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 Fro from Accra, Ghana.

 

When did you start DJing – and what or who were your early passions and influences?

It all started in 2012, at the University of Cape Coast where I had my tertiary education. I was in my hall of residence, Kwame Nkrumah Hall one evening and I didn’t like the music that was being played via the hall’s radio so I called the request line to ask them to play something better. They said, “If you can do a better job come downstairs to the studio then” so I went over and played a few songs using Virtual DJ, soon they had a lot of hall mates calling in to say they were enjoying the songs. I was told to come play every Friday evening and that’s where my unprofessional career as a DJ started. Soon after, my professional career as a DJ also started when I started my internship as IT Support at Xfm and was given the opportunity to DJ live on air.

 

What type of DJ are you and how do you fit into the industry in Ghana ?

I believe a “Mobile DJ” best categorizes me currently. I mostly play Afrobeats, Hiphop (both new school and old school), Funk, Afrohouse, Deephouse, Funky House, Reggae/Dancehall, Moombahton, Grime and Afroswing. However, I’ve always loved to DJ on radio to promote Afrobeats and Ghanaian music. I currently still promote Afrobeats and Ghanaian music, so I guess that’s how I fit into the entertainment industry in Ghana as a DJ.

 

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

Well, this question is golden! There has definitely been many memorable nights but the most memorable one for me as a DJ and an attendee was when I DJ’ed at an event by Xfm where I met my girlfriend 5 years ago. There were many DJ’s on rotation that night so I was able to have a dance with her and that was the start of something magical for me.

 

What is your goal as a DJ, and what are the next steps for you to get there?

As a DJ, I aim to own a radio station someday so I can share my love for music with Africa and the entire world.

 

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

I made this mix to illustrate how songs from “some unsung” music artists in Africa also fit in the mainstream Afrobeats scene. Yes, we can mix it up not always music from the popular artists. This mix mostly has new music from Africa for the period of July to the start of August with your favorite unsung artist also in mind.

 Tracklist

1. Juls ft. Kwesi Arthur & Akan – Saa Ara
2. Tiwa Savage ft. Duncan Mighty – Lova Lova
3. Simi – I Dun Care
4. Osa – Body Bad
5. Joyce Olong – Lush Vibes
6. Zed Ay Kay ft. Dahlin Gage & Yaa Pono – Lemonade
7. Harmonize ft. Sarkodie – DM Chick
8. Fuse ODG – Island
9. Ciara ft. Tekno – Freak Me
10. R2bees – We Dey Vibe
11. King Promise – Abena
12. Max Le Daron ft. Joey le Soldat, Gan Gah & Eli A Free – Sougri
13. Mr. Eazi ft. Mo-T – Property
14. Busiswa ft. Moozlie – Bad Galz
15. 2Baba ft. Perruzi – Amaka
16. ToyBoi – Somtin
17. Samini – Give Me Love (Overseas Riddim)
18. Gafacci & Moni ft. Joey B – Juana
19. Sarz x Wurld – Trobul
20. Quayba – G.O.D. (Good Ole Days)
21. Bwoy Tab – Tso Kpa Kpa
22. Elevated ft. Joe El Amadi & JiggyJegg – Omo De Yi
23. E.L – Yo Geng
24. Joey B – You Peh
25. Skales ft. Yung L & Endia – Pass
26. Joey B ft. Wanlov x PonoBiom – Beautiful Boy
27. Ryderz x Samini – BKBK (Boko Boko)
28. M.anifest ft. Worlasi – Okay

afrobeats, dj fro, Ghana