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Kayper is London born, New York-based prominent British DJ, producer and former BBC radio personality, acclaimed for her influential contributions to the Hip Hop and Electronic music landscape.
Born and raised in Croydon, South London, Kayper was deeply influenced by the diverse cultural tapestry and lively music community of her hometown. Kayper who's real name is Kaajal Bakrania, began her journey into music at the young age of 11, surrounded by a family immersed in the DJ and acting realms. Among her influences, she counts her cousin Nookie, a pioneering figure in the Jungle and Drum and Bass scene, and DJ Jazzy Jeff, whose support and influence were pivotal during her early days as a DJ.
Kayper's innate talent for DJing became evident in the early 2000s, while still at university studying Music Technology, she quickly gained recognition for her exceptional skills behind the turntables as a scratch DJ. Her dynamic DJ performances, marked by seamless transitions blending an eclectic mix of genres, ranging from House and Hip-Hop to UK Garage and Jungle, are what captivated audiences around the globe. She has graced the stages of renowned venues and festivals worldwide, including Ministry Of Sound, Printworks, Eden Ibiza, Amnesia Ibiza, Coachella and Glastonbury.
As a prominent figure on the BBC Asian Network and BBC 1Xtra from 2005 to 2012, her Friday night show played a crucial role in championing emerging British South Asian talent. Demonstrating that South Asian artists could thrive within the realm of electronic music, she helped to dismantle preconceived notions about what constitutes "mainstream" music, paving the way for more inclusive and diverse representation in the mainstream that we see today.
In addition to her success as a live performer, Kayper has also made significant strides as a producer over the last decade. With releases on labels such as Eton Messy, Main Course, Hard Times, Spinnin' Deep, and Toolroom, her bass-heavy productions have garnered acclaim from esteemed outlets such as Pitchfork, BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, and Clash.
During the pandemic, like many other artists and DJs, Kayper embraced the world of streaming. From her Williamsburg apartment, with the iconic New York skyline as a backdrop, Kayper launched into her now legendary Twitch streams that garnered thousands of viewers online every week. These streams quickly became a cornerstone of her digital strategy, providing fans with a direct and interactive avenue to experience her DJ sets and creative process. Her streams caught the attention of Defected Records, which led to a regular monthly show for Defected Broadcasting House.
Kayper's longevity is a testament to her talent, versatility, and unwavering dedication to her craft. From her early days spinning vinyl records in London clubs to her more recent forays into streaming, she has demonstrated a willingness to embrace new technologies and explore different avenues of expression. Over the years, she has consistently evolved and adapted to the ever-changing landscape of the industry, staying relevant and influential through different eras and trends, and continues to be a true trailblazer to this day.
