Nothing worse than a bad DJ. What makes a great DJ?

Its every bride’s nightmare, its every event organizer’s bad luck and every club owners downfall - there is nothing worse than a bad DJ. It’s not a secret. Everyone knows that a bad DJ simply can ruin the mood at any event. So why are people still hiring them?

I recently attended a wedding in Baltimore, MD. The disappointment was clear as guests, eager to dance, were held back by the DJs poor selections. As a fellow DJ, I could not help but think to myself how do you blow a chance like this to shine with such a ready audience ? It was an awkward moment for me because I was not sure whether to feel bad for the DJ or for the couple ? The overwhelming thought however was: "How did they land on this DJ?

This isn't an isolated incident. With the influx of aspiring and overnight DJs, thanks to increasing accessibility of DJ software like Serato and Virtual DJ. While tech companies profit from the burgeoning demand, the art of DJing continues to be significantly diluted. As the market is flooded with these 'overnight' DJs, it's easy for consumers to be duped into equating cost with quality. And yet, the distinction between a novice and a maestro is glaringly evident, as I witnessed at that wedding.

The stark contrast between a proficient DJ and a subpar one is undeniable. At that wedding, the DJ's lackluster performance didn't go unnoticed; many guests clearly saw through the mediocrity. So, how does one steer clear of hiring such DJs? Even more challenging, how can one discern between a competent DJ and an exceptional one? Over the years, these queries have frequently come my way. Friends, colleagues, vendors, event attendees, and clients have often inquired, especially after witnessing an outstanding performance. Their curiosity was always about unveiling the art behind top-notch DJing and understanding how I manage to consistently dominate the dance floor, irrespective of audience dynamics. I used to brush off these inquiries, seeing them as flattering rhetorical questions. But after this last experience with this wedding DJ, and many other such ordeals, I feel compelled to defend the art and share my insight to help others avoid such embarrassment.

With over 13 years in the DJ industry, I share from deep experience

Since becoming a professional DJ in 2010, I have been hired by hundreds of clients and brands and I have hired and worked with hundreds of DJs under my event production company I found in 2013 – Afropolitan Cities. Over the last 13 years, I have seen and witnessed the worst and the best and have gained enough insight, experience and wisdom in the space to represent and attempt to demystify the art of DJing

I must also mention that DJing is not just an art form for me. My fascination with the connection between music and dance took root early on when I was part of a dance ensemble in Ghana between the ages of 8 and 14. Our routines revolved around the pulsating rhythms of the African Drum, laying a solid foundation in beat pattern recognition and memorization. This immersion offered me a firsthand glimpse into the power of rhythms in eliciting emotions and guiding human responses. Such an upbringing makes DJing feel almost innate to me. Unsurprisingly, even with age, time, and experience under my belt, my insatiable curiosity remains undiminished. Many times, I've found myself engrossed at various events, subconsciously trying to analyze and decipher the underlying dynamics of various audiences and discern what about DJ performances truly set an event alight. Now, with 13 years and a repertoire of over a thousand events under my belt, I've distilled my insights into 5 essential traits of a competent DJ, of which two distinguish exceptional DJs from the average DJs.

My biggest realization that underpins the essence of this blog

Yet, the most profound realization that underpins the essence of this blog is this: through my extensive experience, I've pinpointed a defining moment when an event genuinely ignites. It's the precise instance when the energy from each corner of the room converge on the same frequency , so that the party crowd is in sync and the combined energy of the

party is unleashed. A DJs understanding of this energy interplay coupled with following factors below, is what distinguishes exceptional DJs from average DJs.

The 5 Factors That Make A Great DJ

1. Mastery of The Fundamentals

1a Technical Acumen - Often underestimated by audiences is the depth of technical expertise a DJ must possess. The backdrop to those electric vibes and seamless mixes isn't just talent, but a complex interplay of cutting-edge hardware — from turntables and CDJs to mixers and speakers — and sophisticated software like Serato DJ, Tractor, and Itch. However, having the best gear is just one piece of the puzzle. A DJ's technical acumen lays the groundwork, ensuring their true musical prowess can shine unimpeded.

In the dynamic world of a DJ, encountering unforeseen challenges are not just common but practically inevitable. But these moments mark the instances where DJ’s expertise is truly tested when things go awry. For instance, during my very first professional wedding gig, everything appeared to be running smoothly. However, a significant hiccup arose: mere minutes before the couple's grand entrance, the hotel ballroom's power outlet stubbornly refused to cooperate with my DJ equipment. With tension in the air, my preparedness came to bear as I used my backup extension cords to tap into an adjacent ballroom's power. This is just one example, yet in the world of DJing, innumerable technical

hurdles can halt a show in its tracks. A top-tier DJ isn't just one who can mix tracks but one who can swiftly pivot in the face of unexpected setbacks. It's this blend of technical knowledge and real-time problem-solving that separates a great and experienced DJ from an average one

1b Beat Matching & Rhythmic Mastery - At the heart of DJing lies the essential skill of beat matching. For some, like myself, this ability is innate. However, many DJs dedicate considerable time in their formative years to hone this craft. Given its teachable nature, there's truly no excuse for any DJ lacking proficiency in this area. Booking a DJ without this foundational skill is, to put it plainly, a recipe for disappointment.

