Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayomide (Ayo) Akinrinmade.
Hi Ayomide (Ayo), so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started DJing in 2022 while I was in college, but it wasn’t until 2023 that I really decided to take it seriously. At first, I was just inspired by some of my friends who were DJs, and I wanted to give it a try. I began DJing at my friend’s graduation parties and small college parties. They usually wouldn’t give me the big slots, but whenever I did get a chance to play, people loved my skill, my sense of music, and the energy I brought. That reaction pushed me to keep going, and soon what started as curiosity turned into a passion. From there, I focused on building my own style, blending Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, Amapiano, R&B, and House in ways that connect with different crowds.
In 2024, I was honored to be named “Best College ASO DJ,” which gave me a huge boost and opened even more doors. Since then, I’ve performed across major Texas cities like Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Lubbock, College Station, and Waco, and even taken my sound to California and New York. Some of my biggest highlights have been playing Culture FM, Baywatch Festival, True Colors Event, Texas Greek Picnic Festival, and Afrobeats to the World in Houston.
Along the way, I’ve also had the chance to work with or open for artists like Davido, Adekunle Gold, Odumodublvck, Shallipopi, Spinall, Mayorkun, Victony, DJ Tunez, Bnxn, Oxlade, and Tisa Korean. On top of that, I’ve created my own large-scale events including “Naija No Dey Carry Last,” a Nigerian Independence Day celebration with over 5,000 attendees, and “Asa Weekend,” a cultural and dance showcase for college students.
One of my proudest moments came in early 2025 when Texas State University awarded me “Performing Artist of the Year.” The school rarely gives that award to DJs, so being recognized in that way was special and showed me how far I had come. I’ve been honored to achieve all of this while studying in college as a 21-year-old. For me, it’s all about the energy, seeing people light up when a transition hits or when different sounds connect is what drives me. My journey is still just getting started, but my mission is clear, to bring people together through music and create moments they’ll never forget.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting out, I wasn’t always given the big time slots or the main opportunities. I had to take whatever chances I could get, like graduation parties or smaller college events, and prove myself every single time. There were moments when people overlooked me or didn’t believe in what I could bring to the table, but those situations pushed me to go even harder.
Another challenge has been balancing school and my DJ career. Being a full-time student while also traveling and performing in different cities takes a lot of discipline. There have been times where I’ll finish a gig late at night in another city, then have to get back on the road to San Marcos just to make it to class the next day. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s taught me how to manage my time, stay focused, and keep my priorities in order.
On top of that, being young has had its own challenges. Sometimes people overlook my work and my skill simply because of my age, but I’ve learned to let my talent, consistency, and the reactions from the crowd speak for themselves.
Struggles will always come my way, but I don’t let them dictate who I am. Instead, I use them as fuel to grow and become a better version of myself. The setbacks, the long nights, the constant traveling, and the moments of doubt have all pushed me to stay consistent and prove that this is bigger than just music, it’s my passion and my purpose.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a DJ who focuses on creating energy-driven experiences that bring people together through music. I specialize in Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, Amapiano, R&B, and House, and I’m known for blending different genres in unique ways that keep crowds on their feet. One of the things people know me for is my transitions and mashups. I love taking two completely different sounds and making them flow together so the crowd feels surprised, hyped, and connected all at the same time.
What sets me apart is that I don’t just play music, I study the crowd and control the energy of the room. I can move from Afrobeats to Hip-Hop to House in a way that feels natural and keeps everyone engaged, no matter where they’re from or what their background is. My versatility lets me connect with diverse audiences, from African and African American communities to college students and even older crowds, and that ability to bring people together is something I take pride in.
I’m also a part of MOBOYZ, a party group that started at Texas State University made up of close friends who know how to turn up any crowd in Texas. At my school, I’m a proud member of the Mu Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, as well as the African Student Association. Being involved in these groups has given me a strong support system and platforms to not only DJ, but also to build community and celebrate culture.
With my partner in crime Chübby, I’ve organized large-scale events such as Naija No Dey Carry Last, ASA Weekend, and other big events on our campus. We even took the whole college town to College Station for a weekend just to celebrate life. In Houston i’ve organized events with my MC, Sunnyside, as well. Those moments showed me how powerful music and culture can be when they bring people together.
One of my proudest moments has been winning “Performing Artist of the Year” at Texas State University in 2025. The school rarely gives that award to DJs, so for me to receive it showed that what I do has an impact beyond just parties, it’s art and it’s culture. I’m also proud of being able to balance all of this while still being a 21-year-old college student.
At the end of the day, what makes me different is the energy I bring, my versatility, and my dedication to creating moments people will never forget.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, my biggest plan is to keep growing as a DJ and expand my reach beyond Texas. I’ve been blessed to build a strong following across different cities, and now I want to take that same energy to bigger stages across the country and eventually around the world. I see myself traveling internationally, sharing Afrobeats and the other sounds I love with people everywhere, and connecting cultures through music.
I’m also planning to keep building with my team and the people around me. With Chübby and MOBOYZ, as well as ASA and Alpha Phi Alpha, I want to continue organizing bigger events that bring people together and give students and young adults spaces to celebrate culture and enjoy life. We’ve already done it on campus and in different Texas cities, and I’m looking forward to taking it even further. One thing I’m especially excited about is throwing my first official DJ A.Y. event this November during Thanksgiving weekend. That’s just the beginning, and we’ll continue to build on that momentum.
On a personal level, I want to keep developing my craft, dropping more mixes, collaborating with artists, and making my own mark in the music industry. At the same time, I’m focused on finishing school and setting myself up to balance both my education and my career. I know big changes are ahead, but I’m excited for them. For me, this is just the beginning, and I’m ready to take it to the next level.
Pricing:
- If you need any pricing my email is dja.yofficial2@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dja.y_?igsh=NGJlYjN2MGNzODBj&utm_source=qr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayomide-akinrinmade-670999241?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dja.y?si=iUvdgCvvKgrnk5ru
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/MeDbZtwiOzyXT6a3a0
Image Credits
Palo Mumbi
https://www.instagram.com/montapes_?igsh=MWd5M3JhZTVyMWpkMg==
