Local DJ wins national crown!

Leigh McLaughlin, known on stage as Bobby Analog, now goes forward to the Grand Finale of Movida Corona next month when he will compete against DJs from countries across Europe.

The 23-year-old beat off competition from across the province in Movida Corona – the one and only DJs competition for dance music lovers – organised by Corona Extra beer.

After wowing judges in front ofahost of loyal fans at the final atThompsons in Belfast, Leigh was crowned as Northern Ireland champion

and won a place at the Grand Finale in Berlin on December 11.

He will now compete at a truly global event with mixing masters from countries including Italy, France, Norway and Dubai, battling it out for the coveted title of Movida Corona World Champion.

Leigh, a waiter at the Ice House Bar in Portstewart, mixes and produces music in his spare time at home.

He has come a long way since he started out at 15 years old after saving up all summer to buy some second-hand decks for 100.

He now has a wealth of DJing experience under his belt after recently spending eight months in America, playing in bars and clubs in New York and Philadelphia.

Leigh hopes that getting through to the world final will take him from strength-to-strength, following a recent deal with Soulshift Music to produce music for Winter Music Conference held annually in Miami, the most important Stateside event on the dance music calendar.

He said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to have won the competition! I've got a whole host of friends and family travelling to Berlin and can't wait to showwhat I've achieved through years of dedication – and enjoyment!

"The competition is givingmea fantastic opportunity to progress

my career and hope that it opens a few more doors for me.

He added: "I hope that I make Northern Ireland proud!"