In the ever-evolving tapestry of music, few artists possess the audacity to transcend borders and genres with the boldness of DJ Power. He is the Sonic Sorcerer Who Defies Boundaries and Electrifies the World! From Brooklyn to Toronto, DJ Power’s Audacious Journey Takes Music to New Heights with Epic Collaborations and Electrifying Beats. Critics Rave, Audiences Crave – His Magnetic Stage Presence Sets the World Ablaze!”
This illustrious award-winning producer and DJ, hailing from the bustling metropolises of Brooklyn and Toronto, have charted a course that leaves a trail of sonic wonder in its wake. It’s a journey marked by electrifying beats, groundbreaking collaborations, and a magnetic musical prowess that has firmly established him among the elite of contemporary artists.
With a career that spans continents and cultures, DJ Power has had the privilege of working with international music luminaries that read like a who’s who of the industry. From the infectious grooves of SL to the fiery presence of Sean Paul, the lyrical genius of Vybz Kartel, the beats of Walshy Fire from Major Lazer, the Ghanaian dancehall sensation Stonebwoy, and the Soca Monarch, Machel Montano, DJ Power has cultivated a global musical family that mirrors the diverse nature of his work.
DJ Power’s distinctive productions have not just graced the airwaves; they’ve been celebrated by critics and audiences alike. Accolades from venerable institutions like The New York Times, Complex, and The Fader bear witness to his ability to break boundaries and create an electrifying fusion of electronic and urban music.
Fresh from the success of “Special Delivery,” DJ Power has once again proven his prowess by teaming up with Brooklyn’s R&B queen, Alex Mali, Nigerian hitmaker Reekado Banks, and emerging talent Ajura. The result is nothing short of a musical revelation that showcases the strength of cross-genre collaboration.
“Choose to Lie” is a groundbreaking musical collaboration that exemplifies DJ Power’s commitment to defying geographical and cultural boundaries. This genre-blending masterpiece seamlessly merges R&B, Afrobeats, and Amapiano into an undeniably catchy and culturally transcendent global phenomenon. DJ Power, alongside an exceptional ensemble of artists, has crafted a sonic revelation that unites continents and captures the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
Enjoy this exclusive interview with the prolific DJ Power.
What stands DJ power out from every other DJ putting out records?
I think the main difference is that I produce my own music and have my own sound and it’s original. A lot of DJs have producers make the music for them so the song sounds like whatever producer they use. I’ve always experimented with fusing different sounds and trying to create new genres like Afro-Trap, Drill-Dancehall, Soca-House etc. “Choose To Lie” is also a fusion between Afrobeats and R&B.
You’ve worked with a diverse range of artists in your career. What draws you to collaborate with such a variety of musicians, and what do you enjoy most about these partnerships?
What I enjoy most is first creating the music and getting it to perfection. Then I know when the artist adds their magic to it, it’s golden. The best feeling is being in the studio with the artist and hearing what they create on the track. That’s where you get the best vibe and I love producing vocals.
Your recent collaboration, “Choose To Lie,” with Alex Mali, Reekado Banks, and Ajura has garnered a lot of attention. Can you share the inspiration behind this track and how the collaboration came to life?
The inspiration started with a melody my brother Mac-Steph sent me and then I worked on the track for months till I was happy with it. Sometimes it’s like that I never rush till I get it right. Then I had a session with my friend Alex Mali and she heard it, loved it and recorded. She killed it! Since the track had an Afro Vibe and she had soulful vocals on it, I wanted to add an African artist to compliment the sound. A few artists sent some references but when I heard Ajura’s vocals I loved what he added to it. Then when Reekado Banks did his verse I was like wow! We got one! He killed it.
What was the most exciting or memorable moment during the creation of “Choose To Lie”?
When Alex Mali recorded her vocals I knew it was magic, the vibe in the studio was crazy. She’s one of the most talented artists I’ve ever worked with and we have amazing chemistry in the lab. Then when Reekado and Ajura added their vocals, I knew this was going up as they killed it and brought the amazing energy the track needed.
The song’s narrative revolves around themes of love, self-discovery, and transformation. How did these themes resonate with you personally during the creative process?
