A conversation with in-demand soca DJ Travis World
Published:Friday | April 14, 2023 | 12:19 AM
Carnival season is in full swing and already the island has been buzzing with some of the most elite fetes and carnival events. A big part of each event is definitely the music and the juggling to get fans hyped and moving at each celebration.
To achieve this we have definitely seen where promoters have invested in securing some of the hottest local and international DJs from all over the region to ring in Carnival 2023 the right way. A younger giant in an already big industry, Travis World has been constantly bringing the right vibe and high energy to each fete leading up to the Road March on April 16. When he hits the stage you can see a shift in the soca-charged atmosphere as revellers ‘wuk up a sweat’ and ‘play mas’.
Born Travis Hosein, the 27-year-old grew up in south Trinidad, in the city of San Fernando. His passion for music and entertainment started as early as age seven when his father bought him a drum set. He was deeply fascinated by the carnival music trucks and always dreamed of owning his own one day. After secondary school, Travis started out at Slam 100.5 FM as the youngest DJ at the age of 16 and also dabbled in music production. He saw a gap in the soca industry which he decided to fill.
The first song he produced won the road march in St Vincent and the second song he produced for Machel Montano was called Temperature. After that, he went on to produce Soca Kingdom, which won him his first Road March. Subsequently, his career skyrocketed and he is now one of the most sought-after DJs in Trinidad.
1.How did you get the name Travis World?
Funny story, when I was younger my mom didn’t want me to join Facebook with my real name. So I had it as DJ Travis Travis and after a while, I found it corny and at that point there was this dance called To Da World that was big in Jamaica and it had a song with it I think it was by the Merital family or RDX and I had my name as Travis To Da World for a bit and I got a little older and I felt like I wanted my name to be a little more mature so I dropped the “To Da” and kept the world.
2.You have been here for a little while. What do you love about Jamaica?
Jamaica reminds me of a different version of Trinidad so it feels so much like home for me, I even call it my second home and I love the culture and the pride that the people have.
3.How do you prepare for an event that you are booked to play at? Are you ready for Road March in Jamaica?
If it’s in a territory I’m not accustomed to I sometimes go to events the day before and feel out the vibe, listen to the other DJs play, ask around and do my research as to what people like to hear because I am a DJ of the people.
4.It has been quite a busy carnival season for you here in Jamaica. What events have you played at so far?
Well, this is definitely one of my busier Jamaica carnivals so I’m thankful for that. I played at my own Jus Tunes event which was a first and a success so I’m thankful for that. I played at Xodus Remedy, Night Carnival, Sun Rum Fun, Babe Brunch, and Xodus Tailgate last night. I also played at FOF last weekend in Ochi.
5.What can people expect from you at Road March? What is next for Travis World after the carnival season ends here?
I’ll be playing for the Xodus Band on Road March day. I mean you know my vibe, I’ve done it many times so I’m just gonna bring that Travis World vibe that everyone loves. After the season ends, my goal is always up- work on some bigger collaborations and touch some new territories. I enjoy going into uncharted territories.