Cover Story - BLK BRIT Meets: DJ Edott
Photography by Ogaga Blessing
“Congolese music is one of the best music to come out of Africa and I’m not being biased. It just is. Francophone music also. But what’s happening right now is, a lot of Francophone youths that have grown up in the UK are now really getting in touch and proudly representing, embracing where they are from.”
He seamlessly captures melodies across the diaspora, highlighting sounds that connect with generations. British-Angolan, DJ Edott understands and exudes what it means to be the people’s DJ. From taking over Black British nightlife to becoming a youth mentor, and historically being the first DJ to step foot at City Hall, there’s no one quite like him. This international act speaks on studying DJ Tokyo, biggest career moment thus far and answers one of the most significant questions - who is the Michael Jackson of Africa? Get ready for a ride - North London’s Finest is here to stay.
I want to kick this off by learning about your relationship with music. Do you remember the moment you were first introduced to it?
It’s always been around because my dad is a DJ. Let’s say church too. I was playing drums at church from like age 6 - I went to a mixed church with Jamaicans, Africans, White, so from there. My dad was playing drums and then -
Did he teach you how to play?
I wouldn’t say he taught me but I just watched him. I’m literally just watching him, following and copying him. So he influenced me a lot.
That’s actually my next question. I think we need to acknowledge DJ Tokyo, your dad.
Come on, big him up man!
How did he play a role in you becoming a DJ?
He came to the country in 1991. By then, he was already the only Congolese-Angolan DJ in London. So anyone that had a party, they’ll call him. He’s the oldest DJ that’s been here, the best DJ - not to be biased because he’s my dad but he actually is from experience. From then, I used to see him carry speakers and stuff, I used to pop his speakers when I was younger and then, follow him to parties. He used to do weddings and stuff on weekends, I would ask him like, ‘Where are you going?’ At 8 years old, I was going, I was sleeping underneath the tables. The weddings would finish late and my mum would not want me to go but I would beg and already be dressed, just so I can go out with my dad. I’d watch him load equipment into the car, help detangle cables, and give him CDs to load and play.
That’s wonderful. So, how did he feel when you started pursuing DJing? Must’ve been a great moment.
He loved it. He just always made sure that I made it a hobby and not a job. So, it’s a thing that I do on the side and then I have like my main job, but that didn’t happen (both laugh).
Instead, you went full force with DJing?
Ahh I had to man. I got obsessed!
What is it about DJing that you love so much?
It’s making people happy! Because I’ve played at every single type of party I can think of. Funerals, weddings, conferences, birthdays, christenings. Music is so powerful, it just makes people happy. Seeing smiles on people’s faces. Even from funerals as well, it’s meant to be a sad thing. You play music -
But at the same time, it’s a celebration.
Yeah, it’s a celebration but at the time, it’s like, wow.
I do want to say this. In terms of DJing, it’s not easy. I tried [to learn] at university and never went back - I won’t lie to you. Describe the perfect DJ.
Someone who can read the crowd. DJing isn’t about actually knowing how to play, you need to know how to play to people. People are there for you to entertain them, so if you don’t know how to entertain the people, then what’s the point? So, literally reading the crowd.
That makes sense -
Especially, if you’ve never met them before. I haven’t met them before but I can tell what they’re into and how they respond when I’m playing and testing music.
Photography by Ogaga Blessing
As someone that goes to parties, you guys make or break them. You set the tone on our experience. How are you so knowledgeable on all these genres? I’m referring to Coupé-décalé, Zouk [etc].
Remember, my dad has been here since 1991. So he hasn’t only being doing Congolese parties - South African, French, all the Francophone [events]. Even in Africa, we listen to everyone’s music. We don’t only listen to our own music. I’m actually from Angola, I’m not Congolese. But Congolese music, I know everything. We’re the same.
We are and I think it’s a different world here in the UK. As you said, in Africa, we listen to all genres. Even us, I’m Ivorian and we listen to Angolan, Cameroonian, Congolese -
There’s a lot of Zims [Zimbabwean] that think they grew up on their music but it’s actually Congolese. It’s like Pépé Kallé, he’s like the Notorious B.I.G. There’s a lot of Pépé Kallé tunes Ugandans will think are from their country then be like, ‘Oh he’s actually Congolese.’
People also thought 1er [Premier] Gaou was Congolese.
I hated that. I think that’s one reason why I wanted to push Francophone music (both laugh). They would say, ‘Congo stand up’ and you hear ‘dum, dum, dum’ [beat from 1er Gaou]. It’s like bro?
It doesn’t even get played in Ivory Coast.
It’s like Awilo Longomba [Karolina], it doesn’t get played in Congo like that.
The UK picks up on certain old school bangers -
It’s too much now, there’s a lot of bangers.
