The Nigerian music industry is one of the most vibrant in Africa and has produced several stars. The industry is also home to talented DJs, both male, and female. However, there had been a great increase in the number of female DJs in Nigeria. These women are not only talented but are also making a name for themselves in the industry and are also a form of inspiration to other women in the field. In no particular order, here is a list of the top five female DJs in Nigeria:
5. DJ NANA
Nanayat Abedoh, professionally known as DJ Nana, is a media personality and Nigerian afrobeats disc jockey. DJ Nana rose to stardom in 2011 when she won the first ever Airtel/Bacardi Cool FM DJ Competition. She also released her first official single “Know” featuring Omawunmi on April 20, 2015. DJ Nana was featured together with DJ Switch and DJ Bonny on the CNN Programme inside Africa in 2018. The edition celebrated a new generation of African women DJs. DJ Nana has played at several events and clubs such as Kings of Comedy Concert, Club Vegas, AY Live Concert, First Nigerian Idol, British American Tobacco Concert e.t.c.
4. DJ LAMBO
Olawunmi Okerayi, popularly known as DJ Lambo, is a Nigerian disc jockey. She graduated from the University of Abuja with a degree in English and Literature. DJ Lambo started her career in 2008-2009 as a Radio personality(OAP) on Raypower 100.5FM, Rhythm FM 94.7 Abuja and Love 104.5 FM Abuja. Her father, DJ Tony Lewis influenced her career as a disc jockey. DJ Lambo describes her sound as a fusion of house music, techno, afropop, and hip-hop. She was signed to Loopy music in 2013 before it’s merge with Chocolate City in 2015. She was among the few DJs selected to play at Big Brother Nigeria’s Season 2 Saturday party in 2017. Her song “Drank” was produced by Reinhard and also received positive critical reviews. Her single “Motion” also got her ranked number 18 on the Smirnoff Top Women Electronic Artists Playlist. She was named the head and president of Choc Boi Nation(CBN), a record imprint of Chocolate City music on June 14, 2017. She became one of the major female record label executives in the music industry in Nigeria. She has performed at several popular shows and events since she was brought to limelight and has won DJ of the year(Female) at the 2016 City People Award Entertainment Awards. She is also the official DJ for Rapper MI.
3. DJ SWITCH
Obianuju Catherine Udeh is a Nigerian DJ and music artist. She graduated with a degree in Geology from the University of Port-Harcourt(UNIPORT) in Rivers State. DJ Switch gained popularity after she emerged the winner of the maiden and only edition of the Glo X-factor talent show in 2013. She used to be part of a music band called Da Pulse before contesting in the Glo X-factor. After her Glo X-factor win, DJ Switch was signed to Sony music and later endorsed by Peter Okoye’s P-classic record label. She left her well-paying job with oil company Halliburton to pursue a career in entertainment. She was invited as a guest DJ to the BBNaija Season 5 Lockdown shown on August 29 2020. DJ Switch has been nominated for several reputable awards and also won the City People Award for Best Female DJ in 2016. She was also featured in a 2018 CNN editorial titled: Nigeria’s Female DJs spinning against stereotypes. DJ Switch is a multi-talented artist and asides from her DJ work, she is also a singer, rapper and songwriter.
2. DJ FRIZZIE
DJ Frizzie whose gull name is Frances Tamunonengiywofori Higgwe was born on 24th February 1990. She graduated from the Department of Environmental Engineering at the University of Port-Harcourt. DJ Frizzie started DJing at the age of 16 and has been a DJ for UNIPORT Radio FM 88.5Fm. She hit the limelight when she did the female version of “Holla at your boy” by Wizkid titled “ Don’t Holla at me boy”. She has always wanted to be a singer before she chased a career as a disc jockey. She is the official DJ for Mr 2Kay’s and VJ for Cool TV and has been featured on Top TV Channel, MTV Base Official club chart. DJ Frizzie was nominated for one of the categories of the Exquisite Ladies of the year(ELOY) awards in 2014. She is also actively involved in charity work. DJ Frizzie is the number 1 female DJ and Songwriter.
1. DJ CUPPY
Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy is a Nigerian producer and disc jockey. She was born on 11th November 1990 to a well-known Nigerian billionaire and businessman, Femi Otedola and is the second of four kids. Cuppy was first known for her DJ skills during her college years and performed at clubs and events in London. This led to her enrolling in New York University to study music business in 2015. What started out as a hobby for Cuppy has grown to be a full-blown career. She has performed on several stages, both international and local. Some of these stages include; MTV Africa Award, Tattlers and Christie’s Art Ball in London, The 2015 Oil Barrons Charity in Dubai, President Muhammadu Buhari’s inauguration in 2015 where she was the official ceremony DJ, SXSW Festival in Texas and so on. She launched her first mixtape in 2014 titled “House of Cuppy” and launched another one in 2015. She has a record label named Red Velvet Music Group.
In conclusion, these are the top five female DJs in Nigeria that are setting the trends and making waves in the industry. They are all very talented and we hope to see more of their works in the future.
