Event planners understand that a good DJ is the host of a party, an entertainer and Master of Ceremony. It’s hard enough planning a wedding ceremony but then you also have to plan for reception.
When it comes to planning, the golden rule states that a DJ can make or break your reception.
DJs create song mixes for audiences at wedding, birthdays, party, dance clubs and other live events. Getting a good DJ for your event is about more than just playing a sequence of songs.

There are three most important DJ skills you should consider before hiring

1. Knowledge of music.
2. Ability to read a crowd and play to a diverse audience,
3. The ability to manage the flow of the reception.

DJs select music to engage their audience and use specialized equipment to manipulate and blend songs together using techniques like beat matching, phrase matching, and scratching.

If you new to the event planning Industry, you will be tempted to hire amateurs because the big shot are quite expensive, so you must find the one that has honed his skills through hours of practice with the hardware and software they use to mix music.

DJs typically use a combination of hardware and software to mix music, and part of their practice and training is learning how to effectively use their tools. While many still use vinyl records in hardware setups, software allows DJs to sample music in digital form. Each DJ develops their own preferences in the balance between hardware and software.

DJs must also learn some basic skills like fading and beat and phrase matching. Fading the volume on a track allows DJs to transition smoothly from one song to another.

DJs also learn how to count beats and phrases in music in order to match up songs and mix them together.

DJs also learn how to use their setup to isolate and manipulate components of a piece of music, like a bass line.

Some DJs, or turntablists, learn how to scratch records. In scratching, the turntable is used like an instrument to create new music out of an existing recording. Scratching is an advanced skill and can take a great deal of practice to master.

DJs must also put in large amounts of time listening to and collecting music. For some, this means collecting records, but others create digital collections for use in their sets. Some use both. Creating a collection is an ongoing process and it requires both time and money.

What does a DJ earn?
In Nigeria, most successful DJs can earn millions for one night’s performance, but the majority of DJs earn far less. DJs who perform at weddings and other events can earn anywhere from N20,000 to N120,000 per performance, and possibly more depending on their experience and following. In general, wedding DJs can charge more per performance, but the investment required to perform at weddings is typically high.

DJs should always be learning new skills, bringing new music into their repertoires, and performing in front of audiences. The more experience a DJ gains, the more he or she may be able to charge to perform at clubs or events.

Where to find DJ
Experienced DJs started with small gigs, either performing for friends’ events or approaching club owners and promoters and seeking work during slower times. When you go for this events, you listen to DJs who practice different kinds of genres and techniques. That way you may scout for good DJs.

DJs also advance their careers by building a following of fans. Building a following requires not only performing, but branding and promoting yourself in your community and on social media.
Check your community, DJs build a network of members both offline and online. Using this medium gives you a leverage to negotiate and get one readily available. There are many websites that allows DJs to upload their original mixes and share and discuss them with other DJs.

Find them!

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