Sodamole Oluseye, otherwise known as DJ SPINALL in showbiz circle is one of the most sought-after DJs in the country. His trademark, The Cap (traditional cap), is now a trend among Nigerian youths. The graduate of Electrical/Electronic Engineering from Olabisi Onabanjo University, shares how it all began with ORUKPE NELSON.

How best can we describe DJ SPINALL?

I am simple and an easy-going person. I am also God-fearing and focused in whatever I do.

How was growing up for you?

I am from a fun-loving family. I grew up in Lagos and I am the third child in a family of five. I started disc jockey after I left my secondary school, Lagos State Model College, Meiran.

Did you learn the skills somewhere?

Yes, I went to DJ Slim’s Academy for DJs at Ojokoro, Lagos, after my secondary education. I got lessons from DJ Hotega and Jimmy Jatt too.

Did it ever occur to you that you will be widely known as a DJ?

When you have passion for something and it is all you want to do, it’s hard to think of that. I just wanted to follow my dream; I wasn’t thinking of the outcome. So, I guess whatever I am today is the reward of the effort I had invested and God’s blessings. I used to be a DJ on Ray Power FM Lagos and Eko FM Lagos. This job has also taken me beyond Nigeria and to many exciting places.

Did your parents support your decision to do music?

My parents never had any reason to stop me from doing what I wanted to do. I feel I am blessed with the best parents in the world.

What were the things that influenced your decision to be a DJ?

I simply wanted to use my talent to make people happy. We all know that music brings happiness and unity to the world.

You recently featured Olamide on a song and you’ve done other collaboration too; tell us about them.

I am currently working on my studio album. I have a track with Burna Boy titled Gba Gbe E, Oluwa with MI and I recently featured Olamide on Attendance.

Could you recall your first major job?

It was in a church in 2005. It felt nice and I was really glad how things turned out.

What makes you a sough-after DJ?

Without sounding cocky I think what I bring to the table is different. My brand is strong and my track record over time has proved that I am good at what I do. God has also blessed me greatly. I believe when you are good, people will want to work with you. I am not restricted to any specific genre and my style of play has been tagged by many as “fearless” because I bring all kinds of music in one playlist. All these obviously differentiate me from the lots.

How did you arrive at your signature, The Cap?

Two things gave birth to The Cap.  The first is my dad who loves to socialise and he dresses well too. As a kid I watched my dad whenever he was going out to parties. He would spend some minutes at the front of a mirror and adjust his cap. And I knew he was going out anytime he wore his cap. So, anytime I put on my cap, it means I am prepared for serious business. The second story is that people used to tell me after a performance or show that it was a ‘Crazy Ass Party.’ When you put those words together, it means cap. I also love African prints, though most Africans don’t appreciate them. We have a lot of beautiful African prints, but we still choose to do the Versace Armani. I buy them too, so don’t get me wrong but we should celebrate our own. I use the cap everywhere I go and people, especially foreigners find it very fascinating. They always ask me where I come from and I proudly say Nigeria.

What is your academic qualification?

I am proudly a B.Sc. holder in Electrical Electronics Engineering from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State; I didn’t allow my love for music to stop me from studying. I am also a member of the coalition of Nigerian DJs.

You’ve been the official DJ of many musicians; could you give us some names?

Yea, I am the official DJ for musicians like Wande Coal, Sound Sultan, Mavin records, Tuface, Mo Chedda and many more. I am basically in charge of their stage performances for events and anywhere they go I go with them. I am also the official DJ for the Nigerian music night, otherwise known as the Industry Nite. I have a deep working relationship with many musicians.

How has it been with Industry Nite?

The experience has been fantastic, challenging and educating too. The organisers of Industry Nite put out words that they needed a DJ. I was then chosen after some processes and retained as the official DJ. A lot of DJs could perform at clubs, but it’s a different thing for concert events like the Industry Nite. Industry Nite has audience that could be difficult to entertain; we have bosses, industry stake-holders and celebrities. I see Industry Nite as the biggest thing happening to Nigerian music at present and I’m privileged to be part of it.

How many awards have you received?

I think I have a total of five awards and several nominations. I see all of them as special and reasons to work harder. I’m grateful for the recognition I had gotten so far.

Who are the people you look up to in the industry?

They are pretty much. On the list I have Tuface Idibia, Sound Sultan, DJ Jimmy Jatt among others.

How would you rate Nigerian disc jockey industry?

It’s a hard profession everywhere in the world, not only in Nigeria. What most people don’t know is that it takes a lot of hard work and intelligence to remain relevant in the industry.

It was recently in the news that you were set for a tour in the US. Could you tell us about it and the motives?

Yes, you are right. It is tagged “The Cap US Tour 2015.” The purpose is to connect with my fans and promote African music. It is happening this month. The tour will feature performance at the SXSW Music Festival in Houston Texas and concludes in the city of Philadelphia. Other cities billed for this tour are Houston, Washington DC, Atlanta and New York City.

Considering your knowledge of different sounds of music; should we be expecting you to be a singer someday?

No-one knows tomorrow; change is constant. But at present I’m only concentrating on DJ and writing songs.

Was being a DJ all you wanted as a kid?

No, I wanted to be an engineer and a lecturer. But I have a DJ school now where we are imparting people with the right skills for the future.

Apart from DJ what are the other things you do?

You need to understand that DJ is not just a fad; it’s bigger than the way people see it and a culture too. I’m sure if I were a banker you won’t ask if I do other things.

Is there anything you love to change about yourself given a second chance?

I ’m okay the way I am. There is no point changing anything about me because I love my life.

Was there a time you almost dumped DJ?

There was never a time. I might be down some days, but I never considered dumping my love for music. When things looked uncertain, the success stories of others gave me hope. I would say to myself that if they could do it I should be able too.