In recent times, disc jockeying (DJ) has become a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industries. DJs are no longer relegated to the background, creating tunes and mixing songs at parties or in radio stations. They now share the spotlight with top musicians, receiving credit for their work, earning more money, signing endorsement deals and gaining international recognition.
The last few years have seen a good number of Nigerian DJs featuring award-winning musicians in their songs or music videos. The names listed below have become a household name as a result. Here are the top 5 music DJs in Nigeria:
DJ Jimmy Jatt
DJ Jimmy Jatt whose birth name is Oluwaforijimi Adewale Amu is often regarded as the father of Disc Jockeying in Nigeria. He is credited for making disc jockeying prominent in Nigeria, winning the award for the best and biggest Nigerian DJ. He decided to venture into the DJ world when he was unable to secure a recording contract. At 50 years of age now, he seems to have retired from mixing tapes. However, he still remains one of the most influential DJs in Nigeria.
DJ Xclusive
Rotimi Alakija, best known as DJ Xclusive is one of the most popular DJs in Nigeria. Born to Nigerian parents in the United Kingdom, DJ Xclusive kick-started his DJ career years after his parents moved back to Nigeria. Wondering why his surname rings a bell? It may interest you to know that he is the nephew to one of the wealthiest women in Africa, Folorunsho Alakija. DJ Xclusive is the resident DJ at Cool FM 96.9.
DJ Spinall
The one and only DJ you can easily spot in a crowd of DJs for not only his signature fila (Yoruba traditional cap) but for also his unique ability to mix various genres of music into one playlist—he ‘spins all.’ DJ Spinall broke the record as the first Nigerian DJ to receive an endorsement from a brand and also the first African DJ to tour in the US. His real name is Sodamola Oluseye Desmond.
DJ Neptune
DJ Neptune is another famous and respected DJ in Nigeria—deservedly so. Born Imohiosen Patrick to Edo parents, DJ Neptune began his professional DJ career in 2001 before moving on to become the in-house DJ for Ray Power 100.5FM. Currently, he runs an online radio referred to as Neptunes FM.
DJ Cuppy
Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola popularly known as DJ Cuppy is not only recognized for her skilled mixing fingers but also for being the daughter of a wealthy business tycoon, Femi Otedola. She crafted a niche for herself that goes by the name neo-afrobeats and has a master’s degree in Music Business from New York University.