That’s why we have you.
You need more of me.
That’s facts (both laugh). Now, I was actually introduced to you at the Recess AFCON watch party. But from that event, I realised that once Ivory Coast won, Coup De Marteau was getting played everywhere. Where do you envision Black British nightlife in 10 years?
More Francophone music. Ghana had its time, Nigeria is having its time right now, it’s dragging. Congolese music is one of the best music to come out of Africa and I’m not being biased. It just is. Francophone music also. But what’s happening right now is, a lot of Francophone youths that have grown up in the UK are now really getting in touch and proudly representing, embracing where they are from. Whereas, the Nigerians and Jamaicans [etc] who have been here longer than us BEEN doing that from long time. Francophone music is now getting popular and will forever continue to get popular. Everyone’s going to want Francophone music in their set!
I know, but have you not realised it’s more in the French speaking countries?
In France, Belgium, Holland, Germany [and more], they are more in touch with their roots and are shameless aha! We just need more parties, more DJs and more of what you guys are doing to shine the light.
You play a big role in that. Speak to me about the people you’ve worked with. I’m talking about Naza, Young Dolph, Ivorian Doll and more.
I’ve worked with a wide range of people from Werrason to Ya Levis, we [Congo Takeover] did his headline show in 2021 at Scala Kings Cross to even outside of the Francophone scene, with Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London.
Wait, pause (both laugh). How did that come about?
I’m a youth mentor as well, so I’ve got myself into DJing for the London Violence Reduction Unit which is based in City Hall. I’m the only DJ that’s stepped foot in City Hall and played there. They book me for all their events and yeah, it’s just to help reduce violence.
How that’s going? The experience -
Amazing! I meet a lot of young leaders who are in the background fighting and actually making changes within our community to tackle violence. And they pay great (both laugh).
What’s been the biggest moment in your career so far?
Working With Yxng Bane, he’s super talented! We’ve toured bare places. Main DJ at the first and second Afro Nation. Also, sharing stages with Wizkid, Davido, Beenie Man and more.
Are you doing Afro Nation this year too?
I’ll just throw after parties this year. I’m looking forward to throwing Congo Takeover on the Friday as Fally [Ipupa] will be there. Friday is a very Francophone night, are you going?
I’m so tempted. I want to see Tayc and Dadju, I saw him [Fally] in the UK.
I still haven’t seen him, it’s crazy. I threw the after party but had a wedding on the same day -
Photography by Ogaga Blessing
Is he one of your favourite artists?
I don’t really have a favourite, but Michael Ja- (laughs), Fally Ipupa is my Michael Jackson though. He’s the best. Koffi [Olomide] is the guy but Fally is the guy. He fits in with everyone.
So, he’s the Michael Jackson of Congo?
No, Africa.
Talk to me about your heritage. How has Angola influenced your career?
Angola, Luanda, Palanca! I went to Angola in 2008 for the first time, went to see my family and over there, everyone loves music! On the streets you see speakers! Everyone’s just lit! Our music’s so vibey! We have Semba, Kizomba, Tarraxinha which is kind of like Zouk music. I love Kuduro which is from the hood.
I have an Angolan friend and that’s what I get. You like to party, have a good time, listen to music - just enjoyment.
I go there every single year.
December?
Yeah, that’s the only holiday I get.
So, where do you see yourself in 5 years? Not 20, just 5.
On a yacht (both laugh). I’ll be real, just comfortable like mentally and [at] peace. The industry that I’m in, we’re all in, it’s very fast paced. It’s challenging and can break you. There’s drugs, money, jealousy, drinking - a lot of stuff that can make you go the wrong way. I didn’t always to want to be here for the rest of my life.
What do you do want to do?
Just make enough money so I can work on other things.
I’m going to use DJ Khaled as an example. He started by DJing and went on to producing albums. Is that something you’d be interested in?
I kind of do that now. More like, I put artists together behind the scenes.
So, A&R? Can you spill the tea?
I can’t spill the tea but it’s like I put this producer and artist together, then magic happens.
You should do that often, sounds like a great opportunity. Last question, do you envision yourself in the UK for long?
No, I want to go back to Angola. I’m trying to test it out and see how long I can actually stay there. Because the first time I went Angola was 2008 and I didn’t go [back] till 2022. I’m trying to see if I can stay in a country for longer than a month. I want to be with my people and the sun, generally back home.
Thank you so much. This wasn’t an interview, it was a conversation. Did you have fun?
Yeah, let’s do this again. When are we doing it again?
In 2 months? (Both laugh).
Editor In Chief Raissa Coulibaly, Editor Charlene Haylette, Photography Ogaga Blessing, Interview Raissa Coulibaly Assistants Jodi Clarke & Destinee Kouassi, Talent DJ Edott