From a spontaneous dance session in his Abuja living room to lighting up stages alongside Major Lazer, Calix has carved a unique path in the electronic music scene. With roots in high school experimentation and a deep love for global dance sounds, Calix is now at the heart of Nigeria’s growing rave movement—helping shape a new era of sound through Nocturne Music and beyond.
How did you begin your journey as a DJ, more so, in Electronic Music?
My journey as a DJ kicked off right after high school, but the real spark hit years later in Abuja when I randomly tuned into the radio and a Major Lazer song blasted through! I danced around my living room, completely hooked on the vibes. Since then, I’ve been all in on the electronic music scene, turning that radio moment into a full-on DJ adventure!”
How would you describe your experience as an electronic music DJ in Nigeria?
It’s like a rollercoaster ride with all the ups and downs! There were days it was hard to get shows. And now, here we are, having raves practically every weekend!
I mean, talk about a glow-up! These are the days we’ve put in the hard work for, and I’m here for all the twists and turns. Buckle up, because it can only get better from here!”
Let’s talk about Nocturne Music and how it has been instrumental since its inception.
It was a collective idea that Jamie Black, Dean, and I decided to start. Not your average music collective—we were out here trying to shake up Nigeria’s dance scene before it was even ready for us. Fast forward to 2020, and we dropped Sounds of Nocturne Vol. 1—one of the first-ever dance music collab projects in the country.
We’re talking a full squad of electronic alchemists: Jamie Black, Neutron Inv., Tropical Kenny, Borngreat, Deadwvlf, Apartment VII, Rhoseus, Telesy, Maze x Mxtreme, and Noyze Jynx, who now goes by Kevin LNDN, because you know, evolution.
Fast forward to 2025, tracks like Lagos by Jamie Black & Sigag Lauren, Igoke by Kevin Lndn & Blak Dave, Shhhh(Addidude) by Smeez & D3an, Suya by Myself, Jamie Black & The Hause, and many more have rocked the dancefloors and made an impact in the dance music community, locally and globally. Nocturne wasn’t just a moment; it was the spark.
How many DJs and Producers have been members of the communities?
The last time we spoke in 2022, we had 10+ acts, but now over 35 acts have come through Nocturne! Legends like Tobi Peter, Faem, Beyo Jr, Sigag Lauren, Weird Dreamz, Fkyo, Dyslex Weird Tyler—and a whole bunch more. It’s like a dance music summer camp.
Nocturne released the first Nigerian EDM compilation album in 2020. Any chance of another project from Nocturne soon?
Yes, let’s make it official—exclusive scoop! October 9th marks five years since Nocturne Music’s very first project dropped. To celebrate the big 5, the collective is gearing up to release “Sounds of Nocturne Vol. 2”, a special 5th anniversary edition. And what better way to honor that than with a fresh compilation from the squad that started it all?
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
If there’s one moment that sits at the top of the highlight reel, it’s opening up for Major Lazer. Nothing’s topped that, come on —Major Lazer! They’re literally the reason I started making dance music in the first place. It was like meeting your heroes.
What are your thoughts on the rise of Rave culture and Electronic Music in Lagos in recent years?
I’m actually so hyped seeing how far the Lagos scene has come. There was a time when international DJs wouldn’t even glance our way—now they’re flying in monthly just to play our raves, I mean, we just had Rampa this year.
Big love to Spektrum (Element House) for putting in over a decade of work. Because of that, we now have other parties like Group Therapy, Even In The Day, Activity Fest, Lagos Underground, Monochroma, Mainland House, Sweat It Out, Eko Electro, Rooftop House, Raveolution, Zodiac Party, House Arrest, Ile Ijo, Sunday Service, and many more are bringing global talents to Lagos. And the best part? Nigerian DJs are killing it right alongside them. The scene’s not just thriving—it’s unstoppable.
You have worked with Jamie Black, Sigag Lauren, and some other Nigerian Electronic Music DJs, who would you say has been your favourite so far?
Haha, no lie—looking back, I’ve genuinely enjoyed working with every single person. It’s rare to say that without a side-eye, but it’s true. It’s been nothing but love, lessons, and real connections.
You formed a group with Jamie Black and Sigag Lauren. Tell us about it.
So, here’s the tea: Naija House Mafia used to be The Boyź—yep, we went through a little rebrand. The project’s all about taking classic Nigerian hits and flipping them into tech house tracks, and let me tell you… the response? Absolutely crazy. Tracks like Shake Bodi, we flipped the Trybesmen’s Shake Bodi track from 1999.
What was the experience remaking Weird MC’s Ijoya?
It was a total vibe—a fun and memorable experience that I won’t forget anytime soon. And a huge shout-out to the absolute legend, Weird MC, for clearing the sample. Big respect for making it happen and letting us bring those classics back to life!
Which artists or DJs would you love to work with locally, in Africa, and globally?
That’s a solid question, and honestly, I’d have to say: Sarz, Kah-lo, Jay Music, Vigro Deep, and of course, Major Lazer—for sure.
Do you have any special collaborations coming up for 2025?
Yes, I do have collabs with SGawd, 3try, and a few others… but I’m not about to give too much away just yet, haha. Let’s just say, things are cooking—and trust, the best is yet to come. And as for Naija House Mafia? Oh, there’s definitely more music coming… but you’ll just have to wait and see.
As Calix gears up for new collaborations and the much-anticipated Sounds of Nocturne Vol. 2, one thing is clear—this DJ’s journey is far from over. With passion, community, and a deep respect for the classics, he’s not just riding the wave of electronic music in Nigeria—he’s helping lead it.
