the evolution of LeonardoThDJj’s illustrious music Career

Accra has been buzzing with a slew of music talents and executives turning up in the clubs, pubs and lounges. One of such talents that we are huge fans of is leonardothedj. A young dj who over the past couple of years has earned his set in the budget of event organizers and in the ears of music lovers. We caught up with him to talk about his music inspiration and his plans for the future

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Spark: Who would you say is Leonardo the dj?

 LTD: Well, I’d say LeonardoDDJ is just your average guy who happens to spin records for a living. Honestly, there’s not much to it—I’m a pretty laid-back and reserved person who just really loves music.

Spark: Why did you become a dj and how did you start?

LTD: I got into DJing because of my love for curating playlists, though ironically, it’s been a while since I last made one. Back in university, around 2017/2018, I used to put together weekly playlists for my friends, and they always loved them. In my final year, I had this urge to turn those playlists into actual mixes, and luckily, I had Nel, a DJ, around to teach me the basics. It was really during the Covid lockdowns that I had the time to practice seriously since I didn’t have much else to do at home.

Spark: Tell us a little about your background before you became a DJ? Where did you grow up, which schools did you attend?

LTD: I spent most of my young days in Kumasi, we moved there in 2007 thereabout. I completed the Hilltop School (shouts to Mrs Amoako haha) then I went to Presbyterian Boys Secondary School and University of Ghana after

 Spark: Can you take us back to your first gig? What was going through your mind, and how did it shape your journey as a DJ

LTD: First Gig? It wasn’t an official gig, but it was for the marketing students at the University of Ghana Business School. I can’t quite remember the exact event, but it was honestly pretty funny. Thankfully, the speakers were terrible, so I could blame that, but in truth, I didn’t do a great job. However, I learned a lot from that experience, things go wrong sometimes, and it’s okay to make mistakes. The key is to come back stronger.

 Spark: DJing is all about creating an experience. How do you craft the energy and vibe of your sets?

LTD: It really depends on the set, to be honest. How I’d curate a regular Friday night set might be different from how I’d approach a one-off event, you know? The difference isn’t huge, though, because I’m always focused on the audience. The community I’m playing for and the type of set whether it’s a warm up or prime time guide my song selection

 Spark: What has been your most unforgettable moment behind the decks so far, and what made it so special?

LTD: It used to be my imullar set but I think I have a new favourite is the project I worked on with Julian Andoh, he’s an amazing guitarist. It was just vibes seeing how well we blended together. That session changed a lot for me in terms of how I saw things and I actually ended up bettering my play style a bit after that.

 Spark: When you’re preparing for a set, do you have a specific strategy or do you go with the flow?

LTD: It depends on the night. But it’s definitely a combination of the two

 Spark: You’ve been making waves on the DJ scene. How do you keep yourself grounded amidst all the hype

LTD: Waves? I don’t really see it that way, but I get what you mean. There’s just so much to do and learn that I don’t get caught up in the hype. Trust me, there’s a lot I still need to accomplish to reach my goals, and honestly, it’s no easy task!

 Spark: You’ve already achieved a lot, but what’s the next big goal you’re aiming for in your career?

LTD: When I think about it, I’ve actually done quite a bit; countless mixes, and I even dropped a tape with Iyke Parker that got incredible feedback. It’s wild to me that people really enjoy our music. Now, I’m feeling like it’s time to explore the executive side of things. The behind the scenes of the music industry is fascinating, and there are a few experiences I want to dive into next.

 Spark: What advice would you give to aspiring DJs who are looking to break into the scene?

LTD: It can definitely get discouraging at times, but keep your head up. The beginning is tough, I won’t lie. You’ll make mistakes and sometimes bad business decisions, but always look for the lessons in them. Build connections and, if possible, find a mentor; having a mentor in this industry is crucial. I didn’t have one, so I speak from experience. Trust me, it will all make sense in the end

Spark: If you could create your dream lineup for an event, who would you want to share the stage with and why? Mention 5 artistes

LTD: I think I’d want 99 Phaces to do the opening set. Then probably Joey B, Black Sherif, Sarkodie and Shatta in no particular order.

Watch Leornardothedj and other music executives interview Ghanaian musician Mr Drew

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Written by

Franz Edward Risch, a seasoned project manager at a creative magazine company. Franz embodies a passion for creativity, evident not only in his professional role but also in his love for writing poems and music