DJ Promote: turning tables and changing lives

Carlos Trevino (aka DJ Promote) is turning tables, not only on stage as an innovative DJ, but also in the way he uses his creativity to reach youth and change lives. Were excited to see him and UYWI featured in an upcoming issue of S.O.U.L. Magazine. Promote’s passion for urban youth ministry and his desire to raise up DJs from the #tableturnerdjs crew then send them out to impact their communities is inspiring.

I feel like God can use things like graffiti art and even rap music, things that some people might view as negative, for something positiveits all in the message. A lot of artists use those things to communicate their hurt and pain, but you can also use them to communicate love and the story of Jesus to other people.

Promote grew up in the small town of Santo, Texas, far from everything. His dad was in and out of prison throughout his childhood. But instead of rebelling, Promote chose a different route. After he graduated, he started to find out more about God and learned that He’s real, trustworthy and makes a difference that lasts. Promote chose to use his gifts and talents as a graffiti artist and a DJ to help change lives.

After going to S.O.U.L. Magazines Flavor Fest, Promote heard about the UYWI national conference in Los Angeles and decided to attend. There, he met UYWI’s Bobby Duran (Bobbito The Chef) and had the chance to showcase his DJ talent. That was the start of his ongoing involvement and partnership with UYWI; he became a fixture at conferences, DJing every year. 

Promote came to the UYWI national conference as a youth worker who needed resources, but while there, he also got connections, family, and a platform for his voice. UYWI saw the value in him and couldn’t be happier for his success. Today, DJ Promote moves crowds of hundreds and thousands all across the country at youth events and conferences. He recently finished a 56-city, Chris Tomlin’s Burning Lights Tour, and the Winter Jam Tour DJing for LaCrae. He has a gift for connecting with his audience, meeting them where they are, and creating an experience that they journey on together. His high-energy mixing skills and charismatic stage presence have made him an authority on moving the crowds,

For me its about getting people excited, says Promote, then turning that excitement into something that will last forever. I want people to know that they can use anything they feel like God has put inside of them to do to share Christ with others.

Check out more of DJ Promote’s story in S.O.U.L. Magazine (when it comes out). There are also powerful articles by UYWI President and Founder Dr. Larry Acosta and UWYI artists Odd Thomas and Jackie Hill, in which they share their father stories.

Get your free copy of the magazine and see DJ Promote in person at our national conference in Los Angeles this May: 360 – THE CITY NEEDS A FATHER. It’s a life-changing youth worker event being held May 15-17 at Azusa Pacific University. You’ll get the latest strategies and tools to impact youth in your community and you’ll connect with others who value you and want to give your voice and ministry a platform.

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