Yero S. Bah
He is in his early 20s, born and grew up in a highly conservative society that looks low upon many professions, but especially fields such as disc jockey (Deejaying), DJ Zuma never lost faith in his entertainment talent and skills since childhood.
Conservative societies like The Gambia, people do not usually see the profession of DJ as a professional work that could earn individuals a decent living mainly due to religious, traditional and cultural norms for centuries.
This societal discrimination and negative vices against the profession and people involved in the trade treks on thorny terrain to make it happen in life in this country. However, such societal dispositions are not in any way discouraging Edrisa Sanyang, otherwise DJ Zuma, from fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a professional Disc Jockey/entertainer in the Gambia, despite all the challenges along the way.
DJ Zuma spent six years of his life in the entertainment industry in fulfillment of his dream in a country where his profession is frowned upon by many. He admitted the starting was very hard, as there was no support; but with confidence, he still persevered. He makes good use of the Internet by conducting researches, which ultimately introduced him to new stuffs, most of the times, and thus learned a lot.
It would be noted that, with the advent of technology, the work of the Deejay has improved quite a lot through the introduction of new technology devices and Apps such as Virtual DJ, Serato and Tractor.
These are all software Apps that entertainers actually utilize to modernize and move with technology in this digital era.
“Before, I was using only a laptop with Virtual DJ installed in it to program my entertainment list and dialogue, but now I can use others like Serato, Tractor, and Vestack,” said DJ Zuma. He recollected that at the beginning he never knew how to use a mixer or controller but as of now, things have changed as he learns faster to catch up with the modern technologies available to ease his job as a universal entertainer.
“Spending more time on the game, I am learning a lot and developing daily to propel forward in my profession,” the Disc Jockey told this medium.
Zuma as he is known in the entertainment world, explained that, Apps like Virtual DJ, Serato, tractor, Vestact, herculean and others are excellent entertainment Apps, saying such software Apps help entertainers/DJ to maneuver easily and quickly in their professional works and they make the job easier for DJs, worldwide.
“I prefer Virtual DJ because it is easy to use as others are more complicated,” he opined.
The DJ has cherished his education, as he said it helps him a lot to read more about his profession; that it could have been a totally different story without his education. “Currently, I am using Serato because it is more updated,” he pointed out. He pointed out that one have to read and understand so many instructions in this field in order to perform better and to be able to “WOW” your fans, followers and the general masses. And, the availability of the Internet and others entertainment Apps made that easier for DJs and the entertainment industry.
Regarding music as his hobby, the people’s entertainer said: “Anytime I feel angry or stressful, I listen to music to calm myself down and I have seen some success in it. Opportunities are there.”
Mr. Edrisa Sanyang, otherwise DJ Zuma, from “Success Entertainment” bloc believes he is a universal DJ as he plays/performs everywhere and even serves as backup for some musicians. He maintained that technology has made their work so comfortable, depending on one’s ability to use these tech Apps that are available.
Having learned a lot about the entertainment industry, DJ Zuma said he was able to connect with local and global icons on the industry through the Internet without which, as he admitted, it could not have been possible to be privileged to access such personalities.
“I am always connected to the Internet to learn from the Worldwide Web,” he reinforced. Zuma finally sets his long term dream of becoming an internationally recognized DJ/entertainer in the next few years to come. “I want to go global,” the young Deejay envisaged.
