Hey listeners! We’re so happy you’re here. We’re about to share a story brought to you by Rebel Girls and Hatch, makers of empowered rest. Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls is a fairy tale inspired podcast about real women who changed the world.

So, here’s a question: Have you ever heard a song that made you jump up and dance? Or maybe one that made you smile from ear to ear?

Well, now we’re going to hear about an amazing rebel named DJ Switch who is bringing joy all over the world using new beats, rhythms and melodies! As you’re getting into that back to school groove, let DJ Switch help you find your theme song and your joy.

Before we start let’s take a deep breath in through the nose (inhale) and release (aaah).

Now open your ears, hear the music all around us, and let the story begin!
Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Erica who loved a good beat. She started with a [INSERT BEAT] and maybe added a [ANOTHER RHYTHM]. Sometimes she switched from fast to slow, or found scraps of different melodies to weave together.

Erica grew up in Ghana, which is a country on the west coast of Africa. At school, she learned how to play the drums very fast with her hands. [SFX] She also studied piano and trumpet. She felt like whenever she heard or played music, she couldn’t help but smile. And the more she shared her favorite rhythms and songs with other people, the more they smiled too!When Erica was nine years old, her parents got her lessons with a DJ. A DJ is someone who plays recorded music for other people and switches between different recordings to make a whole new sound.

Erica learned how to use turntables and mix songs. She got really good at it too! She decided she wanted to be called DJ Switch.
As she says, “I picked the name DJ Switch because when I was a kid I was switching up the mood of people. When you’re sad, I’ll make you happy!”
Soon, DJ Switch got to compete on a TV talent show. She felt brave and full of energy — so excited to be up on stage spinning records. She also danced, rapped, and sang! And, of course, smiled her brightest smile, which made the whole crowd cheer.

DJ Switch won that talent show. And the following year, she became the youngest person to ever win Ghana Africa’s biggest DJ competition! She started traveling the world, DJ’ing with lots of fantastic musicians, and meeting some of her biggest heroes. One time, she showed up for a show in a pink-feathered jacket and rode in on a horse! It was a dream come true!
As DJ Switch has gotten older, she’s made more music of her own — and some with her mom! She’s already released three songs and her music videos are full of beaches, bright colors, dancing and laughter.Music isn’t the only way she dreams big, though. One day, she hopes to help deliver babies in her community. DJ Switch, future DJ doctor, especially hopes to help women in Africa.

“Let’s say in the future you come to my hospital and you want to deliver,” she says. “I’ll just be playing some music and you’ll see your baby dancing while it’s coming!”

Whatever DJ Switch does next, we know it will be filled with music [SFX]
rhythm [SFX]
And [SFX – DJ squiggle/scratch] ] joy.

Hey again listeners!
What did you think of DJ Switch’s story? Pretty amazing, right?

If you became a DJ, what would your stage name be?
And how do you think music changes the way you feel?

Thank you so much for listening and exploring with us. Until next time, Hatch big dreams and staaaaaay rebel!