Disc jockeys individuals shaping the music industry and influencing popular culture
Disc jockeys (DJs) make impacts in various ways within the music industry and beyond.
Overall, disc jockeys as individuals play a significant role in shaping the music industry, influencing popular culture, and making a positive impact on their audiences and communities through their music, performances, and various initiatives.
Here are two Nigerian DJs as individuals making impacts:
- DJ Jimmy Jatt
DJ Jimmy Jatt, whose real name is Oluwaforijimi Adewale Amu, is a renowned Nigerian disc jockey, music producer, and entrepreneur. Born on October 15, 1966, in Lagos, Nigeria, Jimmy Jatt has become a pioneer in the Nigerian music industry and a highly respected figure in the African entertainment scene. With a career spanning several decades, DJ Jimmy Jatt has played a significant role in shaping the contemporary Nigerian music landscape and promoting African music globally.
Growing up in Lagos, DJ Jimmy Jatt developed a passion for music at a young age. His love for disc jockeying began in the late 1980s when he started experimenting with turntables and mixing equipment. Jimmy Jatt’s talent and dedication soon caught the attention of music enthusiasts and industry professionals, leading to his breakthrough as one of the first prominent DJs in Nigeria.
One of DJ Jimmy Jatt’s most notable achievements is his role in popularizing hip hop and urban music in Nigeria. In a time when Nigerian music was predominantly influenced by highlife and afrobeat, Jimmy Jatt introduced a new sound that blended local and international genres, creating a unique fusion that resonated with audiences across the country. His distinctive style of mixing and scratching quickly gained popularity, earning him a reputation as a trailblazer in the Nigerian music scene.
Throughout his career, DJ Jimmy Jatt has collaborated with numerous artists, producers, and record labels, contributing to the success of many Nigerian musicians. He is known for his versatility in playing different music genres, from hip hop and R&B to afrobeat and dancehall. His ability to read the crowd and keep the energy high during his performances has made him a sought-after DJ for events, concerts, and parties both in Nigeria and internationally.
In addition to his work as a DJ, Jimmy Jatt is also a successful music producer and entrepreneur. He has released several albums and singles, featuring collaborations with top Nigerian and African artists. His production skills have been instrumental in shaping the sound of contemporary Nigerian music, influencing a new generation of musicians and producers.
Beyond his music career, DJ Jimmy Jatt is also known for his philanthropic efforts and advocacy for social causes. He has been involved in various initiatives aimed at empowering young people through music education, entrepreneurship, and mentorship programs. Jimmy Jatt’s commitment to giving back to his community and supporting emerging talent has earned him respect and admiration from fans and industry peers alike.
As a pioneer in the Nigerian entertainment industry, DJ Jimmy Jatt has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to music and culture. He has been recognized for his innovation, creativity, and dedication to promoting African music on the global stage. His influence extends beyond the borders of Nigeria, inspiring a new generation of DJs and artists to push boundaries and explore new creative horizons.
- DJ Virall
James Nwankwo (also known as DJ Virall) is a successful Disc Jockey and powerful brand to reckon with when it comes to music and entertainment in Nigeria, West Africa. The professional Disc Jockey spins different genres of music from Hip Hop, RNB, House, Funky House Music, Dancehall, and Afro Beats etc. His ability to trill and entertain different types of audiences across the globe makes Him stand out.
DJ Virall, who hails from Anambra State in Nigeria, was born in kaduna and bred in Oyo State, where he got exposed to music in his late 20’s. James Chike Nwankwo popularly known as DJ Virall, started entertaining friends and neighbours at the age of 12. DJ Virall developed interest in becoming a Disc Jockey while He was in school and after meeting several legendary in Ibadan, he became a Disc Jockey and started living his dreams, spinning at school parties, fast food eateries, nightclubs, and house parties.
As part of plans to expand the brand and put a face to the name, Dj Virall released series of promotional Mix tapes online for free downloads. He then went ahead to start production on his own DJ Album and later released the audio. He is considered to be one of the best and successful DJs in Africa. DJ Virall hails from the small town of Orumba North in Anambra but was born on 24 June, 1989 under the name James Chike Nwankwo.
James has also proven to be talented behind the deck as well as in other areas. He went to Command day Secondary School in Ibadan and later enrolled in the University of Ibadan in Oyo State to study Communication and Language Arts/English Language.He has a Master’s degree (cum laude) in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication from HSE University (2022).
By 2015, he had already established himself playing for various brands and clubs. Since then, he has climbed the ladder to become one of the top DJs in Nigeria. In 2018, he was named Top male DJ in Africa by NBTlive.
Another of his big breaks came when he headlined a fashion show with his group C4 at the University of Ibadan. At this event, he met Spyro backstage which led to some collaboration together.
He has also worked alongside Nigerian, African, and Russian music legends. DJ Virall is a qualified PhD holder, but his interest in becoming a DJ was sparked by his penchant for music. DJ Virall always had a love for mixing vinyl. Despite switching careers, James secured his first gig in 2013 and launched his career in 2015 as the resident DJ , which propelled him into the public eye. Since being discovered, he has drawn the attention of some of the most prestigious DJs and producers. He has also worked with renowned musicians and released numerous singles.
James also has some notable article publications in high impact journals like: Sage’s Bulletin of Science and Technology (Analysis of Impact of Industry 4.0 on Africa, Eastern Europe and US: A Case Study of Cyber-Security and Sociopolitical Dynamics of Nigeria, Russia and USA).
He is well-known in the Nigerian music scene thanks to his more than ten years of experience in the entertainment business, and he has subsequently been nominated for numerous award like the Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
