Music, especially of the loud, danceable kind, is ubiquitous in most of Africa. Yet DJs, the artisans behind the walls of sound, often remain in the shadow. This is not how we roll: we want you to find out who is pushing the envelope throughout the continent.

This week we feature DJ K3V from Accra, Ghana.

DJ K3V Twitter | Facebook

How did it all start for you?

Some time ago! While I was still living in S.A, I had the opportunity to work as a presenter on a local radio station, (then BayFM). As part of the training they put me on, I got the opportunity to learn how to mix then essentially, DJ. But it wasn’t till I met up with a close friend, DJ Shavy Shav, that I started taking it seriously, because we decided to start pushing our own events.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

I have so many influences it’ll be hard to list them all. When it comes to my current music direction (what EffTheDJ and I are doing with #IFKR) I’d say the likes of Diplo, Skrillex and Steve Aoki have a heavy influence. But I was lucky to understudy and share the stage with the likes of DJ Fresh, DJ Kent, F.eU and a lot more when I was in S.A so that’s where a lot of my house and afrohouse inspiration comes from. Generally, however, I have to say Kobby Graham, has done a lot not only in grounding me when I got back to GH but also motivating me to keep the DJ fire burning.

What is your favorite genre of music and why.

Ugh, does a favorite genre exist for a DJ? When I’m driving, most of my playlist is Hip Hop. When I’m playing, most of my set is Afrohouse and House. At home, when I’m trying wind down, I’d most likely play Afrobeats. So yeah, I just appreciate the right vibe for the moment.

What single night out has been the most memorable for you? As a DJ? As an attendee?

What festivals would you most like to play at

Most definitely Ultra Fest, Tomorrowland, Nyege Nyege . Those are the ones on my wishlist but chale, anything goes…Chale Wote saf, we still go play!

What advice would you give to aspiring DJs ?

I’ve learned, it’s two things that will take you far in this industry. Irrespective of whether you have the best mixing skills or dopest playlists, it’s your work ethic and attitude that will break you through. Work ethic in the sense that, you cannot ever rest on your laurels. If your not at a gig, you should be practicing, if your not practicing, you should be networking. Attitude in respect to how you relate to people. Give respect where it’s due and remain humble, it goes a long way.

Can you tell us a bit about this mix, what it represents and means to you? Does it reflect what you sound like live?

See, lol! This mix is lit! I enjoy playing high energy, upbeat sets…but I especially love building sets. So this mix is a journey through some of the vibes people (including myself) are feeling right now. I’d like to think it reflects how I sound playing live because I really didn’t sit and think and put together a playlist, I kinda just let the energy decide what’s next, and that’s what I always do during my live sets.

Tracklist

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