In the ever-shapeshifting soundscape of Afrobeats, one truth rings louder with every drop and drumline: the synergy between DJs and artists is no longer a behind-the-scenes affair—it’s the beating heart of the live experience. From sold-out events in Lagos, Accra to seismic festival stages in Europe, London, Paris, and beyond, Afrobeats DJs have stepped far beyond the booth. They’ve become cultural co-pilots, crafting sonic moments that do more than entertain—they elevate, electrify, and redefine what it means to experience African music on a global stage.
Beyond the main-stage spectacles, a new wave of diasporic Afrobeats DJs are curating their own spaces—nightlife sanctuaries where African music is not just played, but celebrated. These DJs, rooted in cities like New York, London, Toronto, Seattle, and Amsterdam, are hosting sold-out club nights, after-parties, and experiential events that bridge the gap between home and abroad.
In these spaces, the DJ becomes both selector and storyteller, crafting sets that weave Afrobeats, amapiano, highlife, and Afro-house into seamless, borderless soundscapes. Their shows are more than parties—they are cultural gatherings, where the African diaspora reconnects, reimagines, and redefines identity through rhythm and bass.
With their ear to the streets and a pulse on the movement, these tastemakers are ensuring that African music continues to evolve—not just on festival stages but in the heart of nightlife itself.
In this feature, we shine a spotlight on the masters behind the decks—Afrobeats DJs who not only fuel unforgettable performances but also champion a new era of African music expression worldwide.
DJ Tunez: Orchestrating Diaspora Vibes From Lagos to Brooklyn
In the global rise of Afrobeats, DJ Tunez stands out as a key figure bridging diasporic energy with African rhythm. Born Michael Babatunde Adeyinka in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, his sound blends the influence of legends like Fela Kuti and Bob Marley.
From playing congas at church to spinning at parties by sixteen, Tunez has evolved into a cultural connector—Wizkid’s official DJ and a driving force behind Afrobeats’ worldwide appeal.
DJ Tunez started spinning at African community events in Brooklyn, gradually taking over nightlife scenes from New York to the rest of the East Coast, and eventually across the world. By the time he was named World DJ at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, his impact had become undeniable.
But it was his role as Wizkid’s tour DJ and official DJ for Starboy Entertainment that solidified him as a fixture in the movement. Together, they’ve turned stages like Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, London’s O2 Arena, Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, Wireless Festival, Royal Albert Hall, and more into temples of Afrocentric joy.
But Tunez’s legacy isn’t only in the beats. A graduate of Brooklyn College, he’s also invested in nurturing future talent. Through his BT Group, Tunez has created after-school programs that teach DJing to kids in Brooklyn—ensuring the culture stays alive and in capable hands.
And in the diaspora, his reach is even more personal. Tunez has helped define the new standard for African music experiences abroad—selling out culturally immersive parties, curating unforgettable after-parties, and turning venues into cultural nexuses where Afro rhythms speak every language.
In a time when Afrobeats has become a movement as much as a genre, DJ Tunez stands as both gatekeeper and innovator—bridging continents with sound, electrifying stages with every drop, and proving, again and again, that the DJ is more than just the person behind the booth. He is the pulse, the mood, the memory—and in Tunez’s case, the message.
DJ Obi: The Turntable Titan and Cultural Architect
If there’s one name that proves Afrobeats DJs are not just performers but architects of culture, it’s DJ Obi. In 2016, he set the world buzzing when he spun for an astonishing 240 hours, earning himself a Guinness World Record. But that marathon wasn’t just about stamina—it was a declaration that African DJs were here to etch their names into history, to show that endurance, creativity, and presence are as vital as any artist’s voice.
Yet Obi’s true genius is not only in breaking records, but in building communities. Out of the quiet and uncertainty of the pandemic in 2019, he founded Obi’s House, an experiment that grew into a weekly Lagos institution.
What began as a gathering among friends has now evolved into one of Africa’s most important cultural spaces — a nightlife phenomenon blending music, fashion, dance, and community. Every Monday, the city’s creative class pours into Obi’s House, not just to party, but to witness what a living, breathing cultural hub feels like.
