I’M CELEBRATING MY 25TH YEAR ANNIVERSERY ON STAGE-D.J JIMMY JATT

Born and bred in Lagos Island, Jimmy Amu, popularly known as Cool DJ Jimmy Jatt is a renowned Disc Jockey who is known for setting the pace for Hip-Hop music in the country and beyond. An Icon in the Nigeria Entertainment Industry who has come a long way and
a veteran who has survived the test of time. Formally known as Master J, DJ Jimmy Jatt came into the music industry as a rapper with lots of demos but after a fruitless search in getting a record label to support him, he started deejaying with the support of his brothers. The stage name Jimmy Jatt came in honor from the initials of his brothers who long passed on the touch to him. He developed an interest in Hip-Hop and rap at an early age and grew up listening to a lot of rap albums from the late 70s. In giving back to the society, he is playing a major role in Nigeria by grooming new talents. Dj Jimmy Jatt has helped nurture many Deejays among which are; Dj waxy, Dj Syi-d, Dj Funkky J, Dj Hotega to mention a few. He has an album titled”The Definition” which is a tape featuring over 50 Nigerian’s best artistes. The first single titled ‘Stylee’ featuring 2face Idibia, Mode 9, and Ella Joe was heavily successful, enjoying massive air play and the music video staying on the MTV African countdown for weeks, while earning him several laurels such as Channel O African Music Video Award, Hip-Hop World Award, Nigerian Music Video Award, Nigeria Music Award Nomination and many other honors to mention a few. The Ijebu, Ogun State born star also has a TV program called Jimmy’s Jump Off, currently airing on local and international TV stations around the world. In this interview with FUNSHO AKINWALE Jimmy Jatt speaks extensively on his forthcoming 25^th year anniversary on stage and his new album..

You are generally known as Dj Jimmy Jatt, what are your names?

 My names are Jimmy Amu

What project are you currently working on?

I’m doing a whole lot of things. My primary assignment is being a DJ, playing at parties, concerts and several other events. Some time I go out of the country to perform, presently, we are working o an album to be released in the next quarter, while my major project now is celebrating my 25 years on stage. To me, it’s being 25 years of my relevance in the industry so I have the cause to celebrate. This year marks it 25 years on stage. I’ve being a subject matter since 1989 and I’m still a subject matter till now as a Dj. Prior to this, we are planning a resounding 25 years anniversary dinner to mark the feat. Other activities lined up for the event is pre-event tour and post event tour. We are really busy in preparation for the event.

Looking back at your life, did you envisage that you will go this far in your chosen career?

When I started out years back ,I never thought it would turn out like this, but I kept on working until God answered my prayer. Everything in life is time, and I have being able to change the face of deejaying business in Nigeria with several innovations and ideas.

What is the pain and gain of being a famous person?

I am a very reserved person. If you don’t see me working, you will definitely find me in my home resting. I don’t do all that celeb things, but I try as much as possible to maintain my status. You don’t need too much security details around you, you will by that distance yourself from your fans that made you. They are responsible for the demand you have today and I have not allowed the fame to enter into my head.

Despite your tasking job, do you still have time for your family?

I always create time for my family. Right now, they are outside the country and how I wish to be with them. Though I also travel a lot regards my job but if I’m less busy, my favorite spot in the world is being with my family.

How do you handle advances from female admirers?

There are no advances from any where, they are all my fans. I’ve being around for several years so I should have known how to handle them better.

Tell us more about your wife?

I wouldn’t want to go into my private life. Even my wife would not like it because she is also a private person too. So let’s forget details about her. But I have two lovely kids who are doing very well.

If you had not become a Dj today, what would have happened to you?

I would have been somewhere in the music industry. I have always loved music and probably, I would have been behind the scene. I’m not a 9 to 5 person and I have never written an application for a job in my life.

How do you charge for your shows?

I don’t discuss that on the pages of paper but it’s affordable and not expensive as people may think. It also depends on the kind of quality of services we are rendering to you.

At this stage of your life, what do you still aspire in your life?

I’m not at the peak of my life yet. I’m still growing and I want to see my kids grow and by the special grace of God attain more heights in life. There is still room for improvement.

Where do you see yourself in few years time?

I take my life as it come. Some people announce they want to achieve some set goals in a given time and at the end of the day they either die or have one problem or the other. So for me, I take my day as it come and I pray to God to uphold me on my days ahead. Though everyone wishes to attain a certain height in life, but don’t go about telling people of your mindset. Just pray about it and God will perfect it.

Do you smoke, drink or womanize?

I don’t smoke but I drink occasionally. I’m a social drinker so to speak and am not a womanizer; I’m a married man, a lovely husband to my wife and a respected father to my lovely kids.

Among other Dj’s in Nigeria, who do you think is toeing your line in terms of your style in disc jockey?

A lot of them, but I wouldn’t want to mention names.

What has life taught you?

Just be who you are and do unto people as you wish to be done to you. In terms of my thinking, I don’t wish anybody bad and I relate with every body in a good manner and approach.

What impact have you made in the industry in the cause of your 25 years of existence?

I’ve done a lot and I thank God for that. I was the first Dj to release an album; I was the first Dj to start a TV show which is second to none in the industry. With all these and more coming, I have been able to set a standard for all other Dj’s coming up. And I pray that they will take it up from where I have stop.

Are you a designer ‘freak’?

I’m not. I wear clothes that suit me and at times it depends on where I’m going or the kind of occasion.