COLUMBUS, Ohio — Derek Amaya, also known as DJ Cale, is a staple in the community known for his cross-cultural contributions to music and nightlife.

“I felt like I wanted to have what everybody else had for my people, for my community,” said DJ Cale, Derek Amaya.

His love of music started when he was a young boy using his uncle’s DJ equipment and never stopped. He brought his passion from New York and Miami to Columbus, Ohio because he saw the lack of Latino culture in entertainment and nightlife. 

“So I seen the vibe in Columbus, in downtown. And I said, we need that Latin flavor, you know, like, we need to bring that because I've started noticing there was a lot of Latinos here. But I do remember there was like an icy in there, but I felt like it needed a little bit of spiciness, like a little bit more flavor to it,” said Amaya. 

Because of his work within the Latino community in Columbus, Amaya has won several awards including “most influential man” from the mahogany awards. Kay Wilson from Mahogany Magazine says Amaya continues to be recognized for his work because….

“We hear consistent theme of excellence. And so that I think is really what stands out continually about Derek and his brand and what he brings to the community and also the variety of communities that he actually works and serves,” said Editor and Chief for Mahogany Magazine, Kay Wilson. 

Amaya has a club called Cave and is opening a member’s only bar called Bodi. A lover of music and community, Amaya’s leaving his legacy for the next Latino DJ to follow. 

“You know, they see me as an example. Like, if he can do it, I can, too. And yes, they can for sure,” said Amaya.