KWAME, Mr DJ

I am a DJ, Marketing Manager, A&R and Music Educator.

How has your cultural background, growing up between the U.S. and Canada, influenced your ear for music and the way you approach DJing? - Being of Ghanaian descent, the sounds of West Africa – particularly the drums and melodies have heavily influenced my ear for music.

Being born in the U.S. and spending most of my time in Canada exposed me to a wide range of sounds that continue to inform my DJing style and song selections for different events.

You’ve performed in clubs, concerts, and massive arenas. How do you adapt your energy and setlist depending on the space and audience?

Preparation is key. Knowing the audience and the space I’m playing in helps me deliver the best possible performance as a DJ. I focus on controlling the energy in any venue—whether it’s a club, concert, or massive arena—through BPM and intentional song selection, making sure the vibe matches the moment.

Working with major sports teams means curating music that hypes up thousands of fans. What’s the psychology behind picking the right track in high-pressure moments?

Curation is everything. I build and update specific crates/folders for key moments, ensuring I have the perfect track ready to match the energy of the game. Preparation is key—constantly refining and modifying these selections helps me deliver the best musical experience, especially in high-pressure moments where the right song can shift the entire atmosphere.

You’ve opened for global artists like Burna Boy, Travis Scott, and Daniel Caesar. What did those experiences teach you about artistry and audience engagement?

These experiences have taught me that every opportunity is a chance to showcase the best version of yourself as a DJ. Stay true to the skills and style that got you there, but also be adaptable—don’t be afraid to experiment with elements that resonate with the audience in front of you. Most importantly, authenticity is key—being yourself always translates best on stage

Being a DJ is often about reading the room in real-time. Can you recall a moment where you completely shifted the energy of a crowd with just one song?

I’m big on nostalgia—there’s something special about hits from the '80s and '90s that resonate across all generations. No matter the venue or genre, I always find a way to weave in those timeless tracks because they instantly shift the energy in the room. Those nostalgic records always bring people together and create an unforgettable vibe

You’ve transitioned into music marketing and partnerships at Believe Music. How has your experience as a DJ influenced the way you work with artists behind the scenes?

Being a DJ isn’t just about playing music—it’s about developing an ear for talent and understanding how sounds connect with audiences. DJing has sharpened my ability to recognize an artist’s potential and anticipate their trajectory, which has been invaluable in my role at Believe. It’s helped me identify standout tracks within a rollout, understand their impact, and collaborate with our music partners to craft creative campaigns that drive visibility and expand reach. Ultimately, it all comes down to translating that instinct for energy and audience engagement into successful artist campaigns.

The music industry is constantly evolving, from streaming algorithms to live event production. What changes do you see shaping the future of DJing and music curation?

AI is already playing a major role in the music industry, from enhancing DJ software for smoother mixing and transitions to predicting ticket sales and audience behavior at live events. As DJs, staying ahead of the curve means not only understanding these advancements but also integrating AI into music curation and performance. The ability to leverage AI-driven insights will help DJs refine their sets, personalize audience experiences, and elevate live performances in ways we’ve never seen before

You’ve worked with artists, brands, and major sports franchises. How do you navigate staying creative while also handling the business side of music?

Balance is everything. Juggling work, creative projects, and multiple responsibilities means that some areas will naturally take priority at different times. Some weeks, business demands more of my attention; other weeks, creativity takes the lead. My personal gauge for balance is how present I am for my immediate family—I rely on their feedback to keep me in check. True balance isn’t just a solo act; it takes insight from those around you to ensure you’re not stretched too thin