"I want to be the best DJ, playing good music. I want to add value and put good music out to the world" DJ WALZEE
From kiddies’ parties and the era of compact discs to Nigeria’s premium nightlife venues and international stages, Azeez Olawale is building a DJ brand powered by passion, versatility and an instinctive connection with the crowd.
By Dayo DaSilva
Music has a unique ability to bring people together, transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories and give every celebration its own identity. Behind many unforgettable musical experiences is a DJ who understands not just the sound but also the people, the mood and the energy of the moment. For Azeez Olawale, popularly known as DJ Walzee, that understanding has been central to a musical journey shaped by passion, perseverance and more than 14 years of active professional experience.
His story, however, began long before he established himself in the professional entertainment scene. From playing at kiddies’ parties in the days when compact discs (CDs) were the primary tools of the trade to entertaining audiences at clubs, concerts, festivals and international events, DJ Walzee has witnessed the evolution of Disc Jockeying firsthand.
Those early experiences helped lay the foundation for a career built on musical knowledge, technical ability and the determination to create memorable experiences for audiences.
THE OLD SCHOOL
Long before laptops, sophisticated DJ software and modern digital systems became commonplace, Disc Jocjeying demanded a different kind of preparation. DJs had to know their music, remember their selections and rely heavily on their ears, timing and technical instincts to deliver smooth transitions.
For DJ Walzee, those formative experiences remain an important part of his story.
He began by playing at kiddies’ parties, learning the craft at a time when compact discs were essential tools for entertaining an audience. Mixing, pitching and maintaining the rhythm required concentration, practice and a thorough understanding of the music.
There were no modern digital conveniences to depend on. Much of the process relied on what the DJ knew, remembered and could execute in real time.
The journey was not without challenges. As he recalls, those early days were rough, with difficulties that demanded patience and determination.
But the challenges became part of his learning process, helping him develop the discipline and practical understanding that would prove valuable as he progressed into the professional entertainment industry.
For DJ Walzee, the experience reinforced an important lesson of mastering the craft which requires more than access to equipment. It requires genuine knowledge of music, commitment to learning and the ability to deliver when it matters.
FROM SURULERE TO BENIN AND BACK TO LAGOS
Fourteen years ago, DJ Walzee began his active professional journey, taking his passion into the club scene in Surulere, Lagos.
The transition into club Disc Jockeying introduced him to a different dimension of entertainment. Unlike private children's parties, clubs demanded an acute understanding of crowd behaviour, musical transitions and the ability to sustain energy throughout a performance.
It was an environment where musical selection and timing could determine the atmosphere of the entire venue.
His professional journey subsequently took him from Lagos to Benin and back to Lagos, exposing him to different audiences and entertainment environments.
Each location brought its own experiences, expectations and opportunities to learn. The journey also strengthened his resolve to develop his abilities and establish himself as a dependable entertainer.
Today, with a repertoire spanning several genres and a performance history covering different cities and countries, DJ Walzee represents a generation of entertainers whose professional growth has been shaped by both traditional DJ techniques and the changing demands of contemporary nightlife.
MORE THAN MUSIC, THE ART OF READING THE CROWD
For DJ Walzee, being behind the decks goes beyond playing popular songs. It involves understanding an audience, anticipating the next musical moment and knowing when to change the tempo to sustain excitement.
His musical versatility allows him to move across Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afro House, Hip-Hop, R&B, Dancehall, Highlife, House Music and international hits.
From contemporary club anthems to familiar throwbacks, his approach accommodates different musical tastes and generations.
Whether performing at a nightlife venue, a festival, a corporate gathering or a wedding, the objective remains creating the right atmosphere and giving the audience an experience worth remembering.
His work also requires preparation, technical proficiency and collaboration with event organisers, artistes, MCs and production teams to ensure that performances run smoothly.
In an entertainment industry where audiences increasingly expect both quality music and memorable experiences, these skills remain essential to building a sustainable professional brand.
FROM PREMIUM VENUES TO INTERNATIONAL STAGES
Over the years, DJ Walzee has performed at several recognised entertainment venues, including Quilox, Vault in Ikeja, Chandelier, Bayrock and Velvett Lounge.
His event portfolio also includes Rage Fest, Capital Fest, Capital Pool Party in Abuja and Valid Concert.
Beyond Nigeria, he has taken his craft to audiences in Lebanon and Ghana, broadening his experience of different entertainment environments and musical cultures.
