We recently had the chance to connect with Clermont Dossous and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Clermont, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is a balance between creativity, preparation, and connection. I usually start the day with some exercise or meditation to get grounded, then dive into emails, event planning, and communication with clients or collaborators. Midday is often dedicated to working on mixes, curating playlists, or producing new music. Depending on my schedule, I might also spend time on content creation, filming or editing material for my social platforms and YouTube channel.
In the evenings, if I’m not traveling or performing, I’ll attend local events, check out other artists, or work on my book and Afro House projects. Every day looks a little different, but the consistent thread is that I’m always creating, preparing, or sharing music in one way or another.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m DJ Joune, a professional DJ and event curator based between Salt Lake City and New York City. I’m known as the official in-house DJ for the Utah Jazz (NBA) and the Utah Hockey Club (NHL), where I bring energy and unique sound design to major sporting events. Beyond sports, I’ve shared stages with global icons like Bad Bunny, Journey, and Nelly, and I’ve performed across the world—from France and Greece to Colombia and Mexico.
My brand, AfroParadigm, is about creating global-meets-local experiences: blending Afro House, Amapiano, Afrobeat, Latin, and international sounds to connect diverse audiences. What makes my work special is that I’m not just spinning music, I’m building a cultural bridge, bringing the world’s rhythms into spaces that don’t often experience them, and curating unforgettable vibes whether it’s a stadium, wedding, or nightclub.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my Passport Series, producing my first EP, and writing a memoir about my journey from leaving my homeland to building a career in Utah. It’s all part of my larger mission: to inspire others through music, resilience, and the idea that the journey continues.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, absolutely. In the early stages of my career, there were moments where the challenges felt overwhelming—long nights, small gigs, and the uncertainty of whether my passion for music could really turn into a sustainable career. Those doubts crept in often, but my love for music and the joy it brought to people kept me moving forward.
Another major time was when I moved to Utah. I left behind my family, friends, and everything familiar, stepping into a place where I had no connections and faced cultural, language, and even age barriers. It felt like starting all over again, and there were times I questioned whether I had made the right decision. But instead of giving up, I leaned into resilience and built from scratch. Looking back, those moments of doubt were actually turning points that shaped my story and gave me the strength to be where I am today.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Short answer: yes — mostly. But like everyone, I’m a mix of the public persona and the private person.
Longer version:
My public self — DJ Joune, the global-sound architect who plays stadiums, curates AfroParadigm events, and brings Passport Series vibes to new cities — is an authentic part of me. It represents the choices I’ve made, the music I love, and the work I do every day. I show up intentionally: the playlists I create, the events I produce, and the stories I share are all real pieces of my journey.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I want people to remember a life lived with intention, music, and generosity — someone who used sound to bring people together, open doors, and create moments that mattered.
More specifically, I hope the story people tell is this: DJ Joune was a bridge — between cultures, between quiet neighborhoods and big stages, between strangers who became friends on a dance floor. He left everything behind to chase a dream, built something from nothing, and did it with humility: lifting other artists, mentoring young talent, and creating spaces where diverse voices and rhythms could be heard. He didn’t just play songs — he practiced hospitality, crafted experiences, and turned ordinary nights into memories people still talk about years later.
I’d like them to say he was relentless but kind: that he hustled hard, stayed true to his roots, and used his success to make room for others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://djjoune.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djjoune/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dj-joune-566b4943/
- Twitter: https://x.com/DJJoune
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Teamjoune
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DJJouneVibecurator
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-475753512
Image Credits
thecravingscurator
liamkaisercreative
