Today we’d like to introduce you to Monika Underhill.
Hi Monika, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Absolutely! I’m from Rocky Mount, NC and from a young age, I’ve always loved music.
I went to Fayetteville State University and that’s where I began interning at The Big Stick Foxy 99 FM. I began my radio career at Power 95.5 FM in Rocky Mount where I became interested in DJing.
I’ve been DJing for 12 years.
Today, I’m an Audio Engineering teacher at Tarboro High School in Tarboro NC and I really enjoy helping students tap into being creatives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. As a female DJ, one of my biggest challenges was constantly being asked, ‘Are you the DJ?’ People often assumed I wasn’t the DJ which meant I had to work harder to prove my skills and be taken seriously.
In the classroom, it’s been a different set of challenges. Teaching DJing means connecting with students who all have different interests, learning styles, and we have limited resources and equipment. Plus, balancing my creative work as a DJ with the demands of teaching hasn’t always been easy.
But honestly, those struggles have shaped who I am. They’ve taught me patience, resilience, and how to adapt. Now, I love that I can bring my real-world DJ experience into the classroom to inspire my students and show them that they can break barriers too.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an open-format DJ known for bringing the vibes to any event. I love reading the crowd and blending different genres from hip-hop and R&B to Afrobeats, Amapiano, and House classics to keep the energy high and the dance floor moving.
Alongside performing, I’m also an educator who teaches DJing, podcasting, and music production. I work with students who often have little or no experience, and I’m passionate about helping them discover their creativity and confidence behind the decks.
Soon, I’ll be launching The M.U. Academy, my own online DJ school where I’ll be teaching both children and adults who want to learn how to DJ. I’m excited to share my knowledge with a wider audience and help people of all ages find their own voice through music.
What sets me apart is that I blend real-world DJ experience with teaching, making my lessons engaging, practical, and connected to people’s lives and cultures. I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on others both on the dance floor and in the classroom and I’m looking forward to inspiring even more people through The M.U. Academy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.datgirldj.com
- Instagram: muthedj
- Facebook: muthedj
- Youtube: M.U. THE DJ aka DAT GIRL DJ
