FAMOUS Nigerian music DJ, Ayorinde Samson Owode, popularly known as DJ Awaino, has opened up about his journey as both a premium DJ and a top-tier information security consultant.
In an exclusive chat, he shared the highs and challenges of navigating two vastly different career paths—music and cybersecurity—while making a name for himself in both industries.
Born in Odo-Senlu, Ijebu, Ogun State, and now based in Montreal, Canada, DJ Awaino is not just a celebrated music maestro but also an information security expert working at global financial powerhouse Morgan Stanley. His ability to seamlessly blend these two careers is a feat he credits to passion, discipline, and an unrelenting drive for excellence.
“My journey started back in my university days at UNAAB, where I was the official DJ from 2007 to 2011,” he recalls. “I won the Disc Jockey of the Year award at the SUG Awards in 2010, and that moment solidified my love for music. But at the same time, I was deeply interested in statistics and technology, which later led me into cybersecurity.”
Despite the creative allure of DJing, DJ Awaino always had an analytical mind. His academic background in Statistics, coupled with professional certifications like PMP, CISA, CISM, and Certified in Cybersecurity (ISC2), paved the way for his thriving career in information security. “People often assume music and cybersecurity are unrelated, but in reality, both require precision, creativity, and problem-solving skills,” he explains.
After his time as a lead data analyst for IRD Global and the Grant Management Unit of the Lagos State Ministry of Health TB Program from 2019 to 2022, he transitioned fully into cybersecurity. In 2023, he landed a consulting role at Morgan Stanley, a position that demands high-level expertise in protecting financial data and mitigating cyber threats.
At the same time, his love for music never faded. From being a resident DJ at Conference Lounge in Lagos (2015–2018) to co-pioneering Canada’s Afro-Fusion Silent Disco Party, he has continued to push the boundaries of entertainment. “Music is my therapy. After hours of cybersecurity work, spinning records helps me unwind,” he says.
Balancing both careers has not been easy, but DJ Awaino has found a rhythm that works. “I schedule my DJ gigs around my cybersecurity work. During the day, I am immersed in security operations, and at night or on weekends, I perform at events. It’s about time management and setting priorities,” he notes.
He also emphasizes that both careers demand continuous learning. “In cybersecurity, you must stay ahead of cybercriminals, and in DJing, you must keep up with evolving music trends. In both cases, stagnation means irrelevance,” he says. This commitment to growth led him to enroll in a Master’s in Cybersecurity at EC-Council University, set to be completed in 2026.
Beyond personal achievements, DJ Awaino is passionate about knowledge-sharing. As an instructor at G3 Consult Cybersecurity Bootcamp, he mentors aspiring cybersecurity professionals, helping them navigate the complexities of the industry. “I want to inspire others to know they don’t have to choose between their passions. If you’re disciplined and committed, you can excel in multiple fields,” he advises.
Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges the challenges of managing two demanding careers but remains determined to keep pushing boundaries. “There were times I considered dropping one for the other, but both bring me joy in different ways. I’ve learned to merge them into a lifestyle rather than see them as separate jobs,” he shares.
For upcoming DJs and cybersecurity enthusiasts, his message is clear: “Don’t limit yourself. Find what excites you and pursue it relentlessly. The world is big enough for multi-talented individuals to thrive.”
With his unwavering dedication to both cybersecurity and music, DJ Awaino continues to redefine what it means to be a multifaceted professional. Whether behind a DJ console or securing digital assets, one thing is certain—his influence in both industries is undeniable.
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