Within Nigeria, his performance experience spans Lagos, Abuja, Edo, Delta, Ogun, Oyo and Ondo states.
These opportunities have contributed to his professional development, exposing him to different crowds and reinforcing the importance of adaptability in a career that revolves around live audience engagement.
His ambition is to extend the reach of the DJ Walzee brand across Africa and internationally, taking his musical craft to wider audiences while maintaining his commitment to quality entertainment.
SHARING THE STAGE WITH MUSIC STARS
DJ Walzee's professional journey has also brought him into performance environments alongside several established and emerging names in African music.
His notable shared-stage experiences include artistes such as Victony, Oxlade, CKay, Peruzzi, Reminisce, CDQ, Joeboy, Fireboy DML, FOLA and Shoday.
Such experiences reflect the important role DJs play within the wider live entertainment ecosystem, helping shape the atmosphere around performances and connecting recorded music with the excitement of live audiences.
For DJ Walzee, these experiences form part of a continuing journey of learning, professional growth and exposure to the evolving African music scene.
Yet, beyond the names, venues and events associated with his career, his personal ambition remains straightforward.
"I want to be the best DJ, playing good music. I want to add value and put good music out to the world," he says.
The statement captures his aspiration to look beyond individual performances and contribute to a musical culture that brings people together through quality sound and entertainment.
RECOGNITION FOR HIS CRAFT
His work has earned industry recognition, including the Best Young DJ award at the Surulere Awards in 2015 and the Most Outstanding DJ award at the Edo Student Icon Awards in 2021.
These awards mark milestones in his professional journey and provide recognition of his involvement in the entertainment industry.
With more than a decade of active professional experience, DJ Walzee continues to develop his musical identity, refine his skills and explore opportunities for further growth.
His approach combines musical versatility with professionalism, reliability, communication and the ability to adapt to different audiences and event requirements.
For him, the goal is not simply to remain relevant but to continue improving the quality and value of what he offers.
HIS MESSAGE TO NIGERIAN YOUTH, VALUE BEFORE MONEY
Beyond the music and the entertainment business, DJ Walzee has a message for young Nigerians pursuing their ambitions in different fields.
His advice is simple, "be good at what you do, love your work and believe in it".
He believes that young people should focus on developing their abilities and building genuine value rather than measuring every step of their journey solely by immediate financial returns.
"Love what you do and believe in it. Money will follow," is the principle he shares with aspiring professionals.
For him, financial success is important, but it should not be the only measure of fulfilment.
Sometimes, the journey requires patience, especially when the rewards do not immediately reflect the effort invested. During such periods, commitment to one's craft and the willingness to keep improving can make a significant difference.
He also emphasises the importance of inner peace, noting that success should not be measured by money alone.
His perspective reflects lessons drawn from a profession that requires years of practice, the ability to overcome challenges and the determination to keep showing up even when circumstances are difficult.
For aspiring DJs and other young professionals, his message is that talent must be developed, passion must be sustained and value must remain at the centre of their work.
BUILDING A BRAND BEYOND THE DECKS
As the entertainment industry continues to connect local talent with international opportunities, DJ Walzee is looking towards expanding his presence across Africa and beyond.
His ambition is to deliver world-class entertainment experiences while using music as a means of connecting people and creating lasting memories.
The modern DJ occupies a position that extends beyond playing songs. Music curation, audience engagement, event coordination and an understanding of different entertainment cultures all contribute to the profession.
With experience across clubs, festivals, concerts and private functions, DJ Walzee continues to pursue opportunities that will strengthen his brand and widen his professional reach.
He remains committed to the principle that first inspired his journey, good music, delivered with skill and passion, can create experiences that people remember long after an event has ended.
Every memorable celebration has moments that remain with its guests long after the lights go out. Sometimes those memories are created by the people on stage, at other times, they are shaped by the music that brings everyone together.
DJ Walzee's story is a reminder that professional journeys often begin in modest circumstances, with a willingness to learn and a determination to keep moving forward.
From kiddies' parties in the era of compact discs to an active professional career spanning 14 years, his journey reflects the evolution of his craft and the value of experience.
His story also carries a message beyond entertainment, that success is not built on money alone, but on the quality of one's work, the value one creates and the fulfilment that comes from pursuing a meaningful passion.
For Azeez Olawale, the man behind the DJ Walzee brand, the mission remains clear, to keep improving, play good music, add value and take his craft to a wider world.
The sound continues. The energy remains. And the journey goes on.
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