The essence of DJing revolves around the seamless fusion of tracks. This demands the seamless blending of two or more songs, ensuring every beat aligns perfectly. And while beat matching might seem fundamental, there exists a cohort of DJs, reminiscent of the Baltimore DJ I encountered, who might lack this skill but are adept at luring unsuspecting clients with attractive pricing.

To safeguard against such pitfalls, it's imperative to do your homework. Insist on hearing a potential DJ play live or request a one-on-one demo. While mixtapes can offer a glimpse into their style, they aren't foolproof indicators of a DJ's beat matching prowess, given the technological advancements in mixtape production. Prioritize due diligence to ensure your event remains memorable for all the right reasons.

The basics are indispensable foundations, but alone they are insufficient to define a true DJ

2. Curation & Connection: The Art of Song Selection

Often, DJs are aptly termed 'selectors'. Why? Because at the heart of a DJ’s role lies the pivotal task of choosing which tracks to play and in which sequence. Consider this: most celebratory events span a 5-hour timeframe, with an average of 30 songs being played each hour. This places the DJ in the commanding position of judiciously selecting approximately 150 tracks from millions available, all within this limited window. And the stakes? One miscalculated choice or misplaced track can dramatically shift the event's atmosphere. I believe song selection accounts for about 40 percent of a DJ’s potential to captivate an audience. This perhaps explains why some DJs, even those shaky on the basics, might still thrive if their song choices resonate, especially amidst an audience less attuned to technical nuances like beat matching.

The hallmark of an exceptional DJ is a profound grasp of their audience's preferences, achieved through meticulous research, accumulated experience, or innate familiarity. Tapping into the music that holds historical or cultural significance for a particular group can be the difference between merely playing tracks and truly commanding a room. Stellar DJs

possess an expansive knowledge of music, spanning eras and genres, and their music libraries bear testament to this breadth. They dedicate considerable hours understanding their audience's musical palate, delving deep into top charts, timeless classics, and old-school treasures in relevant genres. If they're gearing up for an event centered around a specific cultural background, they might even engage in dialogues with individuals from that community to ascertain tracks that evoke shared sentiments. This encyclopedic music knowledge doesn't emerge overnight; it's the culmination of thousands of hours of commitment to research, preparation, and hands-on experience

I still recall the many sleepless nights immersed in meticulous research, delving into hours of meticulous research across genres, from hip-hop to dancehall, African rhythms to Latin beats, all in preparation for events with a diverse international audience. Stepping into a gig armed with the knowledge that I had unearthed gems and the perfect tracks from both popular charts and hidden archives to evoke euphoria gave me an unparalleled confidence. The rigorous preparation enabled me to consistently orchestrate the setlist and the musical arsenal with the power to electrify the dance floor at 100s of events and create unforgettable memories that leave my clients in awe and genuinely touched.

Over the past 13 years, this dedication has remained steadfast, blossoming into what many affectionately call the "DJ KWEKS magic touch." It’s a signature blend of passion, knowledge, and a profound understanding of music's transcending power.

Yet, mastering the fundamentals and curating the perfect playlist are simply foundational elements; they form the baseline but not the pinnacle of what defines a truly great DJ.

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3. Artistry: Technique, Creativity, and Signature Style

While mastering the fundamentals and curating an impeccable playlist are foundational, they aren't the sole measures of an exceptional DJ. After all, the basics are accessible to many, and while DJs might not be the original creators of the songs they play, they undoubtedly infuse life into them. So, what truly sets apart one DJ from another when they share a similar foundation and playlist? It's their unparalleled technique, distinct style, and dynamic energy that encapsulates their brand identity. Each DJ's unique approach and creativity in blending songs, paired with their repertoire of tricks and flair honed over years, sets them apart. Remarkable DJs don’t merely rely on a stellar playlist; they continually push boundaries, expanding their craft, and redefining their limits.

For someone like me, dedicated research was a crucial part of my growth. Yet, studio time was where the magic truly happened. Here, amidst my extensive music collection, I'd delve deep, familiarizing myself with every tune and letting my creativity roam. Whether it was crafting remixes, experimenting with high-energy transitions, or curating impeccable setlists,

I was driven by the urge to do more than just play good songs. Instead, I aimed to string them together in innovative ways that brought out the latent energy and exhilarating vibes I envisioned for my audience. This commitment to originality is what I relish most about DJing, for it's this very creativity that carves out my unique brand identity and makes DJ KWEKS a standout name.

An average DJ might smoothly transition between chart-toppers, keeping the ambiance alive. Yet, it's the exceptional DJs who infuse a distinctive touch, elevating the party atmosphere and embedding that 'wow' factor. I'm often humbled by feedback from my fans, with one particularly resonating statement being, "When you're on the decks, it feels like you're the artist behind the song." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the transformative and original touch a DJ’s signature style can bring to the musical journey

While the first three factors define a competent DJ, the subsequent two are the pivotal elements that distinguish exceptional DJs from the merely good ones.

