The signal went live inside the institution, and the energy was completely unmatched. On Saturday, May 16th, Deja Vu FM and the Back2Back: Up Ya Archives x Rendezvous Projects takeover completely transformed the new V&A East site, drawing a massive crowd of 8,441 people who queued down the block to feel the authentic vibe of East London underground history.

Deja Vu FM didn’t just participate—we anchored the entire day. We brought a complete, heavy-duty installation of original, authentic studio equipment right into the building, recreating the exact aesthetic and physical footprint of a legendary pirate radio station. Alongside the rig, our iconic Brain Records / OctaMED hardware masterclasses stole the show.

The boss himself,(DJ Dlux), was front and centre throughout the day. Not only did he stabilise the technical infrastructure for the entire event, but he also stepped up as a special guest speaker on the panels. Dlux shared the stage with fellow foundation pioneer and Brain Records founder Bizzy B to map out the roots of the music, before jumping on the DIY Culture panel to drop heavy science on how our scene built its own independent industries from scratch, with Deja legend Sting who is also founder of Jungle Promotion Telepathy, Life & Utopia as well as owner of Tina’s Marshgate Lane, Club EQ & Stratford Rex and also Chris “Black Slate” Hanson from Music House.

The main museum galleries might have the static displays, but the Storehouse takeover had the literal soul of the culture. Everyone from original 90s jungle steering-committee veterans to young ravers and three-year-old kids came through to cut pirate radio cassettes and see the hardware. As Nia Archives topped off an incredible day, she stated: “The installations like Deja Vu FM and the iconic Felt Soundsystem really brought the space to life and I don’t think anything like this had been done in a museum before it felt very original…”.

We came with our A-game, proved our cultural sovereignty, and showed the curators exactly how a real community block party is run. Big up to Bizzy B, Rubén, Josephine, Katherine Green, Nia Archives, and every single pioneer and raver who stepped through to make history with us.

What’s Next? The broadcast doesn’t stop here. If you thought the V&A takeover was loud, wait until you see where the permanent transmission is coming from. This June, the blueprint tightens as we launch our physical archive and studio headquarters: Arch 421 (The Unmuted Archives) in Mile End, E3, The roots are deep, the culture is protected, and the signal is officially reclaimed.

Stay tuned.

@originaldjdlux

There was a time when I used to set up little studios so me and my friends could play our music passionately, it was our voice, direct to the community. Put together with whatever equipment I could find. Now I’m setting up little studios for @V&AEast museum, in the manor! TODAY, come and see the original @dejavufm studio, with the actual equipment used back in the 90’s. #DaRoof As part of #UpYaArchives #Rendezvous #Back2Back takeover. Im very happy to be representing true local heritage and culture #Eastlondon – Free Entry, at V&A Storehouse, Waterden Road & V&A East, Carpenters Road Stratford. MusicIsBlack RealHistory @CreativeEngage @dejavufm

♬ original sound – DJ DLUX
@originaldjdlux

♬ original sound – DJ DLUX
@originaldjdlux

Chopping it up with King Sting! @OriginalDJDlux On the topic of how we evolved from producing Breakbeat #Hardcore & #Jungle before branching out into the #UKGarage Taking @DejavuFm to the world and stumbled into a musical culture that would go onto take the world by storm, before the term #UKGrime was ever used. For many, this was a very common thing within our local area & circles. I have always felt, one of the biggest influences on new forms comes from people with the ability to create their own unique sound, when doors are closed. I recall many youngsters trying to break out, not being allowed into certain scenes.

♬ original sound – DJ DLUX
@originaldjdlux

What an amazing experience, I am so proud to have been able to showcase just some of our history and heritage. Back2Back Takeover of the V&A East Museum. It was so important that the real local community and often forgotten peoples have a mention and get recognition for shaping British culture. Connecting the dots and Creating new memories along the way. People want to hear more about the moments and untold stories. Particularly how our East London manor played a key role. We talking original DejaVufm Studio install, Telepathy Insight with Sting, @BrainRecords Masterclass, and so much more. We have to big up @RendezvousProject @NiaArchives @UpYaArchives and @V&AEast for sending for us and for all the contributors Chris Hansen, Felt Sound System, the list goes on & on…. Shall we do it again? More to come.. Arch421. @CreativeEngage @dejavufm

♬ original sound – DJ DLUX