What does it take to transform passion into purpose? DJ Akeem answers this question with refreshing honesty as he shares his journey from timid beginner to confident music entrepreneur on this episode of the Good Neighbour Podcast.
Since November 2012, DJ Akeem has been bringing communities together through music, though he admits the path wasn't always smooth. "For the first half of the years, I was really more timid, wasn't really believing in myself, but I was always delivering," he reflects. With guidance from his mentor DJ Eloquence, he learned to balance community service with business acumen, creating a sustainable model for his passion.
DJ Akeem expertly debunks common industry misconceptions – that DJ's can't make money, that breaking into the business is impossible, or that the workload is overwhelming. His secret? "It's more of putting yourself out there because the more you put yourself out there is the more you're gonna continue to grow." Specializing in nostalgic sounds from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, while incorporating fresh elements, he has created a unique niche that resonates with audiences seeking both familiarity and novelty.
Beyond the turntables, we discover an anime enthusiast (Demon Slayer fans, you're not alone!), a gamer, a reader, and a philosophy sharer. His powerful parting message encapsulates his approach to life and business: "One hundred years from now, no one's gonna remember you. And if they're not gonna remember you, then why not live the dream, your dream life?" It's this authentic perspective that makes DJ Akeem not just a talented entertainer but a great neighbour.