I am called to announce gospel artistes to the world- DJ Ernest

DJ Ernesty is a graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, and an Abuja based DJ with a bias for quality gospel and contemporary music. In this interview coordinated by Obus Zalee, coordinator of the popular Christian Talents Community (CTC); a group involving over 150 talents representing various denominations and vocations, Ernesty bared his mind on his career, the DJ profession and gave insights on how talents can step up their game in a competitive world. DAYO EMMANUEL reports. Excerpts:

Obus Zalee: Tell us a little about your journey into the DJ world and why Gospel DJ?

DJ Ernesty: Thank you so much everyone…I feel at home already I have been a DJ for almost a decade. I
started back in school. I studied Estate Management and Valuation at the Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State. I fell in love with the art out of zeal to have extracurricular activities apart from my books. I had a friend in 2008 who introduced me to the art because he was also a DJ in a small hotel in Niger State. We used to go there together to TURN UP! Then I gave my life to Christ in 2010. I wanted to do away with some things and DJing didn’t just wanna leave me alone. I became a gospel music fanatic. I followed a lot of Gospel artistes back then…especially in the Hip-hop genre. I am a Die-hard fan of rap music. So to cut it short, the leading just came to me to be a gospel DJ at a wedding where they requested that only gospel music should be played. I started building it up from
there, prayed about it, had this conviction that this was what I really wanted do for the Kingdom.

Obus Zalee: I believe you must have listened to lots of Christian talents, what is that element in a song that makes you want to play it again and again?

DJ Ernesty: That element to me is first the sounds in the music. It must give me goose bumps for me to really like it. And so I want to hear it again and again, before I settle down to listen to what the music has to say.

Obus Zalee: How important are the lyrics of a song to your acceptance?

DJ Ernesty: Very important, but it is funny enough, the second most important thing to me like I said, first is how it sounds and second are the lyrics. This is because the sounds gets your attention and the lyrics drive it home, and the impact will be enormous.

Obus Zalee: In your opinion, are Christian artists whether rap or others, doing well in presentation of their package?

DJ Ernesty: Like I always say to every gospel artiste, “Music is Music, first, before it is tagged Christian Music.” I will narrow my answers to Nigeria only, it’s just of recent that Gospel artistes really found the antidote to TAKEOVER. Building more on innovations, ideas and not following what just worked for B verbatim.

Obus Zalee: For a young act trying to be heard, how vital would your knowledge and act as an event person help in dissemination of his sound?

DJ Ernesty: By saying dissemination, do you mean presenting or making public the sound? Okay, I will take it from both angles. I strongly recommend that your music should first be appealing first! Get different people’s opinions. Be open minded in forming your rhythm and sounds in your music. Then when you are sure you have a masterpiece…then the journey has started for you.

How come u made it in this jet age challenge of listening mostly to secular and vulgar songs? You will be in a wedding playing gospel songs, Committee of friend will halt you and say you must sing secular songs.

DJ Ernesty: About playing in a wedding and they say play secular songs. When I started, I actually faced that challenge. But this is what I usually do. The main reason why people will want you to change the music is because it’s either dull or they don’t know it. So whenever I go for weddings when I started although it’s a lot easy now because I have defined myself and approved myself worthy 1) I play popular gospel songs. 2) I play popular gospel songs to fit in the event and take them on a ride. At that point I sample and sample until I get their attention. I will give you points on what to do…it’s called the DJ Ernesty points… 1) Master your art (as in know how to sing really).2) Package yourself very well ( Have something that someone can never forget you for) be distinctive in both physical and abstract. 3) Put yourself out there equipped with your principles and talents and all you have to offer (loom for anywhere you can do someone a favour with what you have) 4) be open to Criticisms and always find a way to build your brand or push it. 5) be CONSISTENT ( someone somewhere is noticing you).

Obus Zalee: Christian Talents Community is made of talents from over 150 Churches. If we have a compilation CD, would you be magnanimous enough to listen and if you love some if not all, partner with us to hype the compilation?

DJ Ernesty: I don’t have a problem with features of secular artistes but let it be on your terms as gospel artistes. About the CD I will Love to do so. It’s what I am called to do. Announce the Gospel Ministers to the world.

‪What are the best ways to circulate a song on air with the help of gospel Dj’s to create
awareness?

Dayo Emmanuel: I feel gospel artistes should identify their calling before setting out. How did you identify your own identity and can you advise gospel artistes on identifying their uniqueness?

DJ Ernesty: You can only identify your calling if first you are a true Christian…holy spirit will lead you to it Like this Great Commission came to me like an idea and I followed it I had this Burning desire because I loved God and Love Gospel Music and I was looking for a very acceptable way to circulate it. That was why I joined the secular world with my Conviction intact to infiltrate it and create a balance. That’s my mission. You see that answers your question of being unique and rare but accepted.

Aminat: Are you a member of the DJ association?

DJ Ernesty: I don’t belong to a DJ association but I belong to a group of Gospel DJS with the likes of DJ Gosporella,
and we liaise and share ideas to break through.

Obus Zalee: Can a Christian act boast on the strength of CHRISTIAN DJ NETWORKS to take their tune to every party effective enough to attract airplay?

DJ Ernesty: Gospel DJS are not fully accepted in churches but thank God I have conquered that process. I am a COZA member and I was given an opportunity and I took it with my life and so much prayers. A Christian DJ is not meant to only function in churches…it is just like one of those places. Whenever I play in church, it’s like I am the choir master. I take them on a journey of Praise and worship with my talent and knowledge of good gospel music to suit the moment. And also I introduce songs to them as well…by playing the role of an artiste. Eg TAKEOVER with Okey Sokay.

Liyia: What are the best ways to circulate a song on air with the help of gospel Dj’s to create awareness?

The best way to circulate your music is not far-fetched. You must invest in whatever you want to do

‪Being a gospel DJ in Nigeria has not been fully accepted in churches. As a gospel DJ has there been challenges for you so far if there is, tell us what the challenges are and have you been able to tackle them?

DJ Ernesty: Gospel DJS have not fully found their footing yet! Because most of us are still struggling

with acceptance, and I wanna be a pace setter to that effect with my experience and expertise. Trust me it’s not just about the talents but how you go about using it. To solve the normal problems we face in life. Gospel artistes have not really tapped into that. I take for example Nikki Laoye. I consider her to be the next level gospel artiste coz she finds a way to pass her gospel in a very comprehensive manner.