DJ Jamaal Botticelli is new on the scene!
Well. He’s new on the Maryland’s DJ scene. But with over 20 years of DJ experience, he’s a seasoned pro on the spinning scene.
DJ Jamaal was always on the go as a kid, moving around with his Navy family (and listening to music of all genres). During high school in Columbia, MD, he found himself falling in with the DJ crowd. He would go to gigs to “help” (aka carry records) for the brief opportunity to play around on his friends’ equipment. He started buying records and building up his music collection, even though he didn’t have anything to play them on!
Eventually, he established his own small equipment setup and got his first paying gig—DJing at a bar on a slow night for $150. He was hooked. By 2004, he’d started working weddings, which makes him one of the most experienced wedding DJs on our roster! He’s currently living in Ellicott City, MD, with his wife and three kids—perfectly situated to reach weddings all over Maryland and Washington, DC.
You can catch DJ Jamaal’s sets at local bars and clubs like Looney’s Pub, The Point In Fells, BLK Swan, Italian Disco, and more. When he’s not behind the booth, he’s on the pitch playing soccer or spending time with his family. As a bonus, DJ Jamaal speaks Spanish as well as English. Want your introductions en espagnol? Bueno.
We’re stoked to have DJ Jamaal’s expertise to add to the team at Maryland’s DJ. To get to know him a bit better, we asked him some questions about weddings and the art of the wedding DJ.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
What makes a great DJ?
A great DJ is someone who can not only play the hits, but also play the songs you didn't know you needed to hear.
Note: You know when the first few bars of a song start and everyone goes “OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH” as they recognize it? That’s what happens when the DJ plays a song you didn’t know you needed to hear.
What’s your favorite local wedding venue and why?
Chesapeake Bay Beach Club. It’s a very nice place and the views are awesome.
Photo by Carly Fuller
Note: this is a popular choice…It’s also a favorite of DJ Mebaa Braha and lots of our couples!
What’s your favorite thing about weddings?
Seeing the joy people have throughout the day.
If you were getting married this weekend, what would your first dance song be?
Adore by Prince.
Some of the best lyrics:
Until the end of time
I'll be there for you
You own my heart and mind
I truly adore you
If God one day struck me blind
Your beauty I'll still see
Love is too weak to define
Just what you mean to me
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen at a wedding?
The best man wore a gorilla costume during his speech. (He told no one in advance!)
What’s the best “little kid moment” you’ve seen at a wedding?
I saw a little kid breaking dance and everyone forming a circle around him to cheer him on.
What's the most unique processional song you've ever played?
The Imperial March, aka Darth Vader’s Theme from Star Wars
What do you think is the most overplayed wedding song?
Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
What’s one thing you wish people knew about working as a DJ?
There’s a lot of prep work involved. It starts with making playlists for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. We have to learn the pronunciation of names, and the transitions during the event like going from announcements to first dance to speeches. I try to make everything a smooth transition, especially if it's in different rooms. At weddings, you only get one chance and it's gotta be done correctly.
When you're not working, what kind of music do you listen to?
House, downtempo, or 90s hip hop.
Welcome, DJ Jamaal! We’re psyched to have you on board.
To work with this experienced pro, let’s start by reserving your wedding date! Fill out our online form to check availability and get on our books. Then we’ll match you up with the right DJ for your event, so you can start the planning process.
Published on:
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
