Unveiling King of Disco, DJ Tohbahd on Mdundo's New 'Fresh Out Podcast'

Lagos is undoubtedly the heart of Nigerian music and one man stands as the undisputed King of Disco – DJ Tohbahd. But this isn't just a tale of a DJ who emerged from the club scene; it's a narrative of a unique journey that began in unconventional places, molding an architect into a maestro of beats.

Born with an innate desire to manipulate music, DJ Tohbahd's journey didn't start in the pews of a church or the comfort of his home. Instead, it sprouted from the seed of curiosity when he stumbled upon the Virtual DJ software during his second year at the University of Lagos, where he was studying architecture. 

DJ Tohbahd Initial Interest in Music

It was an accidental discovery. He tells Mdundo Podcast that it was one of those hectic days and he decided to break for lunch before his next class. It is on his way to the campus eatery that he stumbled on one of his classmates with Virtual DJ on his laptop and he quickly requested him to copy it for him on his flash drive. 

This marked the inception of a journey that would shape his future in entertainment. 

Experimenting with Virtual DJ became a creative outlet for DJ Tohbahd, allowing him to sculpt and mold beats to his liking, adding the effects that resonated with his unique style. His passion for manipulating music grew stronger, laying the foundation for a DJ with a distinct approach.

How “Tohbahd” Came About

The moniker "DJ Tohbahd" was coined during family parties, where his cousins playfully labeled him as "too bad." Little did they know that this nickname would become his stage name, a symbol of his prowess in the world of music.

His breakthrough moment arrived when a cousin, who had returned from studying abroad, asked him to deejay at his wedding in The Gambia. Initially hesitant, Tohbahd took the plunge, setting the stage for a remarkable journey. This unexpected gig led to a domino effect of opportunities, with one client leading to another, and DJ Tohbahd found himself at the epicenter of the music scene.

Going Into Music Fulltime

Despite his success, DJ Tohbahd faced a pivotal crossroads when he completed his architecture degree in 2015. Confronted with the expectations of pursuing a career in architecture, he decided to follow his passion for entertainment, leaving behind the blueprint for buildings to create sonic architectures on the dance floor.

Known as the King of Disco, a title he borrowed from one of his favorite songs, the 31-year-old attributes his success to the diversity in his music selection. Growing up among older cousins exposed him to various genres, enabling him to seamlessly switch between old and new sounds during performances – a skill often overlooked by newer DJs.

For DJ Tohbahd, being a DJ is not just about playing music; it's a transformative experience that has helped him manage his emotions better. Drawing parallels between his architectural background and deejaying career, he emphasizes the importance of research and meticulous planning – the foundational pillars of both disciplines.

Acknowledging the influence of DJ Spinal and DJ Neptune in shaping his career, DJ Tohbahd emphasizes the significance of continuous practice. His advice to aspiring DJs is simple but profound: aim for greatness.

He believes that greatness gives you leverage when negotiating pay with promoters, a sentiment rooted in the belief that Nigerian DJs are undervalued for their contributions to the music industry.

For now, he is stopping at nothing in his quest to command the dance floor. He says his musical craft stands to inspire generations to come; from the architecture lecture halls of UniLag to the celebrated King of Disco. With each beat, DJ Tohbahd not only spins records but weaves a narrative of passion, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of one's true calling – a calling that beckons from the soul of the music itself. 

About Great Ekama, Fresh Out Podcast Host

Meet Great, a music aficionado whose journey with tunes started as a pure passion and evolved into a thrilling career. His passion for music propelled him into becoming a curator, where he immersed himself in diverse genres, discovering hidden gems and cultivating a wide-ranging taste. This love for music naturally led him to delve into the digital content realm. Starting out as a social media manager, he navigated this space and found his niche as a flourishing digital content producer and a seasoned digital marketing expert.

Great’s enthusiasm for music spills over into his hosting role on the "Fresh Out" podcast, where his magnetic personality effortlessly connects with guests. His talent lies in creating an inviting atmosphere, making guests feel at ease, and fostering a comfortable space for candid conversations. His interviewing skills are finely tuned, seamlessly blending friendliness with insightful questioning, ensuring the spotlight remains on the guests' stories while adding depth and richness to each episode.

Listeners find themselves drawn into the world of music through Great's screen & audio interactions, as he showcases his vast knowledge and genuine curiosity about the industry. His ability to curate a delightful blend of music-related content, coupled with his innate hosting charm, makes him a standout figure in the podcasting realm.

About Mdundo Fresh Out Podcast

"Fresh Out Podcast," hosted and powered by the renowned music streaming service Mdundo, is a captivating auditory journey into the world of music, helmed by DJs and esteemed music-related guests. 

This vibrant podcast provides a platform for these industry insiders to intimately share their artistic journeys, experiences, and insights, offering listeners a backstage pass to the evolving landscape of music. 

Each episode is a treasure trove of stories, anecdotes, and discussions that delve deep into the artistry, challenges, and triumphs within the music scene. From emerging talents to seasoned professionals, the podcast celebrates diversity and creativity while fostering a deeper connection between artists and their audience. 

With its engaging and informative content, "Fresh Out Podcast" serves as a beacon for music enthusiasts, offering an enriching and immersive experience into the pulsating heartbeat of the music industry.