The name DJ is an acronym for disc jockey, which in simpler terms means being able to control or ride a disc. Being a DJ in Nigeria is considered an important and valuable job because to Nigerians a party or occasion without suitable music is considered mediocre. Over the years, the best DJ’s have done extremely well for themselves and they have been highly sought after not only locally, but internationally as well.
DJ Crowd Kontroller is touted as one of the top DJ’s on the continent, a DJ who can anticipate and read the crowd’s wants before they realize it. His ability to leave partygoers glued to the dance floor is a skill many of his companions cannot rival, even if they wanted to.
This interview has been condensed for clarity purposes
49th Street: How long have you been DJ’ing?
Crowd Kontroller: Professionally, 2015. I started learning how to DJ in 2009-2010, while in university.
49th: Why did you become a DJ?
CK: It’s because I love music, and I was really inspired by DJ Keys & DJ Xclusive. I used to organise parties back in the UK and there were DJs I used to bring onboard to play for me. I really got inspired by the way they flipped around the music and played, their package too. All this got me excited so I decided to try it out.
49th: You had a song with Dapo Tuburna. Should we be expecting more collaborations?
CK: Definitely. We have a lot of things being recorded, but there have been slight delays because of COVID. In 2021, though, we are pulling out every single thing, so more music definitely. We also got so busy, we couldn’t get time to put out music and whatnot.
49th: What type of music do you listen to?
CK: When I’m in my space, I listen to a lot of mellow stuff like South-African house, deep house, trance, UK grime, Afro-swing, e.t.c, but once it’s time to get to the parties, I know what I want to play. Personally, I really vibe with personal music.
49th: What separates you from other DJs?
CK: I have the ability to read the crowd. I can walk into any space and know exactly what to play, when to play, and how to play. I also think my library is very vast so I can pull out songs from any era or genre and kill it. My love for music also makes me special because I really go into details for music.
49th: For you, what is the key to being an excellent DJ?
CK: Like I said, music is very important. Getting your music together, knowing what to play, and having a general knowledge of people in different age ranges and the kind of music they like. I feel knowing and loving the music helps too. You can always tell when the DJ loves the music he’s playing or knows what he’s playing. There’s a clear difference.
49th: How do you make your mixes?
CK: I do them at home. I’m a nocturnal person so late at night, I get inspiration and I just get out and do my mixes. I practice everyday, two hours a day in fact. It used to be five hours a day, but now that we are getting busy, I take 2 hours a day. In those hours, I come up with a mix. I don’t mix out loud, I mix in my head. I mix with headphones not speakers so I don’t disturb anybody.
49th: What is the pinnacle for you?
CK: The pinnacle for me is playing all the festival’s, getting a Grammy. I know it sounds crazy but I want to get a Grammy. I actually believe a DJ can get a Grammy.
49th: Do you think DJs are getting more appreciated now?
CK: Yes, I think so. I remember when I first started out, it wasn’t this big. DJs were not at the center front, but now they are. Last year, two of the biggest songs were from DJs. We are now getting endorsements, and also influencing what is going on in pop culture in our country. People are also beginning to pay top money to DJs and are understanding our value. I think more educated people should go into DJing, we shouldn’t think DJs are street boys or whatnot. To be honest, I think DJing is Physics. It’s calculations and engineering. You literally calculate sound and time.
49th: What is next for Crowd Kontroller?
CK: Well, this year, we are looking at going into merch, connecting more with the people, putting out more content, shooting more videos, and music. I’d like to put music lastbecause everybody expects DJs to put out music but we are going to go the other way this year. We are going to give you something different. It’s going to be a fruitful year, I believe. We’ve always been busy. This year, we are going to take it up a notch.