From Lagos to London, Portugal, The Americas, Accra to Kigali, Obi has taken that spirit on the road, exporting the Afroclub experience as part of Afrobeats’ global expansion.
Behind the decks, Obi is a master craftsman. His sets thread Afrobeats, hip-hop, house, and global electronic textures into seamless narratives that ignite stadiums and intimate clubs alike. He’s more than a DJ — he’s a cultural curator, blending sonic storytelling with entrepreneurial vision. Where many DJs simply play records, Obi constructs experiences. His work has inspired a generation of African DJs to think beyond the booth — to see themselves as custodians of culture, as much as entertainers.
To talk about the global rise of Afrobeats DJs without mentioning Obi would be to miss a cornerstone of the story. From his Guinness World Record to the gravitational pull of Obi’s House, he represents the fusion of legacy and future: a DJ who proves that Afrobeats is not just a sound, but a way of life, an identity, and a movement.
Spinall: The Maestro Behind Afrobeats’ Global Momentum
When you hear that unmistakable drop—“Top Boy!”—you already know what time it is. A rhythm is about to roll in. A vibe is about to be set. And somewhere between the first kick and the last note, SPINALL will have pulled you into a full-body musical experience.
Born Oluseye Desmond Sodamola, the Lagos-raised, globally renowned DJ, producer, and cultural curator formerly known as DJ Spinall, is far more than a man behind the decks. He’s a sonic architect—a connector of continents, a tastemaker of tempo, and an unstoppable force driving the ever-expanding soundscape of Afrobeats and beyond.
Over the years, SPINALL has made it his mission to elevate African music, not only by spinning the hits but by creating them. With six full-length albums under his belt, he’s arguably Nigeria’s most prolific DJ-turned-artist, pulling together some of the genre’s biggest names—Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Adekunle Gold, Asake, Fireboy DML, Simi, Omah Lay, and more—into carefully crafted projects that don’t just follow trends but shape them.
On his 2018 album Iyanu, he achieved the seemingly impossible: bringing Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy—Afrobeats’ three frontmen—together on a single project. That kind of synergy? Only SPINALL.
From the iconic fields of Glastonbury to the sun-drenched stages of Coachella, from the BET Awards to the storied halls of Royal Albert Hall, SPINALL has cemented his place among the new vanguard of African artists transforming homegrown sounds into global anthems.
When Coachella announced SPINALL as a performing act in 2023, it wasn’t just another milestone—it was a moment of history. As the first Afrobeats DJ to ever play the festival, he stood shoulder to shoulder with global dance music heavyweights like Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and Avicii—but with a distinctly different mission.
Where many offer a small taste of Afrobeats, SPINALL serves up a full-course feast—a vibrant, layered showcase of Nigeria’s sonic spectrum. His sets are rich with the sounds of both household names and hidden gems, threading together the past, present, and future of African music. With each performance, SPINALL redefines what it means to DJ in the age of global Afrobeats. He’s not just spinning tracks; he’s curating conversations, elevating undiscovered voices, and expanding the genre’s reach one rhythm at a time.
Yet for all the international acclaim, SPINALL remains deeply grounded. His artistry is rooted in more than beats and bars—it’s a reflection of culture, community, and creativity. Every mix, every project, every performance is a love letter to where he comes from and a blueprint for where the culture is going.
In today’s global music ecosystem, SPINALL is not just a DJ—he’s a storyteller, a cultural translator, and a fearless innovator. A true custodian of African sound, he continues to bridge worlds while staying true to his roots. And for music lovers at home and across the diaspora, that signature drop—“Top Boy!”—isn’t just a flex. It’s a promise.
Spaceship Billy: Burna Boy’s Beat Commander and Global Groove Curator
In the world of live music, a DJ isn’t just pressing play — they’re pulling the strings of energy, emotion, and atmosphere. And when you’re the official DJ to an artist like Burna Boy, one of Afrobeats’ most magnetic performers, that role becomes even more crucial. Enter Spaceship Billy, the vibrant sound pilot behind some of the most electrifying musical moments on tour today.
