Being a DJ is no easy feat. DJs are expected to be the life of the party. These Sound Chefs, as I like to call them, dictate the mood of the room with whatever mix of flavor they serve through sound. It can be a dull, chill, or happy vibe — whatever the mood, the DJ is responsible.
Over the years, DJing has evolved significantly in the Nigerian music scene. Gone are the days when DJs were simply the ones with a deck and mixer, spinning tunes at kids’ birthday parties. They’ve grown beyond that — becoming household names and even gaining global recognition.
Not like anyone’s asking for my opinion, but I genuinely believe this has a lot to do with Afrobeats going mainstream. The sound, the culture — it all pushed Nigerian DJs onto bigger stages.
That being said, let’s take a look at Ten DJs who have taken the craft to a whole new level.
10. DJ Switch
DJ Switch is a Nigerian disc jockey who emerged as the winner of the first edition of The Glo X Factor in 2013 at the age of 29.
09. DJ Enimoney
Enimoney is the official disc jockey of YBNL Nation and younger brother of Nigerian rapper, Olamide.
08. DJ BigN
Nonso Temisan Ajufo, professionally known as DJ Big N, is a Nigerian DJ and the official disc jockey for Mavin Records.
07. DJ Kaywise
Nigerian disc jockey and record producer. Kaywise broke into the mixtape market in Alaba in the year 2010.
06. DJ Lambo
DJ Lambo is a Nigerian disc jockey, signed to Loopy Music in 2013 before its merger with Chocolate City in 2015.
05. DJ Cuppy
DJ Cuppy or simply Cuppy, is a Nigerian disc jockey, musician and producer. She is the daughter of Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola.
04. DJ Spinall
Oluseye Desmond Sodamola, professionally known as Spinall, is a Nigerian disc jockey, record producer, and songwriter. He has released six studio albums and collaborated with artists that have included Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Asake, among others.
03. DJ Neptune
Imohiosen Patrick, professionally known as DJ Neptune, is a Nigerian Disc Jockey and Record Producer. He is from a family of four which includes his three elder sisters and him.
02. DJ Xclusive
DJ Xclusive is a British – Nigerian Disc Jockey. During the course of his career, he has performed with acts like Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Mario Winans, Brick and Lace, Nas and Fat Joe.
01. DJ Jimmy Jatt
Often hailed as the godfather of Nigerian DJs, DJ Jimmy Jatt, born Oluwaforijimi Amu, has been a pivotal figure since the early 1990s.
Do you agree with these picks? Let me know in the comments who you think deserves the number one spot!
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