Victor “Casper” Santiago, a DJ from the Bronx, has been captivated by the lively and melodious atmosphere of 1970s New York City since his youth. His interest in music was sparked by his father’s classic salsa albums, which he listened to on Saturday mornings while doing chores. Over the years, he has developed a deep passion for music, particularly the energizing rhythms of Salsa, Freestyle, House, R&B, and Hip-Hop that originated in the Bronx.
Music has always served as a means of expression for him, but it wasn’t until the late 1970s that he had his first experience with DJing. In 1978, when he was just nine years old, he managed to sneak into a summer block party that the community was hosting. It was at this event that he witnessed his first-ever DJ performance. When asked to describe the moment, Casper recounted, “I was completely captivated. I couldn’t tear myself away from the spectacle. I sat there, mesmerized by how cool it was. I still don’t know who that DJ was, but witnessing how he had complete control over the crowd drew me in. I was immediately hooked.”
During the 1980s, DJ Casper honed his skills with the guidance of three experienced mentors: Eddie B Swift, Louie Passion, and Hector (Baby Hec) Romero. With their unwavering support and encouragement, Casper began his journey toward becoming a successful DJ. He started performing at high school parties, gradually building his reputation and skills. As he gained more experience, he began to attract the attention of some of the hottest clubs and nightclubs in New York, such as The Phillie Club, Les Poulets, Club Exit, and Speed, just to name a few.
There is no doubt that DJ Casper has had a thriving career in some of the most popular nightclubs in New York. Interestingly, it was only thirteen years ago that he decided to display his skills to a new and diverse audience.
DJ Casper began performing for charity events in 2010 when he decided to perform for a Zumba Breast Cancer charity event called Party in Pink, benefitting Susan G Komen, and just like his climb to success in nightclubs, it didn’t take Casper long for him to excel in the charity event scene either. From there, he went on to DJ for Autism Speaks, American Heart Association, and ALS Wallks. When asked why he chose to start DJing at charity events, he said: “When I DJ for charity events, I take pride in being a part of the organization itself. I take the message personally. I like to know that with every performance, I am making an impact. DJing for charity events revitalizes me and my love for music.”
Casper is an extremely committed DJ who takes his role in charitable causes very seriously. He understands the importance of catering to the auditory or sensory needs of his audience, particularly at events for Autism Speaks, where loud noises can be overwhelming for some. His commitment to building trust with the charities he performs for is unwavering, and he always strives to alleviate any stress or concerns that event organizers may have. Without a doubt, Casper’s dedication and attention to detail make him an invaluable asset to any charitable event he is a part of. Casper says, “When I perform for charity events. I don’t just do the music. I make the announcements, I handle the crowd, and I make sure everyone is okay.”
Although DJ Casper has a full-time job at a utility company and is also married to his high school sweetheart Lucy with two sons, Matthew and Jonathan. he enjoys the flexibility and availability that comes with being a DJ. Over the course of his career, he has played with legendary DJs and has learned to adjust to the many changes in the DJ industry. In an interview with Casper, he expresses gratitude that digital music downloads have made music more accessible for DJs. Nevertheless, he believes that being able to learn with vinyl is still an essential and impressive skill. When asked what sets him apart from other DJs, Casper says: “What sets me apart from other DJs is the fact that I really love working for causes. With everything becoming digital, the DJ Club and Lounge scene has become over-saturated, and that’s one of the reasons I made the jump to charity events.”
When asked where he hopes to be in the future, Casper says this: “Nothing less than what I am doing now. For me, music keeps me young, and performing for charities revitalizes me. For me, I am most excited about just continuing to do the work I do for organizations and continuing to raise money for them. I will retire soon from my full-time job, but I will never retire from music. I will continue to play music until my golden years.” Salute to all my Veterano DJs.
Here is Casper’s advice for anyone getting their start in DJing: “If you want to become a great DJ, it’s essential to keep learning and never give up. Dedication and hard work play an important role in excelling in this field. Always aim to get as much practice as possible. There is no such thing as too much practice.”
With a career spanning over 35 years, DJ Casper has established himself as a true master of the art of entertainment. His unmatched ability to captivate and mesmerize crowds has earned him a reputation as a sensation in the industry. From electrifying nightclubs to DJing at charitable events, DJ Casper has showcased his talents to diverse audiences, leaving a lasting impression wherever he goes. Join him on an unforgettable journey by following his social media handles below!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJ.Victor.Casper.Santiago.Jr/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darealdjcasper/
