Mdundo DJ Spotlight: DJ Voltron Shares Dream to Play at Live Aid Concert

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Timothy Rinti Samuel, professionally known as DJ Voltron becomes the latest DJ from Jos Plateau State to feature on Mdundo DJ Stories. 

The budding disc jockey sheds the light on how life has been for him, how he started DJing and more. Continue below for the conversation with our correspondent. 

- Tell us about your journey and how did you start DJing?

I started Djing in 2012 on the streets of Rukuba Road, Jos Plateau State. Before I registered in 2014 to learn more under the tutelage of De Brothers Studio owned By DJ Steve De Mix Master. 

- Why did you choose to be a DJ as your professional career?

I chose to become a DJ because it allows me to express myself through music. There is this extra love, feeling and satisfaction from making hundreds or thousands of people happy through your collection of music. 

In another life, if there is one, I would still choose to be a DJ. 

- What was your struggle while starting, and what are you currently facing as challenges?

First, I would say it was my mum. She never wanted me to become a DJ because of the lifestyle she has seen other DJs in our neighbourhood have. I started djing without her approval and right now she can trade her last Kobo just to support my career.

- Do you think that the DJ scene in Nigeria has adequate female representation?

I don't really think gender has anything to do with djing. We have a lot of female DJs doing more out here. The likes of DJ Commissioner, DJ Nana, DJ Lambo, DJ Switch, DJ Burna, DJ Ivy Djnicky, and DJ Zoe like. We have a lot of female DJs and I believe they are being treated as any DJ would be treated.

- How do you balance your life as a professional DJ, your family and your study?

Being a DJ has kept me a little far from home. A lot of trips from one state to another. So I get to see my family once in a while but thanks to technology, I could Facetime my family or call them anytime any day so I’m good.

- Which big concert do you dream of playing at?

I think I would prefer to play for Live Aid (a charity concert) at no cost just to support those in need.

- Where do you feel most comfortable? In the studio or on stage?

I feel more comfortable on stage than in the studio. I love to interact with my crowd. 

- How do you stay up to date with the latest music trends?
How do I keep up to date? Very easy. I have a lot of bloggers' contacts, I am always online searching, listening to other DJs, and some artists send their songs to my mail. Tiktok, IG, and Twitter alone have helped the industry grow too fast, unlike before when it was only cd or On Air Radio plays.

- Are there any DJs on or off the scene that you look up to or who inspires you?

I have a lot of DJs I look up to, but I can’t mention them all. Some inspire me with their club playlist, stage performance, and mashups. I have a lot of DJs I look up to. 

- Which Naija artist will you like to play for and why?

Would pick Burna Boy. He is the best for me when it comes to Stage Performance.

- How do you feel mixing Afrobeats tunes, compared to mixing foreign songs?
I’m a Nigerian and Afro has always been our culture. I feel better and outstanding when I play genres people don't know. I believe it's my duty to educate them on other genres.

- What advice would you give to your past self, and those who want to take up DJing as a career?

Always put God first, Learn new tricks, and Listen to other DJs, you may learn something new. Make mistakes and learn from them. Always recreate, study your crowd, and lastly, always update and shuffle your playlist.