March 15, 2024
Miami-based sound system, Champion Squad, is known for their remix mixtapes and high-energy performances at major parties and festivals worldwide. The duo, consisting of Kareem “DJ Reem” Swaby from Miami and Francesco “DJ Muerch” Stefanelli from Italy, has teamed up with internationally renowned reggae artist, Gyptian, on a new single titled “Callin’”.
The link up with Gyptian dates back to the days when DJ Reem had been working with Riddimstream and VP Records as one of the DJs on Gyptian’s tour in 2013, a time when he was promoting his album Sex, Love & Reggae. Fast forward to 2024, “Callin’” happened through a mutual friend, Dego, who is also a part of Gyptian’s management team.
Distributed by Vpal Music, “Callin’” was released on March 1. The beat was made by both DJ Reem and DJ Muerch, and produced under their Champion Squad Music label.
“When we were building the riddim we didn’t have any specific artist in mind, we just knew we needed a melodic ‘world’ singer on the track. A few days after the riddim was made I thought Gyptian would be perfect for it. So I reached out to Gyptian’s team and we made it happen,” says DJ Reem when speaking about how the idea for the song came about.
Gyptian was present for the recording session which took place in Florida. The whole vibe during this process, according to DJ Reem, could only be described as very energetic having Gyptian write the lyrics right then and there on the spot. They are currently in the process of doing an official music video for “Callin’” soon.
In the past, the Champion Squad duo has done work with popular artists such as Wayne Wonder, Mr Lexx, Noah Powa, Ajji, Gappy Ranks and Badda General. DJ Reem is the personal DJ for Jamaican R&B singer Denyque and working on a few projects with her as well. The label has unreleased songs with Munga Honorable, Double X aka Flexx from TOK, Versatile Kenya from Nairobi, Kenya and popular TikTok influencer and dancer Corn Bread from Japan.