DJ Buba — aka Luis Orlando Martinez — is the owner of DJ Buba Events of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, specializing in weddings, quinces, corporate events and more.

1. How and when did you get started as a DJ?
I started my career back in the 90s — DJing at small private parties with a cassette player, a Discman and a few speakers. I was mixing music with a homemade, improvised mixer. After gaining some popularity and receiving more and more requests, I invested in better equipment to provide the highest quality service. My favorite style was techno. In 2000, I moved to Los Angeles and continued working while expanding my horizons in music and becoming more familiar with different musical styles. I wasn’t only interested in techno anymore, but also in tribal house, tech house, progressive and more. I traveled to Las Vegas, San Diego and San Francisco — always looking to grow and expand my musical tastes, while keeping an eye on the competition. Later that year, I went back to Santo Domingo and started my professional career by playing for a national radio station: 89.3 Neon. I became pretty popular and was asked to be the official DJ of the radio station with my own airtime. After two years of hosting the “Trans Mix” show every Friday from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., I went to Cadena Espacial 107.5 which specialized in what I was really passionate about: tribal house. Now I enjoy having my own company and doing what I know best.

2. Is this a full-time job or something you do on the side?
DJing has always been a full-time job for me. I am involved in various types of events, providing great music and great lighting.

3. What fixtures are included in your setup?
I have quite an extensive inventory of CHAUVET DJ fixtures: eight Intimidator Spot LED 350 moving heads, 25 SlimPAR Pro RGBA fixtures, 10 COLORpalette LED wash light panels, two Geyser RGB pyrotechnic-like effect lights, one Hurricane 1100 and two Hurricane 1300 foggers, a Bubble King bubble machine, four Freedom Par RGBA wireless fixtures and two Bob LED simulated flame effect lights, two Core 3×3, a PC-08 power panel and a CH-01 heavy duty tripod stand and MiN Laser RBX lasers. Also, I use Xpress 512 software with an Obey 40 controller. I built my DJ table using 1.5-meter TRUSST totems, and as part of my setup, I also have a 20-by-20 foot TRUSST system.

4. What is your favorite fixture and why?
I like the CHAUVET DJ moving heads because of their playful effects.

5. Best advice you can give someone just getting started in the DJ industry?
If you are determined to get into the DJ field, be dedicated and give it as much time as you can so you can achieve your goals and surpass any obstacles that come your way.

6. What are your top three most requested songs?
“Get Lucky” by Daft Punk, “Just One Last Time” by David Guetta ft. Taped Rai and “Danza Kuduro” by Don Omar.