Are you ready to discover the next rising star in the music world? Look no further than our exclusive SHEDJ of the Week Weekly Feature! Each week, we handpick an incredible talent from the world of underground and independent music and showcase their exceptional skills, unique style, and captivating sounds.
What can you expect from SHEDJ of the Week? Prepare to be blown away by the electrifying beats, soul-stirring melodies, and boundary-pushing creativity that these emerging SHEDJs bring to the table.
Whether you're a dedicated music enthusiast, an aspiring artist, or simply someone who loves uncovering fresh, innovative sounds, our weekly feature promises to deliver a captivating audio experience like no other. Join us in celebrating diversity, originality, and the raw passion that fuels the underground music scene. Ready to embark on a sonic adventure unlike any other?
SHEDJS: What initially sparked your passion for DJing, and how did you get started in the music scene?
In the words of Omawunmi ‘Music heals your body, heals your spirit, and makes you whole, so get in the music’. In my happy or sad moments, music has always been my safe space. Ironically, I can’t sing to save my life, but I do love listening to music, and I’m a fire dancer. It pains me when I attend events and witness DJs with poor transitions that kill the vibe. I often thought to myself that I could do a better job. However, with my busy schedule from my main job, I just never had the time to explore that thought deeper. But in 2022, I changed roles and had a bit of breather on my schedule, and seized the opportunity to enrol in a DJ school that was a few minutes’ walk from my home, and I fell in love with the craft. Graduating from the beginner to professional courses within three months, I made the bold decision to move from the practice studio to the dance floor. I reached out to club managers on Instagram, offering my services initially for free. Through perseverance and learning from my initial failures, I gained confidence and landed my first two gigs in December 2022. The journey was not without its challenges, but with each practice and performance, I grew and improved. Creating a viral launch video from my third gig propelled me into a career that has exceeded my wildest dreams. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of performing at over 50 events, including weddings, festivals, carnivals, corporate events, private parties and every Saturday night, I am honoured to DJ at one of Manchester's most popular afrobeats clubs - Roots.
SHEDJS: Can you share a memorable experience from one of your performances or events that stands out in your mind?
My very first wedding gig stands out to me the most. Whilst I was nervous that it was a first time for me, It was just very beautiful being able to bring good mixes to people’s special day and ensuring the guests were having an amazing time. Music really is a game changer at events! I received a lot of compliments and request for my business card that made me realize I did a great job, and boosted my confidence to take on more wedding gigs.
SHEDJS: How do you approach creating a setlist or choosing tracks for a particular event or venue?
I try to take the time to get to know the client, their taste, and their requirements for the event. If it’s a venue, then I visit before my gig to feel it out and better understand what the crowd likes.
Then I ensure I have the right music, playlist, even test it out or do some practice prior to the event. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure whoever hired me and their guests are 100% satisfied with my service. But most importantly when I get on the wheels, I appropriately read the room, and let the reactions of the crowd navigate the experience.
SHEDJS: Are there specific genres or artists that have had a significant influence on your style?
Absolutely, as a Nigerian, I’m a big AFROBEATs fan. Afrobeats and Amapiano genre all day every day hahaha. That is the reason I’m a resident DJ in an Afrobeats club. However, I still ensure to infuse Hip-Hop, RnB, Bashment etc, but the core of most of my mixes remains Afrobeats.
SHEDJS: In a constantly evolving industry, how do you stay updated on new music trends and technologies?
As a new DJ, I’m honestly still struggling with this, but what I do is to listen to radio a lot, checking out trending music on social media, listen to other DJ mixes on Youtube, look for recently added songs on Spotify, and even going out to events and just ‘Shazaming’ without shame any new music I hear and I love.
SHEDJS: Do you have any advice for aspiring DJs looking to break into the scene or enhance their skills?
My advice is to DO IT AFRAID, DO IT NOW. You may have doubts, fears, concerns, but truth is that you never know until you try, so just do it.
I know people that have learnt on their own, but I also advice that you learn from a professional or an expert, so you learn the right way, and practice, practice, practice some more.
SHEDJS: What's next for you in terms of projects, collaborations, or upcoming gigs?
I have my biggest gig coming up in May, it’s a global corporate event for some Amazon Executives, and I’m absolutely looking forward to it. I know I’ll have to deviate from my standard Afrobeats to cater to the global audience, so it’s going to be a tough one, but I’ll also ensure to make it a fun one.
However, beyond that, I just moved from UK to South Africa, the home of Amapianooooo, and I know it might be complicated starting afresh and having to build credibility in the South African market, but I look forward to the challenge of breaking into the industry, and also winning here.