Today we’d like to introduce you to Jola Ogunleye.
Hi Jola, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was doom-scrolling on TikTok one day and saw someone DJing in their bedroom. My immediate thought was, “Wait… I could totally do better than that.” So naturally, the very next day I marched into Guitar Center, bought a full setup with absolutely no plan, and taught myself how to DJ from scratch.
I practiced every single day for two weeks straight and, by the end of it, I was fully convinced I was basically John Summit. I made a Facebook post asking if anyone needed a DJ, and somehow that led to my very first gig at Thirsty Chicken. From there, things just kept growing through word of mouth, social media, and saying yes to opportunities that pushed me outside my comfort zone.
Now I get to do what I love — bring energy to people’s events, create moments they’ll remember, and have a lot of fun while doing it. Honestly, it all started from me being a little too confident while scrolling TikTok.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to consistently promote myself and get more bookings. A lot of venues/organizations/people already have DJs they know and work with, so earning opportunities and getting people to take a chance on me has taken time and persistence.
Another challenge has been balancing everything behind the scenes. I work a full-time job while also finding time to practice, dig for new music, organize crates, prepare sets, create content, network, and understand the business side of DJing — on top of actually performing. Some days it feels like I’m competing on a reality show challenge where I have to do five things at once and still smile at the camera.
I’ve also learned how important community is in the DJ world, so I try to make time to support other DJs and stay connected within the scene. It can definitely be a lot to juggle, but every challenge has helped me grow.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Outside of DJing, I work full-time in software sales, so my life is a pretty funny mix of corporate meetings during the day and DJ sets at night. I think having both worlds has actually helped me a lot. Sales taught me how to connect with people, read a room, and adapt quickly, which translates perfectly into DJing.
As a DJ, I specialize in creating high-energy environments where people feel comfortable letting loose and having fun. I’m known for being versatile and able to adapt to whatever crowd I’m in front of. Whether it’s hip-hop, rap, R&B, afrobeats, country, throwbacks, or party music, I pay close attention to the energy of the room and build around that instead of sticking to one formula.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come from teaching myself in my room to now being trusted to DJ people’s weddings, parties, and events. I’d say what sets me apart most is my energy. People may forget specific songs you played, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel, and I always want people to leave feeling like they had a genuinely good time.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I wouldn’t really consider myself a big risk-taker, I tend to like keeping things pretty safe and intentional.
The most “risky” thing I’ve done is really putting myself out there through social media and self-promotion. Constantly sharing my work, events, and DJ journey can be nerve-wracking because you never fully know how you’re being perceived.
Especially since I’ve only been actively DJing for about a year and a half, everything still feels fairly new. I’m very aware that I’m still learning and growing, so there are moments where imposter syndrome kicks in and it can feel like I’m “faking it till I make it.” But I’ve also learned that showing up consistently is part of the process, even when you don’t feel 100% ready.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsdjjo/
Image Credits
@shah.photos
@aliscreativestudio
