Being a female DJ comes with intense pressure —Cynthia MVP

Disc jockey, Cynthia Omolaja, popularly known as Cynthia DJ MVP is arguably the number one female Afrobeats DJ and perhaps the biggest multi-genre djs in the UK. Cynthia who is also a recording artiste and data analyst in this interview by SEGUN ADEBAYO, speaks on her career, life and plans to remain relevant.

Looking at your life and what you have accomplished over the years as a female DJ, did it ever occur to you that you could go this far?

The honest truth is that I never planned to be a DJ. I was never an outgoing person and the only life I knew were church and studies. So when I ‘fell into djing’ as I like to call it, I was just curious to learn what it was about.

Looking at how it all started, what triggered the idea of being a disc jockey?

I never planned to be a DJ; I just knew how to do it. It is such a funny story. While I was in my second year at the University of Hertfordshire, a friend of mine used to baffle at the range of music I listened to and said I should’ve been a DJ. One day he borrowed my laptop to DJ at a house party. When he returned it, I discovered he forgot to delete the virtual DJ software he installed. It was late at night and I couldn’t sleep, so I started playing around with it and I recorded something. I called him over to listen to and he was shocked. He asked me if I checked Youtube I said no, I just played around with it. He started laughing and the next thing, he was on the phone and called Dj Jamjam round who was also shocked and asked me the same questions wanting me to show them how I did it. Long story short, Dj Jamjam called over Dj Sose, who immediately, said “we are going to teach you on decks. You will be a DJ,” and that was the beginning of my training.

What does it mean to you doing this outside your country where it could be difficult making your voice heard?

I believe God put me on this path and I had a duty to pull it through. I’ve been playing afro-beats for nearly a decade and was part of the afrobeats movement in the university. When I started, people were more interested in bashment, funky house and r&b so to be part of the afro-beats movement and see where it is now is amazing to me.

You are the Vice President of the Nigerians. DJ association in the UK, that appears like a tall one for you. How did you pull that through?

I was introduced to the association years ago by Dj Abass and I have been a member since then. I was encouraged by my friend/mc (Tee Ali) to run for the position, as he felt I could bring something new to the team. Though I was a bit scared, I put my name forward for the election and was shocked when most people in the association voted for me. It was such an overwhelming feeling to know my hard work over the years was recognised.

How long have you lived in the UK and how long have you been a DJ?

I have lived in the UK for about 16 years now and a DJ for nine years. Apart from being a DJ, many people don’t know that I am a data analyst with multiple Microsoft SQL certifications. So I have learnt to find a right balance between, djing, my professional life and personal life.

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How does it feel being one of the most sought after multi-genre female DJs in the UK; does this come with some added pressure?

When I decided to fully pursue this, I had my heart set on being the best and proving myself. However, being a female in any field is challenging but being a female dj is a whole other ball game. The pressure was and is intense and for every stage you climb, there’s a new battle. I have had to fight for everything I’ve accomplished and there is constant pressure to prove yourself, your ability and your talent. When I first started playing out and getting constant booking, I used to deal with constant battles. In a male-dominated industry, everything about you will be tested. Your patience, your morals and your emotions will be tested. At some point, I even used to get constant insults on Facebook about being a female ‘jumping from club to club.’ I used to cry my eyes out and my parents even banned me at some point as they are ministers and I shouldn’t be in clubs.

You have worked closely with some of Nigeria’s top music stars, how do you rate their performances compared to their colleagues in the UK?

Whichever way we look at it, when it comes to afro music, the best artistes are meant to come from Africa because it’s the continent driving the movement and the conversation at the moment. However, artistes of African descent in the Diaspora do have the opportunity to make this sound a global phenomenon. This is because the artistes (particularly the ones I’ve worked closely with in the UK) have strong followings, especially on social media and a decent proportion of their followers are of non-African background. When you look at the impact someone like Mr Eazi has had with a lot of his music being played on a lot of mainstream radio, TV stations and retail outlets, it is almost surreal to think that just seven years ago, no one really wanted our music on air in the UK and it was almost an underground scene to an extent. Now the visibility of this genre is such that it is now on billboards, bus adverts and major influential online blogs.

But we learnt that Nigerian songs are only loved by Nigerians in the UK and not among the white community over there, what’s your reaction to this?

This is absolutely incorrect. A lot of artistes use social media trends and competitions to promote their tracks and if you check it, you can see that there are varieties of races participating. Clearly afro beat has broken all barriers of age, race or language.

Tell us about your 5-city tour of Europe of 2016, how was it like?

In 2016, I succeeded in completing my 5-city Europe tour (Paris, Germany, Dublin, Italy and Vienna) playing for crowds of over 500-1000 people, which got me award nominations and a Bronze award from NEA UK. In 2017, I was awarded and added to the BEFFTA awards top 1000 in entertainment list.

What are your plans to bring your trade back to Nigeria?

Nigeria is a place really close to my heart as that is home. I haven’t really put specific plans in place yet as the right opportunities have not presented themselves. I hope that this may well be the year that industry stakeholders in Africa and Nigeria reach out to work with me as I hope to bring my talent to the continent and country I grew up in.

Of all the years you have spent in the UK doing what you love most, which would you regard as the happiest and biggest moment of your life?

Two moments come to mind. First was when I met 2face. I am literally his biggest fan since the days of Plantashun Boiz so when I was introduced to him I fanned out. Then being able to be the opening dj on his Europe tour was mind-blowing. All his words of encouragement and support were amazing. My second moment was when I performed in Germany for my Europe tour and saw huge posters on myself on bridges, billboards and banners. I was honestly amazed.

As a young woman who has done so well for herself, will you consider marrying a white guy?

When it comes to dating or matters of the heart, I don’t think things like race or skin colour should be a hindrance. I personally think those are petty things. Happiness is all that matters, as long as I have a partner who ticks all my boxes, supports me and is my friend. I don’t care about anything else.

What do you look out for in a guy before saying yes?

My ideal guy has to be understanding, and their must mutual respect between us. He has to be my friend first before anything else. I’m very big on honesty. Don’t tell me what you think, I need to hear the truth and I’ll decide my actions. I’m very attracted to straight forward/blunt guys. I like a guy that can make me feel secure emotionally, God-fearing and can make me laugh. Laughter is a big thing for me. Also, if he can cook, that’s it. I’m sold.