Though DJ Lambogini started out as an on-air personality, she is equally good with her hands. In this interview with ORUKPE NELSON, the Chocolate City’s DJ talks about her relationship with MI and what makes her different.

How did you develop flair for your job?

I started out as an on-air personality in Abuja. I was with Raypower at a time and I worked in other stations too. I have always loved music, so with time I developed more interest in it. Being a DJ wasn’t difficult for me because I was already an OAP.

So, you’ve practically dumped OAP?

I would not say I dumped it, but music has taken all my time right now.

How did your parents react to your decision to be a DJ?

My dad was a DJ back in the days, so it was something he accepted easily. My parents were just scared that being a DJ might not be able to pay my bills, but I have been able to convince them. I am from a family where one is allowed to express one’s creativity. We are five children; my younger brother is a make-up artist while my first brother is a photographer. This should tell you that we are talented in my family.

Could we say watching your father those days influenced you?

Yes, because I have always wanted to be a DJ. I couldn’t just think about it seriously at a time because then DJs were not respected and I am a girl. But after a while I just said I would do it. I am happy that God has brought me thus far. But I feel I still have a long way to go because I see life as a journey. I am not even half way through the place I want to be.

Were you doing music in secondary school?

Like I said, music has been part of me right from while I was tender. Though I wasn’t doing active music, most people who knew me in secondary school are not surprised I am a DJ now. In school, you will always see me at the centre of social activities.

How long have you been doing this?

It’s about five years now. My first paid job was at a club in Abuja. I was not paid that much, but it felt good. I used to stay in Abuja; I moved to Lagos 2012.

Why did you relocate to Lagos?

I had thought of moving to Lagos long ago because it is the capital of Nigeria, but the biggest influence was when MI invited me to be his official DJ. Though it took a while to make the decision, I came based on the fact that I had a job with MI in Lagos.

Could you tell us about the song you featured MI last year?

No Mercy was my first single and I released it last year February. I was trying to create something and I said we should do a remix of Kanye West’s Lamborghini Mercy. It took us like three minutes to come up with the idea. It was a very interesting process for me and an eye-opening. I would be releasing another single by the end of this month.

What exactly do you do for Chocolate City?

I am signed to Chocolate City as an artiste and I am also MI’s personal DJ. What that means is that I follow him whenever he goes to perform, within and outside Nigeria.

How did you meet MI?

I first met MI in 2005. Though we got along well, we lost contact. It was later a friend of mine met MI and told him I had become a DJ. MI was delighted and put a call to me. He then asked me to come and work for him since he needed a DJ. MI is my very good friend, a mentor and he is very inspiring. I see him as a perfectionist.

Don’t you feel intimidated by growing numbers of male DJs?

I grew up among four boys, so I have developed thick skin. I am not intimidated by anyone. I don’t let what people do bother me; I just play and do my things my own way.

Would you call yourself Nigeria’s no 1 female DJ?

Of course, I am Africa’s number one female DJ. I am different; my entire brand is different. My look and the way I do my things are like none other. I also take what I do very seriously.

How did you come about the name Lambogini?

My name is Olawunmi and they always called me Lam Lam when I was younger. When I grew older my friends changed it to Lambo and it started from there. So, I am known as Lambogini (name of a car) now, which means I am strong and expensive.

What is the lowest and highest you could charge for a show?

It depends on the show really. I can do gigs for free and I can also decide that I must be paid. The amount I collect for jobs has no limit.

Did you have any formal training?

There was nothing formal; it has just been years of practice. Though, I got several influences from the likes of DJ Bombay and other DJ friends. These people influenced my style and I learnt things from them.

How were you able to combine your academics with DJ?

Before I became a DJ, I was already a graduate of English Literature from the University of Abuja.

What gives you satisfaction about the job?

The job itself is so fulfilling. Every time I am on deck and I make people happy, I feel fulfilled.

What does an award mean to you?

Award makes a big impression in one’s career. It gives you an edge. Last year, I was awarded the most outstanding DJ at the TAWA Awards. I was very happy about that.

What do you do apart from DJ?

DJing is pretty much my life; it is a fulltime job for me.

Was there a time you almost dumped DJ?

I have been frustrated a lot of time, but not strong enough to think of leaving DJ. I just wanted to move back to Abuja where I came from. Life in Lagos is very different from that of Abuja and settling down in Lagos was not easy. I didn’t have a place of my own to stay when I came in newly; I was living with different people. I didn’t have a car as well. But all is gone now.

What gave you hope all those periods?

I was just convinced that it has to work out.

What is the craziest thing you’ve done for love?

Nothing; I haven’t done any crazy thing for love. I cannot remember doing any crazy thing.

How would you rate the impact of female DJs in Nigeria?

I am not satisfied and I think we still have a long way to go. But I am happy we are now making attempt and more females are coming out to show the world their talent.

What should we expect from you say in the next five years?

You should be expecting a lot. Five years is a long time. My album should be out by then and I would have completed some other projects I plan to embark on. I would definitely do songs where I would sing from beginning to the end too. I don’t know when, but I am looking forward to doing that.