DJ Underdog

Host, Black Star Radio

DJ Underdog is a Washington, D.C.-based DJ, educator, designer, and community organizer whose work seamlessly connects global music, culture, and social consciousness. As the host of Black Star Radio on WPFW 89.3 FM, he takes listeners on a late-night journey through the music and voices of Africa, the Caribbean, and the wider global Black diaspora.

On his program, DJ Underdog blends carefully curated music with thoughtful storytelling and conversations about history, art, wellness, and food sovereignty. He views the airwaves as a gateway to the people and movements behind the sound, creating a space where community members can hear their cultures respected and their questions explored. For him, independent radio is a vital tool to preserve culture, challenge dominant narratives, and amplify stories that are too often overlooked by commercial media.

Beyond the station, DJ Underdog is a prominent figure in the creative community who has produced events and performed alongside world-renowned artists such as Questlove, Thundercat, Sango, and Femi Kuti. His work and insights have also been featured on platforms like OkayAfrica, AFROPUNK, and MoCADA. Despite navigating personal hardships and health challenges, he remains deeply committed to using music and education as tools for community resilience and transformation.

Guided by the mantra "Music is the message, community is the purpose," DJ Underdog is passionate about the future of public media. He encourages the WPFW family, especially younger listeners, to stay curious and bring their own imagination and technology to the airwaves. His advice to the next generation is simple: do not allow trends or algorithms to define your identity.