DUFFLEBAG.THE DJ TAKEOVER
In a conversation with Lyza for EasternChild we have the pleasure of speaking with the incredibly talented Omolola Oyedele, better known in the music world as Dufflebag. With a multifaceted career as a DJ, music producer, music executive, and lawyer, Lola has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry over the past decade.
EasternChild: Welcome, Lola.
Dufflebag: Thank you for having me.
EasternChild: To start, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Dufflebag: My name is Omolola Oyedele, professionally known as Dufflebag the DJ. I’m from Oyo State in Nigeria. My formative years were spent in Zaria, Kaduna State, where I was born, then I moved to Ogbomosho in Oyo State for secondary school, and finally returned to Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria for my university education. I completed my law school in Bayelsa before moving to Lagos. My diverse educational and cultural experiences across Nigeria have shaped me into a well-rounded individual. My journey with music started early as a drummer and evolved through various roles in music production, A&R, and DJing. Growing up immersed in Nigeria’s rich tapestry of sounds, I’ve always been drawn to the hypnotic beats and soulful melodies that define our music.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lolaoyedele/
EasternChild: That’s quite a journey. What do you currently do in the music industry?
Dufflebag: I’m a DJ, music producer, and music executive. People know me as the groove curator and vibe maestro, thanks to the infectious rhythms and electrifying melodies I bring to my DJ sets. My music blends Afro-sounds, with pulsating Afrobeats, the catchy melodies of Amapiano, and unique edits to create a sonic journey.
EasternChild: Would you like to discuss Dufflebag the DJ during our interview today?
Dufflebag: I’d love to talk about my work as a DJ, how I balance my creative pursuits with my other roles, and my goals as a DJ. I’m passionate about creating an ecosystem of music lovers, promoting Nigerian and African music, and curating a musical story through my sets. I also want to discuss my journey into music and how I would describe my sound.
EasternChild: Let’s dive into that. How did you come into music, and how would you describe your kind of music?
Dufflebag: Music has always been an integral part of my life. I started playing the drums in church at a very young age, around six years old. My family, who are music lovers, were very supportive of my musical endeavors. Throughout my schooling in different parts of Nigeria, I was exposed to a wide range of music genres, which influenced my sound. I played drums in primary and secondary school and even created my first mixtape in junior school with my dad’s help. My music is a blend of Afro-sounds, including Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afro-fusion, all aimed at creating an uplifting and engaging musical experience.
EasternChild: That’s fascinating. How does music come to you? Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Dufflebag: Inspiration comes from various sources around me. It could be from listening to music, watching people dance, observing other producers or DJs, stories, films, or even everyday sounds like a car honking or tapping a table. These elements help me when producing music, curating playlists, or playing a DJ set.
EasternChild: Do you have any projects out? Which is your favorite?
Dufflebag: Yes, I have several projects out, including DJ mixes on SoundCloud and other platforms, and I’ve produced songs for various artists. I don’t have a single favorite work; each project is unique and special to me. I always strive to outdo my previous work.
EasternChild: How did you come about your name, Dufflebag the DJ?
Dufflebag: In 2017, a friend of mine, Jeph, started calling me Dufflebag. It became part of my social media handle as “Lola with the Dufflebag,” and it stuck. When I needed a distinctive name for my media outfit, Dufflebag Café, it fit perfectly. The name has since been an integral part of my brand.
EasternChild: Do you have any dream collaborations?
Dufflebag: Absolutely. I’d love to collaborate with Beyoncé, Major Lazer, Sarz, and Burna Boy. These artists have significantly influenced my music journey.
https://www.reformradio.co.uk/show/the-takeover-w-dufflebagthedj-19th-april-2024/
EasternChild: What are you looking forward to for the rest of the year?
Dufflebag: I’m focused on making and releasing new music, securing collaborations, and possibly creating a mixtape featuring my songs with other creatives. I also aim to give these new works rotations in my sets. Additionally, I’m working on establishing a collective of niche DJs to transform music concerts in Nigeria from occasional events to regular entertainment hours. Playing at more festivals and giving back to the community through my music are also on my agenda.
EasternChild: Thank you, Lola. It’s been wonderful hearing about your journey and your plans. We look forward to seeing what you achieve next.
Dufflebag: Thank you so much for having me. It’s been a pleasure.