From the heartbeat of London’s underground scene to the towering stadium stages of Europe, Spaceship Billy has earned his stripes not just as a DJ but as an architect of unforgettable experiences. Representing the Spaceship collective, Billy brings a deep understanding of Burna Boy’s sonic language, artistic identity, and performance rhythm — a skill that transcends technical proficiency. It’s chemistry. It’s instinct. It’s knowing when to drop the beat and when to let the crowd breathe.
A great show hinges on synergy. And Spaceship Billy doesn’t just follow Burna’s lead; he mirrors his mood, amplifies his message, and enhances his magic. It’s this perfect sync that’s lit up stages across the world — from the sold-out London Stadium show (an 80,000-strong crowd, no less), to the sun-soaked vibes of Afronation 2025 in Portugal, where Billy not only spun records but also spoke to Rolling Stone Africa about Afrobeats’ global momentum.
But Spaceship Billy’s reign goes beyond Burna’s tour circuit. In Paris, he soundtracked the after-party for the Louis Vuitton Men’s Fashion Show, bridging the worlds of music and high fashion with effortless ease. In Oslo, he took center stage at the Amapiano 2nd Edition, blending South African rhythms with his signature Afrofusion groove. Whether he’s in Jersey, Liverpool, or turning up at Manchester’s Vibes Central Launch Party, Billy brings a showman’s flair and a crowd-reader’s intuition.
In an era where DJs are often in the shadows, Spaceship Billy stands tall — a curator of culture, a connector of continents, and the silent force behind Burna Boy’s sonic domination. Wherever the spaceship lands next, one thing’s for sure: the music will move you.
Jumbee: Spinning Afro-Fusion Into Diaspora Culture
In today’s global music ecosystem, the role of a DJ has evolved beyond just spinning records — it’s about storytelling, energy-building, and cultural translation. At the heart of this movement stands Jumbee, an international DJ and producer whose journey through rhythm and roots has made him one of the most exciting names in the Afro music space.
With Trinidadian blood running through his veins and a Florida upbringing that exposed him to the rich spectrum of diaspora sounds, Jumbee is a genre-bending maestro with a decade-long résumé of curating unforgettable sonic moments. From his early days digging through LimeWire folders and bootleg CDs to commanding massive stages today, one thing has remained constant: his undeniable love for the music.
Now crowned the official DJ for global Afrobeat superstar Rema, Jumbee stands as a vital extension of the artist’s sound — elevating every show, every after-party, every moment in between with his intuitive blends, smooth transitions, and undeniable stage presence. Whether it’s the Rema Official DJ After Party in Edmonton or electrifying club nights across North America, his sets speak fluently in Afro-fusion, Amapiano, Dancehall, and everything in between.
But Jumbee’s magic doesn’t stop at the decks. He’s a cultural curator and community builder, co-founding the forward-thinking One Motion DJ collective, and the brains behind the Peppa Event Series — a vibrant celebration of diasporic soundscapes. Peppa is more than a party. It’s a movement. A platform pushing African, Caribbean, and Black sounds across the States and far beyond, championing unity through rhythm and giving diasporic communities a space to feel seen, heard, and hyped.
There’s a natural magnetism to Jumbee. He’s the kind of DJ who reads the room before the beat drops — a master of momentum who knows when to simmer and when to ignite. And while his skills behind the console are razor-sharp, it’s his energy — warm, confident, rooted — that makes him unforgettable.
As Afro music continues to break borders and burst onto new stages, it’s talents like Jumbee who are steering the wave with passion, precision, and purpose. From Rema’s tour stages to his Peppa-powered movement, Jumbee’s sets speak every dialect of the diaspora—fusing culture, sound, and soul.
DJ Blast: Seattle’s Afrobeats Connector Between Cultures and Soundscapes
Every thriving music scene has a catalyst. Someone who doesn’t just play the music, but lives it — breathes it into every corner of a city until it becomes part of the culture. In Seattle, that person is DJ Blast.
