Custodian Interview: DJ Oreö

Kitan Babatunde is better known on these streets as DJ Oreö. The manner in which Kitan’s story changed was quite sudden as in a couple of months, it was an all new person unveiled in DJ Oreö. As such, I decided to interview him and find out what allowed him to transition so smoothly and seamlessly in just a manner of months.

First off, How did your stage name, DJ Oreö come about because you do know Vic Mensah and Chance The Rapper’s DJ is called DJ Oreo?

Well, the stage name actually comes from my full name, Oreolukitan.  I didn’t want to use a name that people were familiar with and expecting me to use, so that’s why I came up with that. When I found out about the other DJ Oreo, I decided to tweak mine a bit, thus the Oreö.

How did you get yourself into the DJ’ing scene?

Well, I had some help from a DJ friend at my initial stages. He initially gave me tips and advice and all. I soon began to practice in my spare time and I started trying different things and after a while I guess it just started making sense to me.

Who and what motivated you to go into DJ’ing?

My major motivation was the desire to start doing something for now, and also the fact that I love music. So, it was primarily about doing what I like.

https://soundcloud.com/kitanabatunde/the-throwback

Which DJ’s do you look up to?

At the moment, I honestly cannot name anyone I “look up to” but I listen to different DJ’s and I get inspired from their mixes or watching them live. However, there are certain levels I hope to reach someday that I see some DJ’s already at, such as Deejay Olu, DJ Baj and Dj Xclusive to name a few.

How do you combine school and DJ’ing? You’re studying Law right?

Yeah Yeah, I’m studying law at the University of Nottingham. In all honesty, it has not been easy at all but you know where there is a will, there is a way. At the moment, I ensure I stay locked in and focused on my work during the week, and during the weekends, I am a DJ.

Being a DJ is a fairly expensive occupation, how did you fund yourself at the beginning, securing decks and all?

Most of my equipment were paid for by my parents. They have supported me every step of the way. My mum has always supported the idea, but my dad had some reservations about it. I just had to stand my ground and convince him it was something I wanted to do. I am sure he still has his reservations but he has been supportive as well. However, I’m beginning to take responsibility for most of the costs but my parents still help me here and there.

https://soundcloud.com/kitanabatunde/oreohive

It’s one thing to drop mixes on SoundCloud and it’s another thing to actually DJ a live event, who gave you your first break at an event?

My first live event was at  Mente De Moda in Lagos which was organized for my by DJ Dan Krane who is also the DJ friend I referred to earlier. Surprisingly, I wasn’t so nervous when I got there but when I heard he first DJ play, he was intimidatingly good, unfortunately I don’t recall his name. At the end of the day, it all went well and I got a couple of compliments so for me, that was a perfect day.

What’s the hardest live DJ performance you’ve done and why?

My hardest live performance was definitely the first party I ever played at which was “Thrill” in Birmingham organized by DVB. That was the first time majority of people were hearing about me and seeing me live, and all those cheeky comments from my friends like “Kits you better not faf” were not helping at all. I was honestly a nervous wreck the night before but I kept my cool and it was such a pleasant night because my set had everyone lit!

https://soundcloud.com/kitanabatunde/first-mix

What do you consider the hardest part about DJing?

The hardest part is probably the initial stages of downloading different songs of different genres, setting cues and just getting the art of transitioning right,which is a major aspect.

What do you hope to achieve in 2016?

I honestly just hope to grow my brand this year. I have different things such as hats and shirts  expected to be out for sale very. I’m also hopeful for more gigs at different levels from concerts to weddings and all. Lastly, I would like to thank all those who have supported me so far.