Article by Dumi Mbona
As we say goodbye to the Africa month, TMS Mag caught up with a Nigerian DJ who also happen to speak isiZulu well. DJ Breezy is a well established DJ who has worked with some of the biggest artists in the continent.
Let’s get to know more about this Turn Up King:
Who is DJ Breezy
My real names are Adedeji Henry Olanrawaju, I am from Ondo State, Nigeria
Which Institution are you studying at and what are you studying?
I am currently an Undergrate at the National Open University of Nigeria a student of Political Science and International Relations, I chose this course due to my love and great interest for everything ranging from; politics, African History and Philosophy also international relations.
Now I believe you are also learning isiZulu language in Nigeria?
Well I have always been a huge lover of South Africa right from my years in High school, studied and learnt a whole about the History, struggles, culture and lifestyle of the great people of South Africa that led me to study one of the most common language spoken over there which is isiZulu; I also visited there when I was very little, though I barely remember most of the memories I had there, I knew about this through my mother as she said she took me there as a child. We visited Johannesburg (smiles).
At what age did you start DJing? And what motivated it?
I started Djing at the age of 16, one of greatest source of motivation was my uncle He was a Dj; I grew up very much around him so right from my early days as a teenager I got exposed to a wide range of music and Dj equipments. Also attended lot of events with him as well, I used to work with him back then.
Your greatest highlight as DJ?
I’ve had a whole lot of highlights in my career; also Djed at many events in my city and also worked with some notable artists. I’ve Dj at events like; AFRIMA music village in 2017, GIDI FEST 2017 & 2018, (I opened the show for Diplo of the Major Lazer, he was the headline act). I also Dj-ed at Mainland Block Party, Eat Drink Festival, etc. I have also worked with notable African Artists like; Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania, Reekado Banks from Nigeria, Ycee (Nigeria), Runtown (Nigeria) I also worked with Wizkid once too.
What is the one thing that set you apart from other DJs?
One thing I would say that sets me apart from our DJs over here is my ability to be able to transcend my sound outside of my hemisphere.
I like to call myself a “Multi-Genre” dj. I play sounds as far and wide as House, Kwaito, Gqom, EDM, Hip-Hop, Trap and RnB music.
Which place is your biggest dream to play at?
Currently the list of places I’d like to play at are:
- Global Citizen Concert
- Ultra Music Festival
- Tomorrowland
- Rolling loud festival
- Boiler room
Which one DJ would be a dream feature for you?
One DJ I dream of working with is DJ Black Coffee, he’s a global brand and inspires so much.
Tell us about your projects (have you released any projects if yes where can people find your work?)
I haven’t done any major projects except for a Mixtape which is available on soundcloud. It’s a Hip-hop/Trap mix called “The Bass Jacker’s Mix”.
Tell us 2 things you would want South Africans to know about Nigeria?
Well one thing I’d love Mzansi people to understand is that we share the same roots and identity. There’s so much that connects us than what divides us. So my encouragement is love and collaborations over hate and competition. We are a strong unit together; let’s find ways and means to be this unbreakable unit.
Where can people find you?
Well I’m currently based in Lagos, I’m open for bookings from both here and outside Nigeria.
People can connect with me via:
Twitter @Dj_BreezyMillz and Instagram @djbreezymillz
For bookings they can email: Henryadedeji1000@outlook.com