Exclusive! ‘In music, age doesn’t matter’: Dwayne John Bravo about an alternative career to cricket

All-rounder cricketer Dwayne John Bravo, also known as DJ Bravo, gave the uber popular song Champion, which became an anthem after West Indies won the 2016 ICC World Twenty20. Now, the Trinidadian, who plays with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, is out with Run D World. Here, he talks about the song, dealing with pressure on-field and more.

How did Run D World happen?

The track wasn’t my idea. This young lady, Jojo, back in Trinidad wrote the track and sent it to me saying she’d like me to sing it. I heard it and fell in love with it. I gave my inputs about the direction I wanted the number to go in. 
After recording the song and coming to India, I wanted to release it here. I reached out to Sony Music and we partnered.

Are there Champion-like expectations from this one too?

Yes, I see the same potential in this one as Champion. That was a good song and it did well because of the success of West Indies in the T20 World Cup. Everyone was doing the hook step; Run D World also has one and Chennai Super Kings has won the IPL this season. So, hopefully, this can become as big as Champion.

Do you see yourself being a full-time musician after you have hung your boots as a cricketer?

Definitely, I see myself doing that for a longer period of time. In sports, when you reach 39-40, you call it a day. But in music, age doesn’t matter. You can extend it a lot longer. I have a passion for it so I will do more music and look forward to opportunities to collaborate with other artistes. Let’s see where it goes for DJ Bravo (smiles).

Like Brian Lara in cricket, who’s your idol in music?

Beenie Man from Jamaica is extremely popular back home. He is a dancehall artiste and is known as the Michael Jackson of the genre. He is the main person who has inspired me and I’ve always wanted to be like him.

How do you deal with pressure on the cricket field?

I always believe in myself and my ability. As long as I am there, the game won’t be lost unless it’s completely finished – whether I’m batting or bowling.

Apart from lifting the IPL trophy, what were some of your favourite moments this season?

The team getting back together after two years and then being able to top the table for most part of the season is a great push.

Your favourites from the newer players?

Deepak Chahar and KM Asif are good, promising young fast bowlers. Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan from Mumbai Indians are showing great potential. The future of Indian cricket looks good.