Meet the musical maestro, DJ Lubi (Lubi Jovanovic), a name that resonates through the UK and beyond. With a career spanning over three decades, he’s not just a DJ, but a music sensation that’s left his mark on salsa, Latin, jazz, soul, funk, and world music scenes.
Lubi’s story began in 1982, spinning records in the heart of England’s jazzdance movement. From Bradford to the world, his beats took him on a journey that’s still grooving today. His legacy isn’t just about DJing – it’s about promotion, performance, and passion. He started by creating weekly sessions, bridging genres like hard bop, jazz fusion, samba batucada, and mambo, captivating audiences in The Jazz Cellar and Wild Style.
By 1986, he’d already ventured into salsa, establishing Club Afro Latino in Leeds, a trailblazing move outside of London. Lubi’s sonic waves reached new heights as he traversed the country, sharing his love for salsa. Not just content with the decks, he was an integral part of the 12-piece Grupo Pa’lante, spreading Latin vibes and rhythms far and wide.
In the 1990s, he joined forces with the dynamic DIG! Family in Leeds, crafting electrifying nights that blended Latin, Brazilian, jazz, soul, hip-hop, funk, and more. With The Cooker, Casa Latina, and The Yardbird Suite as their canvas, their nights were legend, drawing artists like Roy Ayers, Eddie Palmieri, and Charles Earland.
Lubi’s name echoed across borders, and by 1999, he was spinning his magic internationally – from the USA to Gran Canaria, Spain to Singapore. His mixes graced airwaves like BBC Radio One and Jazz FM, solidifying his place as a top international salsa DJ.
Lubi’s journey wasn’t just about spinning records. He played bass and led bands like Conjunto Fuego and Grupo Pa’lante, bringing the essence of live Latin music to northern England. His impact was seen and felt through Casa Latina, a transformative club night that introduced major salsa and Cuban artists to the UK.
But Lubi’s talents didn’t stop at the turntables. He compiled 40 Latin music CDs, his expertise showcased by renowned labels like Fania Records and World Music Network. He co-produced radio shows for the BBC, worked as a promotional plugger for major record labels, and penned his column "Latin Lowdown" for Straight No Chaser magazine.
With an unwavering passion for music and an ability to evolve, Lubi remains a dynamic force. Whether he’s captivating thousands at festivals, crafting radio mixes, or spinning jazz in local bars, his beat remains unbreakable. Music is his language, and as long as the beat goes on, DJ Lubi’s legacy will continue to resonate and now he is back with us at Salsa On the Pier we are sure you will too.