Rising DJ ABIMBOLA talks the tracks that will never leave her USB, performing West Coast rap mixes in LA and what’s next for her.

Get ready to hear Abimbola’s name everywhere. Having shut down the launch party for NOTION’s ‘The Artists Vol. 2’ issue earlier this year with her eclectic mix of Afro-house, Amapiano and R&B, it seems that wherever the DJ appears, a party isn’t too far behind.  

 

Abimbola has always loved a boogie but found that, during university, the club nights were just too “predictable”, so she took it upon herself to shake things up. With a taste inspired by the music channels of the Noughties, like MTV Base, and a sonically rich upbringing, Abimbola has been lighting up the airwaves of some of London’s coolest radio stations, including Radio 1001 and Voices Radio. 

 

Now, as she looks to her next steps as a DJ, Abimbola considers how she got here, experimenting with her sound and gives some advice to the newest selectors on the scene.  

Can you tell us some of your earliest music memories? 

There were so many different sounds in my house growing up. Every day, my siblings and I would scroll through the Sky music channels, flipping from MTV Base to Channel U. There was also the blaring sound of Fújì music (traditional Yoruba music), my mum would play in the car and my late dad’s love for Motown, so The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, The Jacksons, etc. My upbringing was rich with music and dance. We either attended or threw parties almost every weekend, and I absolutely loved witnessing the joy that music brought. My favourite moments were always when the DJ would play ‘Premiere Gaou’ by Magic System; that was the cue for everyone to rush to the dance floor. Even those who had been seated for most of the night would be moved by that opening drum sound. 

Who or what inspired you to become a DJ? 

My inspiration to become a DJ came from the types of nights out I experienced during university. Although I enjoyed going out, the music was always predictable, and I wanted to hear the kind of music I listened to outside of clubs, not just inside them. At that time, I was heavily into alternative R&B, artists like The Internet, Ravyn Lenae, GoldLink, Anderson .Paak, KAYTRANADA, Frank Ocean, and so on. I had no idea how to DJ back then, but I’d envision myself playing at a venue, having complete control over the music, and playing sounds people wouldn’t expect to hear in a club. 

What’s one track that will never leave your USB? 

That’s a tricky one, but if I had to choose, it’ll be ‘Premiere Gaou’ by Magic System. It still has the same effect as it did over 20 years ago. 

What’s the craziest thing you’ve witnessed during one of your sets? 

Honestly, I haven’t witnessed anything too out of the ordinary during my sets. However, I do have a DJ horror story! It was one of my first international gigs in Venice. Before my set, I had the bright idea of adding a song to my USB. I was still new to CDJs at the time and so nervous that I didn’t format the tracks correctly through Rekordbox. When I went to play, all my playlists were gone, my music was jumbled, and there were no BPMs displayed. I was in a complete panic. On top of that, there were issues with the tempo slider not working on the equipment. Needless to say, I cut my set short and felt like shit for the rest of the evening. I’m always so grateful for experiencing those moments early in my DJ career. 

If you could perform anywhere in the world where would it be and why? 

Los Angeles! Mainly because one of the first mixes I ever recorded was an underground West Coast rap mix. I love the sounds that location has birthed, so I would love to be immersed in that scene. Also, it really looks like they know how to party out there. 

What’s Abimbola’s perfect night out? 

I absolutely love a night out with a big group of friends when everyone’s on the same wavelength and feeling a bit silly. You know, when everyone’s had a long week and is in the mood to let loose? The DJ is spinning bangers, everyone’s dancing, drinks are flowing, and you’re chatting with strangers. The venue can be dingy as hell, but as long as the rest aligns, then it’s a perfect night out. 

Any advice for rising DJs? 

My advice for rising DJs would be to be brazen. Tell yourself you’re the best every day, even if you don’t believe it. The only person who will get in the way of you moving forward is doubting yourself; cut that out. Stop listening to people who say the industry is oversaturated; that’s merely a limiting belief that will keep you small and unaware of the multitude of opportunities that are actually available. No one can do what you do the way you do it, especially when you stay true to yourself and create from the heart. Be inspired by other DJs, but do not mimic them; you’ll just be a parody of the real thing. I could go on, but that’s my top advice for now. 

What’s next for you? 

Honestly, given how this year has gone so far, I have absolutely no clue! It’s been a strong year, one surprise after another, so I’m just keeping myself open to anything. I love the saying, “We make plans and God laughs.” I’ve achieved some of the goals I set for myself this year, but a lot has turned out way differently – and better – than I could have imagined. I’m excited for what’s next. I’d love to continue building this momentum, connect with more DJs, and really push myself even more when it comes to experimenting with sounds and techniques. I still have a long way to go, but I’m looking forward to connecting with bigger crowds and truly finding what makes me unique as a DJ.