After only being a DJ for 12 months, Helena Ellis of Blakehurst has had a major career dream come true: performing with hip hop and RnB royalty, Nelly.
As part of Nelly’s recent sold-out tour in Australia and New Zealand, Ellis performed as the curtain-raiser on January 8 at Sydney Entertainment Centre.
Ellis, a popular DJ in the Sydney bar and nightclub scene, joined other DJs and international performers Lupe Fiasco and B.O.B in the star-studded line-up.
After finishing her set, Ellis joined fellow Nelly fans in the crowd to enjoy the rest of the main performance but little did she know that her stage time was not yet over.
Mid-way through his performance, Nelly plucked three lucky ladies from the crowd to strut their stuff on stage with him — and in an interesting twist of fate, it was Ellis who caught the eye of the international rapper.
‘‘Because I was one of the DJs, everyone thought it was rigged when I was chosen but I had not introduced myself to Nelly yet, so it was a complete coincidence,’’ Ellis said.
As a former dancer and singer in the girl pop group Cherry, Ellis was more than at ease on stage, with her dance moves even grabbing a few mentions among online concert reviews.
Ellis said the experience was the biggest highlight so far of her DJ career.
‘‘This is the start of many big things for Helena,’’ said Ellis’s manager Elle Watson.
Nelly returns this Sunday for his final Sydney show at Marquee, Star Casino Sydney and Ellis will be deejaying as he hosts.
