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By Aremu Olaoluwa
The role of DJs in Afrobeats is nothing short of foundational—they’ve been the curators, producers, and cultural amplifiers who transformed a local sound into a global phenomenon. Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, long before the age of in-house producers, DJs were the creative force behind the music. Trailblazers like DJ Jimmy Jatt—a former rapper who reinvented himself behind the decks—provided the very instrumentals on which artists could rap or sing. With mixtapes such as The Definition, Jimmy Jatt hosted street carnivals and forged collaborations with talented voices like 9ice, Naeto C, Sound Sultan, among other artists. These early efforts were more than just musical experiments; they were grassroots laboratories where indigenous beats fused with global sounds, laying the groundwork for what we now recognize as modern Afrobeats.
This era was imbued with an improvisational spirit. DJs curated street mixes that combined traditional African rhythms with the pulses of dancehall, R&B, and hip hop. In the UK, the launch of Choice FM’s New Afrobeats Radio Show, created and hosted by DJ Abrantee, introduced British audiences to these infectious beats, solidifying the role of DJs as true cultural gatekeepers. Their programs were more than playlists—they were narratives that ensured Afrobeats remained both deeply rooted in African tradition and ever-evolving with global influences.
Beyond the mixers and turntables, DJs began to form powerful creative alliances with Afrobeats stars. DJ Spinall is a prime example. His collaborations with Wizkid on tracks like Nowo, with Burna Boy on Serious, and with Davido on Your Dj, among other artists in his album Iyanu have positioned him as a true co-creator of chart-topping hits. His 2022 album Top Boy brought together talents from across Africa and the diaspora, blending Afrobeats with electronic and amapiano influences, and showcasing the genre’s endless potential for innovation. Similarly, DJ Neptune joined forces with artists like Joeboy and Mr Eazi on global hits such as Nobody, evolving the DJ’s role from a behind-the-scenes performer to an integral collaborator in the creative process.
Entrepreneurship further fueled the influence of DJs in Afrobeats. In 2008, DJ Jimmy Jatt launched Jimmy’s Jump Off, a TV show that provided a platform for rappers to showcase their skills. The program featured engaging interview segments interspersed with video breaks, and its main event—a freestyle session—became a celebrated showcase of raw talent. This innovative venture not only highlighted his entrepreneurial flair but also nurtured emerging artists by giving them a stage to shine.
DJs have also been pivotal in taking Afrobeats beyond African borders. In the UK, DJ Abrantees
New Afrobeats Radio Show on Choice FM played a crucial role in introducing the genre to British listeners, paving the way for international stars like Fuse ODG and D’banj. DJ Skyla Tylaa further extended this global reach by opening for Wizkid’s Made in Lagos tour and performing at high-profile events such as PRADA’s collection launch—where the world of Afrobeats seamlessly met global fashion and pop culture. Additionally, DJ Edu, host of BBC’s Destination Africa, helped bring the energetic pulse of Afrobeats into mainstream media, significantly expanding its audience.
Modern DJs continue to break new ground by evolving into cultural innovators and producers. Artists like Tobi Peter have blurred the lines between DJing and production by remixing popular tracks with amapiano and house influences—a fusion that has drawn praise from international figures such as Diplo and Don Jazzy. Meanwhile, the Lagos-based duo Maze x Mxtreme captivates audiences with their Zodiac-themed parties, merging Afrobeats with EDM to create immersive experiences that redefine nightlife culture. These modern innovators have not only preserved the raw energy of traditional DJ sets but have also transformed them into dynamic platforms for artistic experimentation and cultural dialogue.
Among the many voices in Afrobeats, one artist has managed to effortlessly merge tradition with modernity—OnlyOneMassive. Hailing from Nigeria’s celebrated music scene, OnlyOneMassive (formerly known as Deejay Massive) has built a career that both pays tribute to the early innovators of the genre and paves a bold, new path forward.
OnlyOneMassive isn’t just about his dynamic shows. He’s also deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of talent. As a mentor and co-founder of The Vibes DJ Academy NG, he has played an instrumental role in training aspiring DJs, equipping them with the technical know-how and creative vision needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive industry. His dedication as an educator underscores a profound belief that preserving and advancing the legacy of Afrobeats is essential for the genre’s future.
He has also been exploring a lot of electronic mixes in recent years with his delectable Afro House mixes.
From laying down the first beats to redefining live performance, DJs have always been the unsung heroes of Afrobeats—curators of culture, collaborators in creation, and global ambassadors of sound. Their journey, marked by resilience, creativity, and an indomitable entrepreneurial spirit, continues to shape the evolution of Afrobeats, leaving an enduring impact on the global musical landscape.
