Foundation awards scholarships to Nigerian DJs

The Massive Music Foundation, founded in September 2025 by Nigerian DJ, producer, and educator Ayodeji Pius Adetiloye, professionally known as Onlyonemassive, has awarded scholarships to five aspiring DJs. The winners are Arowolo Faruk Ayobami, Bello Abdulbasit Adefimihan, Olawale Rufai, Olije Enah, and Omokolade Adelekan.

The foundation was created to empower young Nigerian talent in music, offering access to training, mentorship, and resources that are often out of reach. It grew out of Onlyonemassive’s personal experience as an aspiring DJ who started with borrowed equipment and limited support. Before launching the scholarship program, the foundation made an impact with initiatives like the #NeverGiveUp DJ Challenge, a nationwide competition that gave emerging DJs exposure, mentorship, and confidence.

The scholarship, valued at ₦1,000,000, will support study at The Vibes DJ Academy in Lagos and will commence in 2026 with the first academic session of the year. The three-month program includes professional DJ training, mentorship, and industry guidance designed to prepare participants for music careers.

The scholarship call was first announced on October 5, 2025, via the foundation’s Instagram page. Applications closed on October 31, and the winners were officially announced on November 12, 2025. The training will take place at The Vibes DJ Academy, one of Nigeria’s leading institutions for DJ and music education, in partnership with the foundation.

Applicants were required to complete an online form and submit a short video introducing themselves. Selection was based on passion, honesty, and potential, rather than prior experience.

This initiative is about more than music; it’s about giving access, said a foundation representative. We want to create opportunities for young people who have the drive but not the resources. The stories of these winners remind us why programs like this matter.

To keep all applicants engaged, the foundation will host a one-day music workshop. The event will include mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, and creative discussions with industry professionals.

We are building a community, not just awarding scholarships, the statement continued. Every applicant showed genuine passion, and we want to nurture that energy.

The Massive Music Foundation Scholarship has already drawn praise within Nigeria’s music and entertainment community for its focus on accessibility and creative empowerment. As the five winners prepare to begin their studies, the foundation reiterated its commitment to investing in the next generation of African DJs and music innovators.

The journey has only just begun, the foundation said, underscoring its vision of using education and mentorship to shape a brighter future for African music talent.