Having studied Biochemistry at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Betiku Oluwatobi Austin aka DJ Turbo D, however found his calling as a Dj. Turbo D, who is at present a deejay at Eko FM, Lagos, also doubles as Korede Bello’s official DJ. In this interview with ADENIYI ADEWOYIN, he speaks about his relationship with Mavins Records artiste, Korede Bello, differences between playing in a radio station, among other issues. Excerpts:
HOW did you start deejaying?
It started from dancing, I used to dance in a group called ‘Assigned.’ That was in 2002. From there, it all came in when we had a party, I was the social director. I had to bring Dj for every event. Along the line, I was like, ‘ahh this dee jay was going on and on so I decided to try it.’ In 2003, I started deejaying in my area, Agege, Abulegba, organising shows. From there, I was opportune to be on shows and radio.
How has it been since then?
It’s been great and we’ve been pushing it. We’re trying, playing in various club, although (for) shows, it has not been easy. The challenges, the work is really tasking. You know you have to think of how to deliver at the party, play at a gig, make people dance that’s the most difficult task to control your crowd.
What are the similarities of being a radio deejay and club deejay?
For me, I have been in radio all my life, since have started working as a radio deejay. I’ve had feel of club as well as I have played in street carnivals. I think the only difference is what we play on radio. We have to be careful with NBC songs. Not all songs go on air. We have to sync with program that goes on air, same thing goes to street. That’s the differences. We also turn up on radio too, but not all songs can be played on radio.
Talking about NBC, do you think they are working effectively?
Sorry to say but it’s like they are sleeping ooo. I don’t know, probably there is a protocol before the board decides. Maybe it takes them time before they talk about it. They have to schedule meetings to talk about the song but with that time alone, I’m sorry to say that song is already going. They are trying to put the music industry together for people to sing good music but all these our artistes these days are all trying to find hits. So, I don’t blame anybody singing anything. I don’t blame NBC, I don’t blame the artiste. My own is that everybody should just do good music.
As a deejay, have you had upcoming artistes coming to you for promo?
I’ve had artists come to me to play their music. Now, you need a lot of capital to do your music. I supported a lot of them. Some of them don’t come back to appreciate. We have heard some of them go up, they are now down and now trying to come back.
From 2007 to 2017 it’s been ten years. What has been your staying power?
I’m still learning and upcoming, I won’t say I’m prefect. It’s been great, thanks to God because it’s not easy trying to merge deejaying, radio and school. Back then, I would leave school from LASU to Eko FM. It was really tasking beause I was studying a great course.
What plans do you have for this profession?
We are planning on doing something about it. Planning on going international to see how wide it is. I don’t believe what we are doing now in Nigeria is the best. I know there are still things we can bring down here. I’m trying to do one or two courses regarding music production and presentation.
So as a deejay, we know you are very busy from radio. How have you been able to shuttle with your busy schedule and all?
It got busy when I started working with Korede Bello. We would have to go for show, moving around state to state, outside Nigeria, trying to put one or two things together. Sometimes, I don’t even go to work, had to give excuse. It’s been fun all the way. Working with him has been great and we still strong. I’m also dropping my song soon with him.
How did you meet Korede Bello?
I got a call that from a friend that a record label wanted to recruit DJs and that I should come around. When I got there, I found out it was Mavin records. I was like ‘wow.’ That was the first time I met don jazzy. It was fun. Then I was assigned to Korede Bello as his DJ. Since then we have been good. He is my guy!
That makes you a Mavin family?
Yes.
How would you describe Mavin? The music house is yet to deliver a hit song like in previous years…
There are hit songs now, but I can’t say anything about them, But I can talk about Korede Bello and Tiwa savage. They have been bringing out singles. It’s been good.
As Korede Bello’s official Dj, do you take part in his music production or do you advice on what songs to do?
We do, working also with Caspertament his manager. We sit down and discuss on how we should do it.
How has it been working with him?
He is very humble, we blend together. Age is just a number. I don’t see it as any biggie, working with him is good.
How long have you been dee jaying for Korede Bello?
From 2013. Now, it’s been four years.
And you have no single with him?
We are working on something. We have recorded three songs, one produced by Altims, which shall be dropping soon. And it’s ready but still trying to figure out what the title will be. When it all started, I wanted to give him time as well to pick up. I didn’t want to choke him with recording because probably he dropped singles. In the industry, you need to plan. If I had dropped one then, I don’t think it would have been the right time then. I think now is the right time and I’m ready to face that music. Let me see how it feels like to drop a single.
Are you single?
Yes, I’m single (Laughs)
What’s you type of woman?
A God-fearing woman, dark and humble.
As a dee jay, which are your top five songs you play in shows?
In no particular order, I will say Wande Coal (Iskaba), Small Doctor (Penalty), Korede Bello (Godwin), 9ice (Living Things). For me, every song depends on how you mix them.
What are the moments that turned everything for you?
When I graduated from LASU. I was like, ‘I’m done with this. I need to face the DJ work.’ It’s not been easy trying to connect with parties, going for shows. I’m just happy.