I think a lot of people can relate to the theme, we’ve all been in relationships and been lied to. Me personally, I know sometimes you like someone and they don’t like you the same way or vice versa. Everyone’s been in that situation before.
What unique contributions did each artist bring to “Choose To Lie,” and how did their individual styles complement the overall sound of the song?
I think everyone brought amazing vibes to the track and complement each other. It started with the music and then Alex brought her concept and soulful sound to it. Reekado brings the smooth African element and really brings a big hype to the song. Adding Ajura brings everything together because his vocals are the bridge and his verse is crazy too. The final stage was editing the vocals and arrangement and adding sounds to complement everything like horns etc.
How do you see “Choose To Lie” fitting into the current music landscape, and what do you hope it will bring to your fans and new listeners?
I think “Choose To Lie” is a unique combo of Afrobeats and R&B so it will stand on its own and that’s how I like my songs to be. I don’t want it sounding like something else. I hope people will recognize the uniqueness of my collaborations and the work I put in. My last single “Special Delivery” had UK drill rapper SL, dancehall legend Vybz Kartel, Junior Reid, rappers NojokeJigsaw and Scrilla so I enjoy bringing artists together on a different type of track than they’re normally used to.
Afrobeats has become a major force in America, what do you think of the growth of the genre and how exciting do you think it is?
I think it’s amazing to see how far Afrobeats has come and wish the genre continued success. I remember my father introducing me to Fela Kuti’s music as a kid and then when I started producing at 15 he was one of the first people I sampled. It’s crazy how far the music has come and I’m excited for its future.
What do you think it takes to make truly original and era-defining art?
I think the most important thing is to be true to yourself and not try to fit into a box. A lot of times my music doesn’t fit into categories and it can be a problem as people don’t know where to place it. Is it Hip Hop, Dancehall, Afro? I don’t think about it and just create; I think that’s the best way to go. When you try to make a song fit a playlist it’s not the same.
Any Afrobeats artiste(s) in particular are you looking forward to working with.
Yes I really like artists like Davido, Burna Boy, Seyi Vybez, Ayra Starr, Mr Eazi, Reekado Banks of course and so many more.
Do you have any plans to visit Africa soon, given your collaboration with Reekado Banks and Ajura? How has working with artists from different regions influenced your musical perspective?
Yes I plan to visit Nigeria and Ghana soon we are still working on dates but I will be there god willing! Working with the artists makes me appreciate the unique sound and vibe that they bring to the track. “Choose to Lie’ needed the African vibe and it’s a great complement to it.
Beyond music, what are some of your interests or hobbies that you enjoy when you’re not behind the decks or in the studio?
I enjoy playing soccer it’s my favourite sport and boxing. I also like movies, documentaries, books anything I can learn something new from and spending time with family.
As a DJ and producer, how do you stay inspired and continue to push the boundaries of your craft, both musically and creatively?
I’m constantly listening to new music that’s what helps me stay inspired as well as going back to listen to old music. Sometimes melodies pop in my head and I’ll get inspired. Being a DJ helps because you always got to be in tune with the crowd.
Your performances are known for their electrifying energy. Can you share some of your secrets for captivating audiences and creating memorable live experiences?
Energy, energy, energy haha! I think that’s the main thing and the unique way I put my sets together and the live remixes I do. When you come to a Power performance you will hear music put together in a way that you haven’t heard before, I like to keep it original and full of vibes.
What are your upcoming projects or releases that your fans can look forward to in the near future, aside from “Choose To Lie”?
I have a full project coming in 2024 so I’m looking forward to more collabs with some amazing artists. I’m hoping to do more collabs with African artists combined with North American ones for this project.
Could you share a few anecdotes or stories from your career that stand out as particularly memorable or impactful moments?
I think working with legendary artists such as Vybz Kartel and creating tracks with these icons are moments I will never forget. I also love legendary performances like when I opened for Chainsmokers in Hawaii for 20,000 people. Experiences like that are epic.
Finally, on a lighter note, what’s something fun or quirky about yourself that your fans might not know, a hobby or a favorite pastime that you enjoy in your downtime?
I like to cook food! I need my own cooking show haha! Honestly though cooking makes me relax and takes my mind off things so I enjoy it.
