Oke Babatunde Emmanuel, a Disc. Jockey, DJ, fondly called DJ 2unny is set to carve a niche for himself in the highly rich music industry with a unique blend of entertainment. Already, he is making waves at popular joints and gigs in downtown venues across Lagos Mainland.
Shy but enterprising, this highly talented artiste who dabbles in soul music with heavy Nigerian flavor mixed with Afro-hip-hop is giggling to set any party ablaze with an upbeat mixture of Afro-hip-hop, raps and R&B to the admiration of his growing fans. His unique handing of R&B and different gigs have confirmed the feelings of his fans that he is the next kid on- the- block.
He started his music career about 10 years ago and has proved his mettle, though due to his publicity-shyness, he has not been courting the media. He is respected for being among the few DJs in Lagos with talent and dexterity that can send fans on a jolly good ride. He says he wants to give his distinctive style of music enough respect in the industry.
According to him, defining a career in the disc jockey business has been terrific; this is because people don’t want to believe you would make it, because of the way DJs are treated in Nigeria. To the greatest surprise of many, after years of sticking to the game, the respect and offer keep trickling in from friends and families, who hitherto were not convinced of my career prospect as DJ, he says.
"The act has transformed from hobby to career and I am convinced that I will spend all my life doing this. It is fun making people happy, putting smiles on faces and transforming a dulling mood into funfair. I like playing in gigs where the listeners have so much energy. There is this enthusiasm that grips you when you make people dance. It is much more fun to play when the people listening to your mix throw it all open by filling the dance-hall.
"The unique thing about DJing is that you must be smart to read moods. Depending on how event unfold, a smart DJ should be able to shape the course of a gig. No dulling when you have me in your party. As an entertainer, I play all kinds of music that makes my fans feels good.
"I am not persuaded to do this, it is what I have lived to realise that I can do. I have faced so many obstacles that almost make me turn back but due to my determination I kept moving.
"I mix a lot with established arts in the industry especially top DJs, I have learnt so much from people who have shaped my industry experience. The joy I derived from it has helped me in delivering a total different entertainment from others in a unique way.
"My top trade secret is that i don’t just do mixes, I play songs depending on the type of event. I am an inspirational DJ. These often make my clients double my pay in appreciation of my performance.
"I have managed to convince my missionary parents who often don’t get impressed with my choice of DJ as a career. They believe that irresponsible people goes into D. J. profession. But over the years I have proven them wrong. I do DJ on a full time scale, I believe that I need full concentration and the decision has paid off.
"God is my motivator, but I remain a protégé of D.J. Jimmy Jatt, D.J. Khalid, D.J. and my boss D.J. Kestob. I have learnt a lot through all these people and the inspiration I got from them has shaped my style of play.
"Besides being a DJ, I also plan and manage event to earn extra income. I have done so many mix tapes which had been sold in CDs, while some have been used as complementary. I have done some Alaba mixes that have earned me brand names.
