Afrobeats Without Borders: DJ Talented’s Lagos Legacy Goes Global

How did your journey as a DJ begin? Was there a defining moment that made you say, “This is it”?

My journey as a DJ started from a deep love for music, especially Afrobeat. Growing up in Lagos, I was always surrounded by rhythm — from the streets to the radio, music was everywhere. I started experimenting with sounds at local events, just trying to bring energy to the crowd.

But the defining moment for me was the first time I played at a wedding — the way the crowd reacted, the happiness on people’s faces — I knew this was more than just fun. That was the moment I said, ‘Yeah, this is it. This is what I’m meant to do.’

From that point, I took it seriously — learning, improving, and building DJ Talented into a name people could vibe with.”

What challenges did you face breaking into the Nigerian nightlife and club scene, and how did you overcome them?

Breaking into the Nigerian nightlife wasn’t easy at all. At the beginning, the biggest challenge was getting noticed — clubs already had their regular DJs, and it felt like you had to know someone to even get a shot.

Another challenge was equipment and access , I didn’t always have the best tools or platforms, but I made the most of what I had. There were also times I played for little or no pay, just to build my name and prove myself.

What helped me overcome all that was consistency, creativity, and connection. I kept improving my sound, creating mixtapes, building my social media presence, and networking hard. Eventually, people started recognizing the brand ‘DJ Talented’. One gig led to another — weddings, clubs, private events ,and that’s how I found my way into the scene.”

How would you describe your sound, and what makes your set different from other DJs in Lagos or across Africa?

I’d describe my sound as energy-packed, Afrobeat-driven, and globally influenced. I blend Afrobeat with elements of Amapiano, Afropop, and sometimes even international vibes like Dancehall or Hip-Hop — but always in a way that feels natural and fresh.

What sets me apart is how I read the crowd and tell a story through the music. I don’t just mix tracks — I create an experience. Whether it’s a club, wedding, or concert, I make sure people don’t just hear the music — they feel it.

Also, my sets carry that unique ‘DJ Talented’ signature: clean transitions, unexpected drops, and remixes that hit differently. I bring the street vibes of Lagos, the class of a high-end event, and the fire of an African party — all in one.”

https://open.spotify.com/album/2PQnZKOAyrpEBLtISswDeP?si=YFK5Ql7UTxq7RVYR5wNFUQ

Can you walk us through what a perfect night looks like when you’re behind the decks in Lagos?

A perfect night behind the decks in Lagos? It’s electric. From the moment I step into the booth, I’m locked in with the energy of the crowd. Lagos people don’t fake vibes — if they’re not feeling it, you’ll know.

So I start smooth — maybe some Afrobeat classics or a touch of Amapiano to set the mood. Then I slowly build the tempo, mix in some street anthems, exclusive edits, and unexpected bangers that make the crowd scream.

What makes it perfect is the connection — when people start singing along, dancing without holding back, phones in the air, and you can literally feel the floor shaking. That’s the magic. I throw in some signature DJ Talented transitions, and maybe drop a surprise track no one saw coming.

By the end of the night, people are shouting, ‘One more!’ — and that’s when I know I’ve done my job. That’s the perfect night for me in Lagos.”