Nigerian female Disc Jockey (DJ), Fatima Olayinka Kayode, a.k.a. DJ Wealth, in this interview by ADERONKE ADESANYA, speaks about her career and the challenges involved being a female DJ.
What inspired you to become a DJ?
I was staying with an uncle of mine, who had instruments but doesn’t play them, he only rents them out to people in need of them. Seeing the instruments, I got inspired, I felt it was an easy opportunity for me to learn how to be a DJ, I had already finished my West African School Certificate (WAEC) and I was always home. I started going to shows with his boys and I was just mesmerised by their ability to control the crowd and get everyone moving. I knew that I wanted to do that someday. So, after a lot of hard work and dedication, I eventually became a DJ myself. And now, I absolutely love it! There›s nothing better than being able to make people happy through the power of music.
At what age did you develop the passion to become a Dj?
I developed the passion to become a DJ at age 17
How long have you been doing the DJ thing?
It’s been 10 years now since I started my dream profession.
What was the reaction you got from your family and friends when you told them you wanted to be a DJ?
I remember when I told my parents, they were in support, my dad said there were no much female DJs and that I could become a big female DJ and he liked when girls decide to do what men do. My friends just kept saying, I shouldn’t confuse myself and I should stick to the fashion designing I was into, I remember one of my brothers’ girlfriend back then and her words were she can’t imagine a lady been DJ that it was wrong and doesn’t make sense but I knew what I wanted and I went for it.
How did you come about your brand name, DJ Wealth?
My brand name came from my Yoruba name ‘Ola, which means wealth.
What does it feel like to be a female DJ? What challenges have you faced being a female DJ?
It feels really good to be a female DJ and I don’t regret being a DJ, but the challenges involved are mostly with male DJs, they feel they can intimidate me and look down on me as a kid because I have a small stature.
How would you describe your style as a DJ?
As a DJ, I strive to create an atmosphere that is both engaging and enjoyable for my audience. My style is eclectic, combining elements of different genres to create a unique sound that keeps the crowd moving. I’m always looking for new ways to innovate and keep things, fresh while still staying true to the music I love. I’m comfortable playing anything from classic, hip-hop to EDM and everything in between. I also have experience with live mixing and beat matching, which allows me to provide seamless transitions between songs. Ultimately, I want everyone to leave feeling like they had a great time and were part of something special.
People believe only men should be in the line of Disc jockey; In your opinion, is it harder for girl to become famous deejay?
I believe not only men should be in the line, it is a talent and a skill and anyone who has the talent and skill can be a good DJ. It’s not hard to be a female DJ, just that it comes with challenges of people looking down on you but if you’re the type that you don’t care what people say, you know how good you are, then you are good to go.
What do you think is the most important skill for a DJ to have?
I believe the most important skill for a DJ to have is the ability to read and engage with the audience. A great DJ needs to be able to assess what kind of music the crowd wants to hear, and then deliver it in an energetic and creative way. This requires being able to recognise the energy in the room and adjust your set accordingly. It also means having a deep knowledge of different genres of music, so that you can easily switch between styles as needed. Finally, a good DJ should be able to create a unique atmosphere by mixing together different sounds and beats.
How do you stay up to date with the latest music trends?
I am constantly updating my music library. I make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest releases and trends in the music industry, so that I can provide the best experience for my audience and to do this, I regularly check streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music for new music and add it to my library as soon as possible. I also keep an eye out for upcoming artists and songs that are gaining traction. This helps me ensure that my library is always fresh and relevant.
What do you think makes you stand out as a DJ?
My experience and passion for music make me stand out as a DJ. I have been a professional DJ for over 10 years, playing at various clubs and events around the city. During this time, I have developed an extensive knowledge of music genres and trends, allowing me to create unique sets tailored to any audience. I am also passionate about creating an entertaining atmosphere. I strive to make sure everyone in attendance has a great time by engaging with the crowd and reading their energy. My goal is to ensure that everyone leaves feeling satisfied and energised.
Have you ever received a bad review about your performance? How did you react to it?
Yes i have, I really feel bad anytime I receive a bad review and I make sure I have another chance to clear the the bad review performance.
Have you ever done a collaboration with another DJ in order to create unique and memorable sets? How was the experience?
I have worked with a DJ named DJ Snoop to create memorable performances for audiences in Surulere. We would take turns playing songs, adding layers of sound, and creating dynamic transitions between tracks. Working together was really an enjoyable experience as we were able to learn from each other and push the boundaries of what was possible.
When performing, how do you make sure the audience can see you and hear you over the music?
When I’m performing as a DJ, my main priority is to ensure that the audience can both see and hear me over the music. To do this, I use high-quality equipment that allows for maximum visibility and sound clarity. My setup includes LED lighting systems, professional speakers, and wireless microphones with built-in noise cancellation technology. This way, I can make sure that everyone in the crowd can clearly see and hear me no matter where they are standing.
I also like to keep the energy up by engaging with the audience throughout my performance. I’ll often ask them questions or get them involved in some of the songs I’m playing. This helps create an interactive atmosphere and ensures that everyone is having a great time. Finally, I always strive to stay organised and on top of things so that I don’t miss any important cues during my set.
What would you say is the most rewarding part of being a DJ?
There are many great aspects to being a DJ, but for me, the best part is the ability to connect with people through music. Music has always been a huge part of my life and it feels amazing to be able to share that with others, while also seeing them enjoy themselves. It’s also a lot of fun getting to play all different kinds of music and experiment with new genres and styles.
What do you love most about the profession?
There are many things that I love about the job. One of them is being able to control the party and create an amazing atmosphere for everyone. When I see people dancing and having a great time, it feels good that I am able to contribute to that. Additionally, I love the challenge of trying to find new and innovative ways to keep people entertained and engaged. It’s always a fun challenge for me to come up with new ideas and see how they go over with the crowd.
How successful do you think you›ve been so far?
So far so good, I have been successful and I give God almighty the glory for where I am today and wants to be more famous and successful than I am today.
Do you have any upcoming projects you’re working on that you want your fans to know about?
Yes, I do, I have my own show, themed the ‘Wheel of wideness coming up on 15th of July, 2023.
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