DJs are a very important and possibly, an underappreciated cog of the music ecosystem. One of those seeking to make greater impact on the scene is Atlanta based, DJ Exprezioni. In the interview below, we get to the heart of what makes the DJ tick.
Enjoy.
Could you please tell us about yourself. What’s your background?
I was christened Dare Olufowobi but I go by Exprezioni. I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria where I also attended schooling from Kindergarten to University. I grew up in Ebute-Metta, Lagosandmoved to the United States in 2016 but I’ve never forgotten home.
My secondary school days were at CMS Boys Grammar School, Akoka, Lagos. I studied at Yabatech and also at the University of Lagos respectively with degrees before leaving Nigeria.
How did you arrive at the name of DJ Exprezioni?
The word “Exprezioni” means Expression in English and it’s derived from the Italian word “ExpreZIONI”. Exprezioni is the name of the company I founded in Lagos, Nigeria. I started the business back in school/immediately after school (University). I started by selling fashion clothes since my second year back at University, to friends and other students. So I’ve always been known as “Exprezion” and all of my work/businesses have been all under that name/brand.
It’s become increasingly common to see DJs experiment across musical formats. In your case, what is the vision you have for yourself?
To make music, play music, and make people happy. Music is fun and also spiritual. It all depends on how you hold it dear. Music is a mood, music is love, music is life. My main target musically is to take music where you can enjoy AfroBeats, AfroPop, AfroHouse with other genres globally and still vibe regardless of where you’re from or your background. Music knows no color, age, or nation. With music you can bring people together, all in one spirit, energy, and life.
What inspires your music?
I have always been an entrepreneur, with an entrepreneurial mindset since the days of schooling and after, but music has always got me. I started by listening to radio stations when young with my brother and his friends and got love for music ever since.
How many projects have you released?
Officially, it’s 2 as we speak. Keysfeaturing Niniola andZioni Riddim. There’s more to come as I’ve got stuff lined up for Summer 2020.
I’ve always been known to release different mixtapes with blends of all genres, in AfroBeats and all other genres internationally. 2020 is the year I decided to release more songs too as a brand officially.
Which artists would you love to collaborate with local or international?
Many but I’ll name a few; Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Drake, Davido, Wizkid, Chris Brown, Vybz Kartel, Spice, Uhuru, Black Coffee and many more.
Tell us a bit about your new single Keys.
Keys is a song I truly enjoy and hold dear as it’s the very first single that I’ve ever worked on aside from my mixtape. The song was produced by SARZ and I co-produced too, in Atlanta in 2018. It was then recorded early in 2019 by Niniola in Lagos.