Baddest DJ Timmy, one of Nigeria’s most successful disc jockeys known to have worked with top Nigerian artistes including Skiibii, Skales, Orezi, Peruzzi, etc, in this interview with ROTIMI IGE talks about his plans in the music management industry and why he went to study in the UK where he recently bagged a master’s degree. Born Kubeyinje Otis Ayodeji, the award-winning DJ also speaks on why education is a pathway to achieving great success.
Where have you been? Baddest DJ Timmy was a major name in the industry but recently it seems you went off the entertainment scene. What have you been up to?
I have been busy. I have been busy pursing my master’s degree in the United Kingdom and developing myself more. I currently graduated from a prestigious university in London, and I am proud that I finally fulfilled my parent’s dream by doing this. My parents always wanted me to have a proper education, so I honoured them by getting a master’s degree. I now live in the United Kingdom, but I am still very much in touch with my music roots.
Some artistes wrongly project the idea that school is a scam but that is wrong. School is not a scam; I have learnt so many things about life and very proud to have come this far. Education is a lifelong thing as it broadens your knowledge and makes you have different perspectives and outlook to life. I am glad I made the choice to obtain a master’s Degree.
Can you tell us more about your master’s degree and what you studied?
I studied Project Management and graduated with distinction. I am also a proud member of the Project Management Institute and have a PSM 1 certification as a scrum master. Project Management focuses on planning and organising a project and its resources. It deals with managing people, resources and technology to complete a project within a time frame.
That seems like a lot, how do you plan to combine this with music business?
Project management is my nine to five day job while music business is my passion. I will always find time for it and have a team working hand in hand with me to make sure we take the company and our artistes to greater heights. I have always been in the entertainment industry and know exactly important steps to make and I will keep on improving and learning along the way.
I have a music management company called Starlight Management and it is under my umbrella company called Hype Nation promotions. We are into events and artiste management, artistes and repertoire, music publishing and many more.
What projects are you currently working on in your music business?
I am currently making the final arrangements in signing my artiste and giving him a proper management deal. His name is Rigo, he’s 19 years old. He will be unveiled before the first half of the year and drop his first body of work. I am also actively into event management and tours for artiste and comedians who want to come for tours in the United Kingdom.
Most importantly, I am currently working on ‘Life is beautiful’ tour which is an European tour. I intend to visit 12 countries and I have already visited Malta and Portugal where I played at several clubs.
So how was your education background before UK?
I was born and bred in Surulere, Lagos State. For primary school, I attended Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education staff school. I also attended King’s College Lagos for Junior Secondary and Federal Government College Ijanikin for Senior Secondary School education.
My childhood dream was to become a lawyer but when my parents built a successful nursery, primary and secondary school, I immediately changed course and studied Educational Management (English) at Lead City University, Ibadan.
Do you think Nigerian DJs are appreciated as much as they should be?
Nigerian DJs are getting there and many of us have become a household name. It’s really inspiring when you see superstar musicians paying homage or respect to DJs. Many big artistes now have personal DJs, travelling and touring with them. Some DJs now charge millions for one event, this means progress, the industry is booming.
Who are your favourite DJs right now?
Dj Khalid has always been my favourite because of his lifestyle and the confidence he brings. He makes DJs look good and he sells his brand like a pro. I love his eccentric character and I will love to meet him someday.
What are the songs on your playlist right now?
Like I said earlier, my new artiste’s name is Rigo. He’s super talented and his songs are giving me serious joy, that is what I listen to daily. I also enjoy Davido’s Timeless album which I listen to when I’m driving.
