There is no disk jockey as daring as Dj Spinall in Africa!
Sodamola Oluseye Desmond is not just your regular ‘ghen ghen’ dj, he is the first DJ to be endorsed by any brand in Africa. He is also the first African DJ to tour the United States of America. Dj, producer, businessman – he is unstoppable!
Adedamola Edun had a chat with the man who the cap fits about his wonderful year and a few other things. Excerpts overleaf:
You’re the top DJ this year, How does everything feel right now, what space are you at mentally?
Thank you Lord. It is happening – Oh Wow!
Becoming one of the best and most sought after DJ’s in Africa must come with its measure of challenges. Can you walk us through some of your most trying moments?
Thank you. I would say I’m grateful. There is no occupation out there without its own impediments. Everything will test you in life but with God and consistent hard work you will burgeon.
Plus the time prior to the fame, how long have you been a DJ? And how did transitioning from being unknown to most, to being demanded by all and sundry affect your life?
Don’t know what fame is. (LOL) but it’s been a journey! And I’m grateful.
What is that motivation behind choosing the life of DJ over a career in your graduate course, Electrical Electronics Engineering?
Passion. In all sincerity, Passion was full of so many uncertainties & doubts but in it I found tranquility. I love music. I grew as a kid listening to a lot of it and this also built my confidence level.
Let’s rewind a little. When exactly did you start out “DJing”, and what were your early passions and influences?
I would say after my high school. At some point
Who were the top, in-vogue DJs when you started out?
DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Humility, DJ Hotega & some many other amazing DJs.
You’ve heard this question a hundred times before; we want a unique side of the story. For the 101st time, what is it about ‘The CAP’?
My alter ego – My love for African prints. The Crazy Azz Party abbreviated as #TheCAP.
In all sincerity, Passion was full of so many uncertainties & doubts but in it I found tranquility. I love music. I grew as a kid listening to a lot of it and this also built my confidence level.
You obviously get a unique kick out of “DJing” and producing your own music. What makes it all interesting to you?
Yes it’s Passion again and the undying keenness to do things differently.
What do you usually start with when preparing for an event?
Mental articulation lol.
Are there other criteria other than pure subjectivity, for selecting what to play at a gig?
So many criteria. It can’t be verbalized … it comes with experience.
From the outside, “DJing” could be seen as a very fun type of job, but you might beg to differ. If you do, what do you consider the hardest part about DJing?
Entertainment is all about pleasing people. Ask around that’s a hard job. Lol
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened on your set while playing an event?
One time the wedding couple had so much fun the wanted to DJ but ended up falling their own cake and it became a cake fight. It was so beautiful.
Congratulations again on the release of “DREAMS”. At what point did you decide you’re due for an album out?
There is so much music, so much good music. Management decides when it’s Go time but you and I know it’s every year lol.
How much of a hassle was it bagging that ensemble cast of guest artistes for “DREAMS”?
It was crazy but it was worth it.
Compared to what you anticipated in creative process, how would evaluate the response and commercial performance of the album?
I was overwhelmed, few songs I was actually worried about happened to be some of the highest grossing. My fans have a way of blowing up whatever I put out. From promotions to sales. I have the best fans in Nigeria for a DJ, they love too much and that has been my strength, my joy and probably biggest accomplishment. My fans are the best.
How about some international features?
If that happens it happens but this present day and age Afrobeat is King.
Talking about the running of the entertainment industry, what would you say is the essential role of DJs?
We are the gate keepers. The King makers!
What are those mistakes you see a lot of up and coming DJs making and how do you advise they fix these?
The list is endless but I’d rather advice than criticize. They should keep learning. The only reason why I still put out mix tapes is to inspire someone out there.
What is that one song that never gets old, no matter how many times you hear it?
Ohema, Gongo Aso, Only Me amongst so many others.
What are your top 10 biggest Naija songs till date?
Can we do Top 100 because the list is endless. In all sincerity, there are too many amazing songs out there. The new artists are really killing it.
You’ve been awarded by many organizations in recent times. Which one is your most valued recognition till date?
I value all my awards and all my achievement. My team, my fans & myself deserves it. We have been grinding so much and we are forever grateful.
What festivals would you most like to play at?
Taking Afrobeats to Ultra Music Fest
How do you see The Cap beyond?
God’s got this! You will hear about our exploits. The revolution will be televised.
