Exclusive: BET Awards DJ Jae Murphy on Bringing Caribbean Culture to the LA

The cultural tastemaker discusses his mission to reconnect the Caribbean diaspora in Los Angeles through the Jah Bless Bashment Experience, Ding Dong's landmark West Coast debut, and the city's thriving underground Caribbean scene

Jae Murphy is bringing Caribbean energy to Hollywood

With BET Awards Weekend set to take over Los Angeles, Caribbean culture will once again have a strong presence alongside the celebrations surrounding Black music and entertainment. While the 2026 BET Awards are scheduled for June 28 at the Peacock Theater, a series of events throughout the week will spotlight the influence of Caribbean music, culminating with dancehall powerhouse Ding Dong's highly anticipated Los Angeles debut at the Jah Bless Bashment Experience on June 27.

The event, hosted by reggae star YG Marley and curated by entertainment executive and BET Awards DJ Jae Murphy, is expected to be one of the leading Caribbean-focused gatherings of the weekend, bringing together music industry figures, tastemakers, creators, athletes, and fans for a celebration of Caribbean music, culture, and community.

Multifaceted entertainment executive Jae Murphy brings Caribbean vibes to the West Coast

Speaking exclusively with Kaboom Magazine ahead of the festivities, Murphy explained why Ding Dong was the ideal choice to headline the showcase. "Ding has transcended dancehall culture globally for many years and has undoubtedly proven what 'staying consistent' truly means for his class of dancehall and all the generations that came before and the generations that came after," Murphy shared. "It's impossible to ever leave Ding Dong and his catalogue outside of the conversation of dancehall legends."

The multifaceted entertainment executive also highlighted the unique opportunity that Los Angeles presents for Caribbean entertainment. "Los Angeles is such an interesting market where there is a vibrant underground scene of Caribbean events, but they are not mainstream enough for the entire city to enjoy," he explained. "It is now proven that a lot of Caribbean artistes can still thrive while traveling to perform in LA. We just needed to creatively amplify the infrastructure of visibility in efforts to revive the city with new energy that will continue to reconnect all of the Caribbean diaspora on the West Coast and beyond."

For patrons, Murphy promises an authentic Caribbean experience unlike anything previously seen during BET Weekend.

"Attendees can expect full bashment and fete energy during the middle of BET Awards Weekend," Murphy noted. "It's never been done before on this level during BET Weekend, but the city is excited to bring this Caribbean stamp to life. This event is strictly for lovers of Caribbean music, food and culture."

According to Murphy, Caribbean sounds will dominate the soundtrack of the night. "The music format will be 75 percent Caribbean and 25 percent everything else," he revealed. "Special surprise guests will be joining me on stage during my set, alongside the all-star lineup of DJs and dancers we have billed. We also plan to crown the first Jah Bless Dancehall Queen before Ding takes the stage."

Murphy sees the event as an important cultural statement, particularly in a year when the BET Awards does not feature an international category. "This event is so important to our brand and our purpose because there isn't an international category of nominations at the BET Awards this year," he expressed. "Not to mention, it is also Black Music Month and Caribbean American Heritage Month. It's only right that we create an experience to celebrate our culture the right way."