Meet DJ YB | International DJ, Producer & Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with DJ YB and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ, what are you inspired by?
I started Djing about 8-9 years ago. My friend and I wanted to produce music; My friend suggested at that time we get equipment and practice without prior knowledge. I practiced under our basement for about one year before I started going out to network and understand the business more. I loved old skool music from Hiphop to Afrobeat right from the get-go. Especially Singers from traditional fuji singers my mom listens to and my uncle loved Bob Marley. I am very much inspired by my love for Fela since. When i started listening to him a lot, then i realization mentality dawned on me. I started to understand a lot of differences between Africa, the continent and its relation to the international world. Then I understood Fela’s music more and found my own purpose in using my position for the betterment of my own people. I quit my full time paid position after I graduated and I got into Djing heavier. The love for people propels and inspires me to use my craft to bring joy to the hearts of everyone globally. Exposing African music and culture worldwide is what I strongly believe in; this inspired me to connect the diaspora and all black people worldwide.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a full-time international DJ, Curator and custodian of the culture. Known as DJ YB – The General of Afrobeats. Which represents my deep-rooted aim to protect and expand African culture to the world as well as protect it too. I represent the true originality of Afrobeats music and my company, which we established in 2018 – AFRONIGHTLIVE have been involved in spreading the African culture worldwide through music, charity and positive vibes all over the world. I created AFRONIGHTLIVE for the lovers of Afrobeats, its culture and connecting the dot through music. At our event we create and ambience for audience to enjoy authentic music, food, dance performances, live art and more! We try at every event to also simultaneously bring these qualities at our event. This is what set’s us apart from others. It’s not necessarily about making money for us, but depicting the beauty of African sculpture through music. I can’t even start saying how “un-smooth” or the challenges one faces on this path. Look, in this business, people barely teach you the ropes. Only a hand full of people tend to meet or startup with a mentor. A lot of creatives get into this business without guidance and if your passion cannot defeat those caricatures, you will meet along the way! Thats when you just see many careers swipe right by. It has happened to so many. It’s also a business of numbers, affiliation and network. Therefore, no matter how real of a person you are or good your intentions are, if your sound is not going across all network, or you don’t have the numbers, then most likely you won’t be listened to. It’s a dog eat dog business (lol), sounds harsh? It’s just the truth. However, as i say “It’s all part of the business” because no man who has achieved greatness will tell you his/her road was smooth. Greatness is like a new harvest beans – “You will pick so much dirt before you find a good amount worth cooking.” Every woes I have gone through has shaped me for the next step in my life. Literally, if you see every disappointment in this business as a blessing, then you’ll win! It builds character in you, makes you smarter and plan better for a well-executed moves. Overall, i am proud of what my brand AFRONIGHTLIVE was still able to achieve in the midst of all this struggles. With no label help, no financial or support for small businesses and many other huddles. I kept pushing, i keep building my networking and increasing out numbers. We have successfully executed thousands of events worldwide in the past years through DJ YB and the AFRONIGHTLIVE brand. In 2019 we concluded about 5-7 cities in Europe tour with Runtown. I have also traveled to Uganda, Haiti, Nigeria, Rwanda and Tanzania to bring Afrobeats vibes to them as well. We have curated events in Miami, L.A, Jacksonvile, Seattle NYC, Indianapolis, Houston and many more. Las year 2020, during the pandemic, we also curated an event titled “Unity Project – An All Day Festival.” This event was curated and executed to connect the dot, promote unity within the black community, educate and raise money for the COVID 19 Bail Out Funds NYC – for those who were arrested during the BLM protest.

I have just dropped a new project we are promoting currently called “Ololo” – by DJ YB x Egar Boi

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The city is beautiful and i love the downtown view for me. I played few times at the Grand Cafe Bar in Hollywood; that will be a good place to visit for games, food and drinks. Then looking to dry some Afrosuion food, i can definable take them to visit Savoywynwood, currently one of the hottest spot for Afropolitan type food. They are many other spots to eat, drink i can’t really think of right now, but definitely a lot of places to go.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Website: www.IAMDJYB.COM

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dj_yb/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/THATDJYB

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0KBkgehE1XDmhHeUvLEymA/videos

Image Credits
Credits: Property of AFRONIGHTLIVE