4. Masterful Judgment and Adaptive Versatility: The Cornerstones of a Great DJ

While possessing a stellar playlist and honed artistry readies a DJ for the party, it's their ability to read the room and employ astute judgment throughout the event that truly distinguishes the maestros from the novices. Deciding not just which songs to play, but precisely when and how to play them based on the energy dynamics of the room, is the hallmark of a seasoned DJ.

Events are about energy. The energy can shift and change, with highs and lows throughout the party. This energy can be infectious across the room and affect the entire mood of the party. Through my years of experience, I've noted a distinct moment when a party truly comes alive: it's when the energy from every corner of

the room converges, creating a harmonious rhythm where everyone is perfectly in sync." An adept DJ not only recognizes this energy dynamics but knows how to navigate and control it, ensuring the party's vibe remains positive and energetic. Through years and experience, practice and shear innate talent and abilities, these DJs have horned a set of skills that gives them command of the mood and energy of the party. These skills include:

A. Timing - Timing, they say, is everything. And in the world of DJing, this adage rings exceptionally true. Even a chart-topping song, if played at the wrong time, can dampen the mood as much as an ill-chosen track. On the flip side, the right song at the perfect moment can electrify the dance floor, transforming the ambiance entirely. Masterful DJs possess this keen sense of timing, skillfully elevating the party's energy second by second when it wanes and knowing when to dial it back for just the right balance.

B. The Art of Buildup & Transition - Understanding The Songs Energy Curve – Seasoned DJs possess a profound understanding of the intricate energy dynamics embedded within each song. They possess an intuitive grasp, discerning the exact moments a track reaches its peak and when its vigor starts to wane. This knowledge becomes a potent tool in their hands for creating high energy mixes and transitions to ensure that each song introduced not only complements but elevates the party's prevailing energy. This art of 'buildup' remains the domain of a select few, serving as a hallmark of their superior skill set.

C. Versatility & Adaptability - Exceptional DJs aren't just adept at picking the right track for the moment; they excel at fluidly transitioning between genres and even tweaking their style to resonate with diverse audience segments. By deftly reading the room, they can discern when it's time to pivot from afrobeats to hip-hop, pop, dancehall, soca, and beyond, ensuring every attendee feels catered to. This innate ability to sense when a crowd isn't connecting with a specific set and promptly adjust seamlessly guarantees the energy stays electric. This adaptability, combined with other expert skills, marks the distinction of truly remarkable DJs."

But to harness this adaptability and versatility, preparation is key. A DJ must come equipped with not just a rich and diverse playlist but a deep-seated understanding of their audience’s preferences. This background enables them to read the room accurately and adjust on the fly, enhancing the vibe progressively throughout the event.

In essence, great DJing is about more than just music; it's about reading and reacting. This skill, combined with preparation and adaptability, ensures that the dance floor remains lively and engaged. And for DJ Kweks, this keen sense of judgment and adaptability has been a cornerstone, enabling consistent standout performances regardless of the setting or crowd.

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5. Performance & Showmanship Beyond Beats: The Multifaceted Skill Set of a Top-tier DJ

In the world of DJing, having a robust music repertoire is undoubtedly paramount. However, the full essence of a great DJ performance often extends beyond just the tracks played. It's about a dynamic fusion of music with additional talents and skills, creating an electrifying atmosphere that captivates every attendee.

Consider factors outside the DJ's immediate control: the ambiance of the venue, the quality of food and drink, the level of service, or even the existing camaraderie among the guests. These elements play a significant role in setting the party's mood. A seasoned DJ recognizes that even with a flawless playlist, sometimes the music might grapple with these external factors, which might introduce a contrasting energy.

Enter the role of supplementary skills. To truly resonate with an audience, a DJ often needs to tap into more than just their music library. Engaging MCing, energetic hyping, or even a simple dance move can act as conduits to foster deeper connections. Such connections aren't just about the DJ showcasing additional talents; they're about redirecting, harnessing, and amplifying the energy in the room.

It's this understanding that sets apart the ordinary from the extraordinary. Top DJs around the world often double as impressive MCs. They intertwine core DJing skills with the art of MCing, establishing an environment that's both engaging and exhilarating. DJ Kweks exemplifies this multifaceted approach. Renowned not just for his DJing prowess, Kweks is celebrated for his remarkable MCing skills and unmatched ability to galvanize a crowd. It's no wonder an enthusiast from AfropolitanDC once remarked, "You haven't truly partied until you've witnessed DJ Kweks in action"

In recalling the unfortunate episode of the Baltimore wedding DJ, it becomes clear how crucial the role of a DJ is in setting the mood for an event. With the insights shared in this blog, readers are now equipped to distinguish between genuine talent and mere pretenders. As you prepare for your special celebrations, remember the value of exceptional DJs and ensure you don't settle for anything less than the best

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