DJ 2Black on discovering his craft in Tanke, Ilorin, and solidifying his career in Abuja

TANKE, in Ilorin, was where I found my rhythm as a DJ. In 2014, I was a student who enjoyed music and the atmosphere that came with bringing people together. I started playing at orientation parties, hostel gatherings and other campus events. At the time, I was still learning, but every performance gave me an opportunity to understand the craft and discover the kind of DJ I wanted to become.

One of my earliest influences was a friend, DJ Chusick. I was drawn to the way he moved smoothly from one song to another, creating transitions that kept the music flowing. Watching him made me want to learn. Within a month, I had grasped the basics, but I knew that becoming good at it would require more than a quick lesson. Practice became essential, and the more I played, the more confident I became.

One experience in Ilorin particularly changed how I saw myself. I was playing at a garden venue where three DJs were handling different events at the same time. My party started with about 100 to 120 guests. As the night progressed, however, people from the other events began moving towards ours. By the time the after-party gathered momentum, we had more than 300 people.

That moment stayed with me. It was not simply about the number of people who came over; it was the realisation that the music, the selection and the atmosphere I created could draw people in. It gave me the confidence to take my ability more seriously.

Abuja was the next important chapter. Wuse 2, particularly my experience playing at Australian A-Class Park, helped solidify my career. Performing across its three halls exposed me to different audiences and brought me into contact with clients who helped establish my name. Those opportunities opened doors to other event centres, including Rainbow, and eventually to bookings outside Abuja.

Moving from student parties to professional events also taught me that DJing involves much more than selecting songs. Event DJing can be demanding because every occasion has its own expectations. At weddings, for instance, the music must complement different moments, from the couple’s entrance and first dance to the reception and after-party. Some events can run for seven to 10 hours, requiring preparation, stamina and the ability to sustain the energy of the room.

Understanding the audience is equally important. Nigeria’s cultural and religious diversity means that a DJ must be sensitive to the people in front of him. Research, discussions with clients and coordination with other vendors help ensure that the music suits the occasion. Technical preparation matters, too, because problems with sound, lighting or equipment can disrupt an event.

Tanke gave me the foundation, while Wuse 2 provided the environment in which I could grow professionally. Both places taught me different lessons about music, people and performance.

For me, the real measure of a DJ is not merely how many songs he plays, but how well he understands the moment. The goal is to create an atmosphere in which people feel connected, enjoy themselves and leave with memories of the experience.