In the exciting world of Afrobeats, singers and performers often get the most attention but many of the biggest songs also come from DJs, they are not only glued to their turntables but also in the studio cooking up hits for the music fans. Nigerian DJs are not just popular names; they are also hitmakers with hit songs to their discography. From club hits to chart-topping singles, DJs like DJ Spinall, DJ Neptune, DJ Xclusive, DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Kaywise, DJ Tunez, and DJ Cuppy have made a big impact on the music industry.
Here is a look at the Nigerian DJs turning turntables into hits and some of the hits they’ve spun into history.
DJ Jimmy Jatt
Oluwaforijimi Adewale Amu, known as DJ Jimmy Jatt, is one of Nigeria’s earliest hip-hop DJs. He initially pursued rap as “Master J” before founding the influential “Jimmy’s Jump Off” concert in 2008.
His hit tracks such as “Stylee” ft. 2Baba, Mode 9, ElaJoe, a socially conscious classic awarded Song of the Year at The Headies 2008. “Da Yan Mo” ft. Sasha P & Naeto C Other tracks include “Feeling the Beat” (Wizkid), “Oshe” ft. Wizkid, “Turn Up” (Flavour), and “Worry Me” (2Baba & BNXN).
The Definition (2007) mixtape featuring artists like Sound Sultan, 2Baba, Mode 9, Naeto C, Ruggedman, M.I Abaga. The Industry Vol. 1 (2014) includes 26 tracks and over 40 artists like D’banj, Olamide, Banky W, Ice Prince, Phyno and others.
DJ Spinall
A pioneer in pushing DJs into the mainstream spotlight, DJ Spinall is known for his bold fashion and bolder beats. With his CAP Music imprint and international collaborations, he is constantly ahead of the curve. Oluseye Desmond Sodamola, known professionally as DJ Spinall. His signature cap has become synonymous with his brand.
One of the songs that brought DJ Spinall into the spotlight was “Gba Gbe E” (2014) featuring Burna Boy, a breakout hit that introduced his sound to a wider audience. He followed up with a string of successful tracks, including “Nowo” (2018) with Wizkid, a dance-floor anthem that became a continental hit, and “Dis Love” (2019), featuring Wizkid and Tiwa Savage.
Other major releases include “Sere” (2021) with Fireboy DML, “Palazzo” (2022) with Asake, and “Loju” (2022) featuring Wizkid, their third collaboration together.
In 2023, Spinall released “Bunda”, featuring Olamide and Kemuel. He returned in 2024 with “One Call”, South African star Tyla and Nigerian artist Omah Lay. Most recently, he dropped a new single titled “Kerosene” with hitmaker Young Jonn.
Spinall’s six studio albums chart his artistic growth: My Story: The Album (2015), Ten (2016), Dreams (2018), Iyanu (2019), Grace (2020), and Top Boy (2023). Spinall broke barriers as the first Nigerian DJ to headline Coachella, SXSW, and Glastonbury.
DJ Neptune
Imohiosen Patrick, aka DJ Neptune, rose from hype man to Afrobeats’ go‑to curator. He has been active since 2001.
DJ Neptune has a host of hits to his credit, but “Nobody” (2020) ft. Joeboy & Mr Eazi is one of his biggest, as the song had everyone in a chokehold, most especially during the lockdown period in the COVID era. “Baddest” (2015) ft. Olamide, Stonebwoy & BOJ; “My World” (2015) ft. Maleek Berry; “So Nice” (2015) ft. Davido & Del B; and “Bienvenue“ with Ruger in 2024 are also part of his hit catalogue.
DJ Neptune has a host of impressive discography as albums, as it includes Greatness (2018) featuring Burna Boy, Davido, Mr Eazi, Kizz Daniel, Olamide; Greatness 2.0 (2021) with Rema, Omah Lay, Bella Shmurda, Zlatan, Stonebwoy, Joeboy, Yemi Alade, and more; and Greatness III (2024) Ice Prince, Joeboy, L.A.X, Qing Madi, Joshua Baraka, Ruger, Ajebo Hustlers, and others.
DJ Xclusive
Rotimi Alakija, better known as DJ Xclusive, is a UK‑raised Nigerian DJ, producer, and recording artist whose career started in London clubs in 2003.
DJ Xclusive is one of the OGs in the DJing business, and some of his standout tracks include “Jeje” ft. Wizkid, “Wole” ft. Davido, “Vibrate” ft. Timaya, “Ibebe” ft. Olamide, and “Sempe” ft. Mz Kiss and Slimcase.
His debut album According to X in 2015 boasts 21 tracks featuring heavyweights like Wizkid, Olamide, Davido, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Sarkodie, Cassper Nyovest, and more, with production credits including Masterkraft, Don Jazzy, Spellz, Del B, and Pheelz. Later works include The X File EP (2021) and the 2 a.m. for Lekki (Remix) EP (2022).
DJ Kaywise
Ayorinde Kehinde Okiki, professionally known as DJ Kaywise, began mixing in 2010 with his Emergency mixtape. He released his debut song “Hangover” (2012) ft. Dammy Krane & Yung6ix, and went on to collaborate with Ice Prince, Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Mayorkun, Naira Marley, Phyno, Zlatan and more.
“What Type of Dance” (2020) ft. Mayorkun, Naira Marley, Zlatan, this was one of the songs that definitely made us dance and whine our waists during the covid era. “Highway” (2021) ft. Phyno, one of the best songs of that particular year which shows DJ Kaywise surely knows how to cook up hits. Other songs on his hit list also include ‘See Mary See Jesus’ with Olamide, ‘Informate’ with Tiwa Savage and “Caro” with Falz and Tekno.
Kaywise founded Kaywise Academy, Africa’s first DJ school, training over 5,000 students. He also hosts The Joor Concert, an annual street festival held across Lagos, London, and Dubai.
DJ Tunez
Michael Babatunde Adeyinka, aka DJ Tunez, became Wizkid’s official DJ in 2015. The song that made Dj Tunez announce himself to the music world was his 2017 hit song’Iskaba’ featuring Wande Coal.
Since then, he has grown to creating hit songs with music stars such as “Gbese” (2019) ft. Wizkid & Blaq Jerzee, “Pami” (2020) ft. Wizkid, Adekunle Gold & Omah Lay, and “Cool Me Down” (2020) ft. Wizkid. Other notable tracks include “Turn Up” (Wizkid & Reekado Banks), “MMM” with Bella Shmurda and Mohbad, and “Apala Disco” with Wizkid, Terry Apala, and Seyi Vibez.
DJ Cuppy
DJ Cuppy, born Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, is a Nigerian-British DJ and music producer. She became popular in 2014 after studying Economics in London and Music Business at NYU. Known for her energetic style, she blends Afrobeat, electronic, and pop music to create great party vibes and is one of Africa’s top female DJs.
Cuppy has a host of hit tracks on her table such as “Green Light” (2017) ft. Tekno, “Vybe” (2018) ft. Sarkodie, “Currency” (2018) ft. L.A.X, “Gelato” (2019) ft. Zlatan, “Jollof on the Jet” (2020) ft. Rema & Rayvanny, and “Karma” (2019) ft. Stonebwoy.
Cuppy released her Debut album ‘Original Copy’ which features tracks Like Jollof on the Jet, Litty Lit, Feel Good. The 12‑track album features Efya, Rema, Rayvanny, Wyclef Jean, Fireboy DML, Stonebwoy, Teni, Sir Shina Peters, Julian Marley, Nonso Amadi, YCEE, Ms Banks, and Seyi Shay. It blends Afro-house and electro-pop into a uniquely Afrocentric vision.
