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DJ Indo
From childhood, celebrated DJ Indo, the official man behind the wheels in Wazobia FM 95.1 station, had been dreaming of a stint with the military. But the day he learnt of their merciless drilling, his passion and fantasy died instantly.In this close-up, he took our Contributing Editor, IFECHI OKOH, down the memory lane, revealing his background, his journey so far, parental backing, challenges and, finally, how he got his break.It’s an A-Z expose on DJ Indo, the man behind Wazobia 95.1fm station. Enjoy it!
Kindly let us into your background, all that are necessary and important about yourself . . .
My name is Kenneth Ifeanyi Ogboi (a.k.a. DJ Indo). I am from Agbor in Delta State; a graduate of Theatre Arts from Lagos State University (LASU). I am the official DJ of Wazobia 95.1fm, Lagos, a music lover of all times. My love remains in music. People know me as a naturally caring, loving, honest, simple and hardworking person. That’s the summary of General DJ Indo of Wazobia 95.1 fm station, the No 1 indigenous station in Nigeria.
What was your childhood fantasy and why was it so?
Ehh! I have always fantasized about becoming a soldier. I loved the military style while growing up. As a result, I wanted to go into the military school or the command one in order to realize my age-long dream. However, the Kasala burst when I had low grade and the lack of connections worsened my chances.
At the end of the day, I took a reflective look at this golden chance and submitted strongly that nothing actually was spoilt, after all. I remembered military drilling for offenders which made me to forget everything about the military. Hence, I’m not lamenting not going to the military school to actualize my childhood fantasy.
What was the turning point in your formative years?
My interest for music and mixing songs was formed back in the days, precisely during my secondary school days.To me, music is an art, which is just like painting a picture or mixing two colours, to make artistic impression with the aim of getting a particular colour. I see mixing two songs and getting the right beat / tempo as an art. I remembered vividly that during my last days in the secondary school, I came in contact with TURNTABLE DJS whom I called TURNTABLELISTS.While understudying him, I learnt how to mix two songs, which actually turned out to be a starting point for me andit really helped me to pick up interest in my calling.
How did you keep the love for being a DJ burning hot from such young age?
Good! I started by buying music books and learning the lyrics therein and using music player to slow-play songs just to actually learn by listening well and getting them right at all cost at the end of the day.Thank God that the strenuous efforts paid off. The period I am talking about was immediately after my secondary school. It was from that moment, I took disc-jockeying as a hobby. In my desperate bid to prove myself as a DJ, I started playing at parties and organizing them too, without attaching any importance, I mean as it concerned the financial reward. It was incredible, but true, since we were enjoying ourselves.
At a time, I started taking my disc-jockeying love more seriously, so as to build a career out of my efforts. And luckily for me, it worked, to the glory of Almighty God.
What were your challenges on the way up?
First among the many challenges, was the case of funds. I mean money, money, money was needed badly to actualize my dream and struggles.With all that I was seeing on the internet and the people I have been associating with, I needed to equip myself with the right equipment to avoid any kind of embarrassment. I also made deliberate efforts to be outstanding on the job while getting equipment and knowledge needed to be at my best and top too, which were not easy as calculated.
What incident can you not throw into the dustbin on your way up?
The experience was pretty funny and it came via an ironical channel by any definition. One very disturbing experience which I had on my way up was the day people stoned me during a carnival. I couldn’t believe that such would happen to me, no matter what. The funny thing was that I didn’t know my blunder which may have warranted such cruelty. However, I had to run-off the stage in desperate bid to save myself from sustaining serious injury as a result of the unexplained mob action. Since I was lucky to have escaped unhurt, I vowed not to go back to the stage that night until the party was over. However, somebody came to continue what I was doing.It was a very scary experience in my career on my way up.
When did you get the big break as a DJ?
That was in 2016 when I got a radio job interview at Brilla FM and I was supper happy because of the opportunity ahead. I went for the interview and was selected.
Do you have songs of your own?
Yes! I have released two songs officially. They are mainly love songs. The first was titled “Inside,” featuring Abdul of Black Trybe.The second was “Love you,” featuring Yungsam.
How do you handle fans, especially the opposite sex?
My relationship is cordial and platonic with my fans. Just like the General in my name, I am available and accessible to everyone. I want my style to appeal to everyone both old and young. I respect my fans and they respect me too.It is a mutual understanding of affairs.
Are you married?
Yes I am married.
What is your opinion about beauty and love?
Love is personal as everyone defines what love is to him/her.To me, love is a beautiful thing. Love is caring, love is attention giving and love is giving, too.
What is beauty in your definition?
It is simply in the eyes of the beholder, as popularly believed.