Born in the vibrant pulse of Lagos, Nigeria, and raised in the soulful, genre-rich city of Dallas, Texas, Bobby Akinboro, known to the world as DJ Blast, is more than a DJ — he’s a movement. Now rooted in Seattle, DJ Blast is not just spinning records; he’s spinning culture, identity, and the rhythmic heartbeat of the diaspora into the Pacific Northwest’s soundscape.
Long before Afrobeats became a trending genre in the States, Blast was already on the frontlines, blending Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, and Trap into sets that feel like sonic passports — a journey across continents in a matter of minutes. It’s this mastery that has earned him the respect of many and the title of Seattle’s Afrobeats Pioneer.
His name rings loud on festival stages and stadium sound systems alike. Whether spinning for Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Rema, Asake, or Dua Lipa, or igniting the crowd as the official DJ for the Seattle Mariners, Blast’s sets are not just performances — they’re immersive experiences. With each blend, he reads the room like a poet reads rhythm, offering musical moments that are both electric and intimate.
But perhaps his most groundbreaking contribution is the creation of BLASTFEST, Seattle’s first Afrobeats-focused festival, launched in 2023. For a city that’s watched Afrobeats simmer under the surface for years — especially post-pandemic, with a growing African tech diaspora from Amazon and Microsoft — BLASTFEST was a revelation. A dream realized. A cultural awakening.
BLASTFEST wasn’t just named “Event of the Year” by the Washington Festival and Events Association in 2024 — it became a symbol of what’s possible when passion meets purpose. A place where Seattle’s rhythm found its voice through Afrobeats, curated and hosted by the very person who planted the seeds.
And yet, beyond the accolades and the spotlight, what makes DJ Blast unforgettable is his intention. His journey isn’t just about music; it’s about bridging cultures, creating community, and crafting memories that last far beyond the final track. In a world where music often moves too fast to feel, DJ Blast slows it down just enough for us to live in it.
Flygerian: A Storyteller DJ Fueling Collective Joy Through Afro-Diasporic Sound
And continuing the rhythm of cultural tastemakers redefining Afrobeats in the diaspora, Flygerian stands tall as a shining example. From Vineland, New Jersey, this first-generation Nigerian-American has carved out a lane that blends heritage, hustle, and heart in every set.
What began as a teenage obsession with burning CDs quickly bloomed into a full-blown passion for DJing. Today, Flygerian crafts musical experiences that feel both nostalgic and fresh — a soundtrack for the journey between past and present. His sets, rich with the sounds of West Africa, South Africa, the U.S. diaspora, and the West Indies, are more than a mix — they’re a narrative.
As co-founder of JaiyeGlobal, a party series that continues to sell out venues across New York City, Flygerian has built more than a fanbase — he’s built a movement. He’s taken that same energy to platforms like Cultur FM Live and event series like Faaji Nights, where he creates spaces where joy and identity move freely on the dancefloor.
With each event and every transition, Flygerian affirms that music truly is a universal language. And through his work, he’s not just spinning records — he’s shaping moments, connecting cultures, and setting the tone for the next wave of Afro-diasporic sound.
DJ L.A.J: Making Every Set a Mainstage Moment
Then there’s DJ L.A.J., a force of nature behind the decks whose rise feels as electric as her sets. Bursting onto the scene during the stillness of lockdown in 2020, she taught herself the art of DJing — and in just a few years, she’s turned that spark into a global flame.
From gracing the airwaves of BBC 1Xtra and Capital Xtra, to commanding stages with crowds of up to 50,000, L.A.J is more than a DJ — she’s a sensation. Her signature blends and high-octane mashups have earned her not only a YMB Award nomination but also a loyal following that spans continents.
At the heart of it all is The L.A.J Experience — her very own live event series and sonic playground where her crowd control, charisma, and musical instincts shine brightest. With every drop, switch, and transition, DJ L.A.J doesn’t just move the room — she owns it.
