Maxie B began her DJ career back in the '90s. She always had a passion for music as a little girl, attending her late Uncle Manny's blues dances. Along with two male friends, she set up a sound called Southern Vibes in the '90s, playing at private house parties. At one such party, Maxie was invited to join Genesis Radio in 1995. Since then, she has helped set up Blues FM and can now be found on the internet radio station www.4tunefm.co.uk, still playing her vinyl on Tuesdays from 8 PM to 10 PM.

Maxie B decided to retire from DJing in 2008 when vinyl was on the decline but was encouraged to come out of retirement in 2018 by entering the Reggae Revival & Lover's Rock vinyl-only cup clash, where she finished in second place.

I had the opportunity to interview Maxie B, here is what she said to me about herself:

What’s the pulse, passion, and persona that define Maxie B?

.... If music is the food of love, Play On!

Where do you draw your musical influences from, and which genres resonate with you most?

My late uncle Manny was a Brockley Soundman from the past. As a young girl, I marveled at the joy and happiness his music brought to all those attending his dances.

Which artists influenced your musical taste growing up?

The one and only Delroy Wilson…my musical heartbeat! He sang convincingly about love and hope—nothing raunchy or rude. To me, he came across as a quiet and unassuming man yet so powerfully influential.

As a female DJ, do you feel it’s been harder to break into a male-dominated industry?

Yes and no. I was part of a sound in the early nineties alongside two male friends and being a female selector back then it was something to be admired and respected, there were quite a few black female djs around when I first started djing in the early 90’s. What I find really sad these days is still being a black female DJ, but no longer considered worthy and not being shown the same respect or being offered the same opportunities as the new white counterparts. maybe, as I’m now a pensioner, they think I’m past it!!

You're also a radio DJ- could you tell us about your show?

I joined the 4TUNEFM family during the lockdown in 2021. It’s an internet station on WWW.4TUNEFM.CO.UK. My show is called The Revive Alive Show (the same name as the show I did on Genesis FM in the 90’s). Tuesdays 8 PM-10 PM.

What’s the most memorable event or dance you’ve played at over the years?

In 1998, I played on a bill alongside the great Frank Bruno at Acapulco Night Club. The late Alton Ellis also performed a live PA.

If stranded on a deserted island, which three albums would you want with you?

1. GREGORY ISAACS, MORE GREGORY: 2. TECHNIQUES, UNFORGETTABLE DAYS: 3. PABLO MOSES, REVOLUTIONARY DREAM.

What advice would you give to women aspiring to become music selectors/DJs?

It really doesn’t matter what you look like or what you play; being able to connect with the crowd is key.

The women that keep the music turning: Maxie B

The women that keep the music turning: Vinyl Sisters