On the recent episode of MTV Base Musicology, the show that aims to educate and enlighten audiences on different music related topics, MTV Base gathered some of the biggest names in the Nigerian music and entertainment industry to discuss the relevance of DJs in the country’s entertainment space. Titled “Wetin DJs Dey Do Sef”, the episode examined and dissected the roles Disc Jockeys (DJs) play, their relevance, as well as misconceptions about them and the challenges they face on the job.
Hosted by MTV Base VJ Ehiz, this episode’s panel was made up of superstar DJs Crowd Kontroller and DJ Obi; Head A&R Warner & Chocolate City Music, Olamide Olaitan; OAP, Rachel Towobola; MTV Base Music Programmer, Daniel Obende and CEO Music Times, Oye Akindeinde.
One of the many talking points in the episode included how social media has affected the way DJs are perceived. Commenting on this, Oye Adedeinde said “I have worked with multinationals and when I am trying to get a budget for a DJ, they will say send us his profile, and they will search on social media. It doesn’t help when DJs don’t put their sets on YouTube.”
Speaking on the roles of a DJ in 2020, International DJ, Crowd Kontroller, said, “The essential role of a DJ is to keep your party rocking from the beginning to the end. If you don’t book the right DJ, your event is going to flop.”
Lending his voice to the relevance of a DJ, Olamide Olaitan said “DJs are the funnel between the owners of the content (artistes) and the people who are going to enjoy the content. The role of the DJ is underemphasized; it has always been underemphasized. I believe they are the beginning and the end of the industry”.
Other issues discussed in the episode include creativity, budget, the pressure to always deliver quality, influence on pop culture and social media influencers turning into DJs.
Addressing the issue of social media influencers turning into DJs, DJ Obi had this to say “Social media game is killing the craft in the sense that, these guys will go on a crash course and then they all claim to be DJs. It does not work that way. If you are not built for it, you can’t crack it.
Adding his perspective to the discussion about the gap between artists and DJs, Crowd Kontroller said “The financial gap between a DJ and an artist is too much. The artist will perform for 20 minutes, have an OK show, but I will perform for one hour and keep the crowd up, and end up getting paid less”.
Since its introduction, MTV Base Musicology has been shaping the Nigerian music and entertainment Industry by gathering key stakeholders to discuss and share information on various issues that concern the industry. The show aired on Thursday, April 9, 8 pm local time on MTV Base, on DStv channel 322 and GOtv channel 72.
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