DJ K.O: The Pulse Behind Ayra Starr’s Global Soundtrack
In the mix of Afrobeats’ rising global pulse, Seun K.O. Dare stands as the heartbeat behind some of the genre’s most electrifying moments. Though Bronx-born, it was in Abuja, Nigeria, that his love for music truly took root — inspired by the continent’s biggest stars and nurtured by its vibrant soundscape.
Since stepping behind the decks in 2017, K.O has grown into much more than a DJ — he’s become the vibe connoisseur, known for curating high-energy sets that linger in the memory long after the lights go down. As the official DJ for Ayra Starr, he has helped shape the sound and spirit of her global takeover, traveling to over 30 countries and igniting crowds with an infectious energy that has become his signature.
Whether he’s hyping the crowd, lacing sets with unreleased Ayra gems, or producing his sonic creations, K.O. isn’t just supporting the moment — he’s creating it.
DJ Hol Up: The Curator Spinning Afrobeats Into Global Rhythm
Commanding dancefloors with a blend of precision and pulse, Derek Moses—widely known as DJ Hol Up—has been a trusted gatekeeper of African sound since making his mark in 2016. His deep affinity for Afrobeats has not only led to the curation of widely loved playlists and mixes (racking up over 30 million streams globally) but also cemented his role as a tastemaker shaping how global audiences experience the genre.
Beyond the decks, Hol Up’s creativity stretches into nightlife culture—he’s the architect behind NYC’s standout Afrobeats parties Gbedu Galore and Afrobeats + Amapiano, where the city’s heartbeat syncs with the continent’s cadence. Whether spinning on global stages or spotlighting new heat on platforms like Culture FM’s Afrobeats Mix Series, Hol Up continues to serve culture with every spin.
Mike West: The Selector Crafting Pressure-Packed Afrobeats Moments
There’s something unforgettable about a DJ who doesn’t just play music—but tells a story with every set. Mike West is one of those rare selectors. Born in the Bronx and seasoned in the vibrant heart of Abuja, his sound is a rich blend of cultures and rhythms that effortlessly bridges continents. It was during his teenage years in Nigeria that his deep love for Afrobeats and the pulse of African music first took root.
Now back in New York, Mike West brings that same global energy to every stage, club night, and studio session. As the official DJ for hitmaker Pheelz, he’s become a familiar presence behind some of the genre’s most electric live performances. His signature catchphrase—“Pressure!”—has become both a chant and a vibe, igniting crowds wherever he plays.
But beyond the lights and decks, Mike West’s mission is clear: connecting the dots between cultures, one beat drop at a time.
Ms DSF: Bringing High-Fashion Energy to Every Dancefloor Drop
There’s a certain magic that happens when Ms DSF steps behind the decks—a fusion of fearless rhythm, global flair, and pure sonic energy. Born in London but raised on the pulse of Lagos and the vibrance of the world, Ms DSF has carved a name for herself as one of West Africa’s most electrifying DJs.
Since her 2020 debut, she’s been on a thrilling ascent—spinning for music royalty like Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Megan Thee Stallion, and Davido, while also owning her lane with her signature event brand, Get Me Lit. From Lagos to Johannesburg, New York to Istanbul, her sets are a passport to dance, culture, and elevation.
A standout moment in her rise came in 2024, when her appearance on Cultur FM’s Nigerian Independence Day Mix sparked viral recognition and widened her global reach. That mix became a turning point, reaffirming her power to connect across borders through sound.
Her latest offering, Get Me Lit: Party in the Jungle live mixtape, is a high-octane ride through the sounds that define her world. With buttery transitions, pulse-racing drops, and a vibe that’s nothing short of electric, Ms DSF proves once again why she’s the heartbeat of every party she touches.
DJ Ola: Commanding Dance Floors With Afro Bashment and Global Groove
When the beat drops and the crowd roars, chances are DJ Ola is somewhere behind the decks—commanding the moment like only The General can. From the heart of New York City, this international DJ has been steadily building a legacy rooted in culture, rhythm, and connection. Whether it’s Afrobeats, Dancehall, Amapiano, or Hip Hop, DJ Ola doesn’t just play music—he curates sonic experiences that move bodies and bridge continents.
