’t hesitate to create spaces that reflect your identity and values, even if they seem unconventional or messy. BBZ taught me that real impact comes from staying true to yourself, building community, and being unapologetic in your approach. You’re not just playing music; you’re crafting an experience for self-exploration and connection. Your journey, much like the music you create, will ebb and flow, and that’s where the beauty lies. Embrace it all—the highs and lows—because each moment contributes to the tapestry of your unique narrative.

And lastly, how would you like to be remembered as a DJ and artist in the long run? If anything, I want to be remembered for my commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, for curating moments that brought people together in joy and resistance, and for understanding that music is not just about entertainment but about collective healing and growth. Ultimately, I hope my legacy is one of authenticity, empowerment, and the recognition that we are all part of something greater connected, evolving, and creating together.