DJ Blackk Beat may be young, but he’s no doubt claiming the stage in the music industry as one of the A-list Disc Jockey in Turkey. The Nigerian-born talent has dropped countless mixtapes and produced hit songs featuring ‘A’-list artists with several hits to his credit. What’s more? DJ Blackk Beat doubles as a hype man because of his versatility and vocal ability both on stage and in clubs.
City People Assistant Editor, SUNDAY ADIGUN spoke to this talented artiste and he talked about how DJ started for him from the University of Maiduguri.
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been a DJ for 25 years. I started my music label just last year. I just started doing songs with two artistes. Danny S and Mayzee. And I will do more if I come home. I have been djing as a hobby and job. I may be new to the hood in Nigeria, but I have been in the game for quite a while.
Can we get a run through your background?
I am an Igbo man. My name is Okechukwu, some call me Odogwu DJ, my fans call me DJ Blackk Beat.
When and why did you travel to turkey?
I travelled to Turkey in 2010. I haven’t been home since. I left Nigeria to work more and do research on Afrobeat. I intend to take Afrobeat music to the world. This is why my motto is AFROBEAT to the world. I have created a streaming playlist for Spotify where you can listen to real beat. I also have a playlist on Audiomack and some other streaming sites.
How did Djing start for you?
I started out by putting upcoming artistes’ songs in all social media, then my elder bro opened a music studio, where I go and do some experiments on several kinds of beats and songs. All these was after my secondary school when I joined him while we lived in Kano State. I used to record to cassette, TDK normal, chrome etc. When I gained admission in the University, I continued to DJ. That was at the University of Maiduguri.
How was starting on your own like?
It was not easy. I played in several club and birthday parties, in various city and country. Sometimes they pay me and sometimes they don’t. It was not easy. I keep my answers blunt because if you look my face you will know that I suffered trying to be on top of my game. DJ/Artiste/Producer. I have a lot of fans around Europe who come live to my events.
Was there any time you feel discouraged or quitting due to one or two challenges?
Yes. Domestic Challenges and others.
Can you let me into some of the experiences?
Well Domestic Challenge is a family thing and I wish to keep it private. Other challenges include how I walk distances in the cold freezing weather to go work or search jobs at night abroad, just to get money for food and house rent.
How was starting afresh in turkey like and what is the acceptability of your brand now over there?
Cool. Even the Turkish people cheer me. We have a large number of Nigerians and other Africans here too. Istanbul is a big city in Turkey where lots of Africans live. I play as Guest DJ now in the top clubs here. 6 Afro Clubs.
And what about the concept of taking Afrobeat to the world?
Yes, the concept of AFROBEAT to the world is all about pushing these African beats that have always been the oldest sound to the online music system in as such to make AFROBEAT a GENRE in all the platforms on social media and music streaming sights. Today I recommend Audiomack as one of those music apps which see or recognize AFROBEAT as a genre. I have some songs trending: Corona Dance, Koma Gbon performed by Djblackk beat feat Mayzee and MC Bayo.
