At first, becoming a DJ sounds like an easy way to make a lot of cool cash.
One might think that entertaining people with music couldn’t be a hard job, but the truth is that it’s a lot harder than most people think.
The business of Disc Jockeying in Nigeria is not for the weak “Ma lo wa o“.
Nigeria has the highest number of successful artistes in the whole of Africa, and these artistes have their own unique fanbase.
As a result, you could easily get overwhelmed with too many songs to choose from.
As a DJ, it becomes a serious responsibility to know how and when to transition from one song to another in a way that takes the whole crowd on a musical journey.
You have to be very skillful and versatile because you would be entertaining a crowd made up of different people with different music tastes.
As a DJ, you have to keep buying and upgrading both hardware and software tools such as Macbook, Turntable, Mixers, Headphones, etc.
All these tools can cost a lot of money and if your pocket is not strong enough, you might soon go out of business.
In Nigeria, you have to hustle for all the money to purchase most of these tools outrightly, because there is usually no credit system or installment payment plans in place.
To make matters worse, there is no funding or financial support for such a profession by the current government.
As a young and experienced DJ who has worked in different capacities throughout my career, I feel the need to offer my piece of advice to aspiring DJs.
Here Are Some Advice For Upcoming DJs Who Want To Stay On Top Of Their Game;
1. Get Some Work Experience
Want to be a DJ? Then get out there!
Nobody has ever learnt anything while lazying around in their house.
If you are just starting your career as a DJ, beg people to perform at their event for free if possible.
Most of the successful DJs I know started humbly.
2. Get A Mentor
Whether it is DJ OPDot or DJ Neptune, just choose a role model and look up to them every day.
If given the opportunity, try to get closer to them and seek advice from them on a more personal level.
This will help you a great deal.
3. Ignore Your Age
Let me tell you a secret. You are never too young or too old to achieve whatever you want to achieve in life.
Never let anybody make you feel small. In this music industry, you are going to face a lot of bullying, but I urge you to keep pushing hard.
Be respectful, but never be intimidated.
4. Polish Your Music Taste
Good DJs are not born, they’re made.
Behind every great Nigerian DJ is a load of Naira Marley’s jams, Adekunle Gold’s Afro-pop, mixed with Tiwa Savage’s country-style music.
A DJ is like a referee in a football match, you can’t be biased.
Don’t let your emotions stop you from giving the audience what they want.
5. Take Time To Relax
Take it easy. Stay hardworking, but take it one step at a time.
All work no play makes Jack a dull boy. So you should always remember to spend time with your guys and flex with your babes.
After all, they are your biggest hypemen and promoters.
The End!!
I believe that with all the points I have highlighted above, you would have gotten enough insight into why being a DJ in Nigeria is not as easy as it seems.
If you an upcoming DJ, you now know the things you can do to make sure you are always on top of your game.
Just keep pushing.
Do You Agree With These Points?
What Other Things Do You Think Can Help Upcoming DJs Stay On Top Of Their Game?
Written By DJ OPDot
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