Having graced stages alongside the likes of Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and regularly collaborating with hitmaker Young Jonn, DJ Ola knows the pulse of the people. But beyond the sets and stage lights, his vision runs deeper.
With Afro Bashment—his signature event series—he’s carved out a vibrant space where African and Caribbean communities come together in celebration of sound, dance, and identity. From high-energy mixes to unforgettable rave nights, DJ Ola isn’t just spinning records—he’s shaping culture, one beat at a time.
Ethan Tomas: Curating Soundscapes That Echo Identity and Intention
When it comes to weaving the rhythms of the diaspora into a sonic journey, few do it quite like Ethan Tomas. A Ghanaian-American DJ and producer rooted in New York, Ethan’s sound carries the weight of two worlds—raised between the vibrant streets of Accra and the pulse of the American East Coast, his sets feel like home to anyone who’s ever straddled cultures.
From Afrobeats to Amapiano, Dancehall to Soca, Ethan paints his mixes with vibrant hues of the global Black experience. He’s not just spinning tracks—he’s building bridges, and his GINJA event series is proof, celebrating African music and culture with intentional joy and rhythm.
Whether he’s lighting up the Afrofuture Festival stage before a roaring 20,000-strong crowd or dropping gems in his Loft Sessions on YouTube, Ethan Tomas is that rare artist who doesn’t just play music—he narrates heritage through sound.
DJ Mohogany: Where Fire Sets Meet Fearless Expression
When DJ Mohogany steps behind the decks, she doesn’t just play — she sets the tone, shifts the energy, and leaves a lasting imprint on every room she touches. Born in Brooklyn and rooted in Liberian heritage, she proudly wears the title of NYC’s first Liberian female DJ — a title she’s earned not just through talent, but through undeniable presence and persistence in the game.
In just over five years, Mohogany has gone from spinning local nights to becoming one of the most in-demand DJs across major markets. From the pulse of New York’s nightlife to global stages for brands like Nike, Burberry, and Hennessy, she’s built a sonic lane all her own. Afrobeats may anchor her sound, but her ability to weave between genres makes each performance feel like a curated journey — rhythmic, rich, and resonant.
Be it a packed-out festival or a candle-lit private event, Mohogany brings more than music — she brings intention, identity, and a vibe you won’t forget.
Blaq Pages: Building Global Fellowship Through African Beats
Born in Accra and now rooted in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, Blaq Pages has become a force at the intersection of culture, sound, and community. More than just a DJ and producer, he’s a tastemaker and visionary — championing African music not just as a genre, but as a global experience. With infectious energy and a gift for fusing rhythms — from Afro House and Amapiano to Highlife, Kuduro, and GQOM — Pages turns every set into a celebration of the continent’s rich sonic heritage.
At the heart of his mission is Enjoyment Worldwide, his events company, and the Afrobeats To The World movement — both crafted to spotlight African music’s global resonance. Through signature events like Roots & Rave and Enjoyment Land, Pages has curated spaces where diaspora and rhythm collide, drawing diverse crowds and uniting them on the dancefloor.
Pages has not only amplified the voices of emerging African talents but also shared stages with heavyweights like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, Major Lazer’s Walshy Fire, the Marley brothers, and more. With each spin, Blaq Pages isn’t just moving feet — he’s shifting culture. His work is a bridge, connecting continents through sound and crafting a movement that feels as limitless as the music he plays.
As we journey deeper into this defining era for African music, one thing remains undeniable: the future of Afrobeats lives not only on stage, but in the booth—in the blend, the transitions, and the synergy between artist and DJ. It’s in this sacred connection that we don’t just hear music; we feel the heartbeat of a global movement.
At Music Custodian, we hold deep pride in the culture we share and the curators who make it move. Our love for African music knows no borders. We honor the DJs who translate rhythm into emotion, spinning sounds that echo from our hometowns to the world stage. They don’t just play—they preserve. They don’t just mix—they move us. And we’re here to celebrate every beat of their journey.
