Benedict Asagwu popularly known as DJ Humility was born and bred in Lagos even though he hails from Aculazu Agwo Local Government Area of Delta State. He started as a rapper before embracing a career as a disc jockey at the age of 15 after winning his first Dee Jay Championship in 1995. Humility has made tremendous contributions to the entertainment industry with his dynamic delivery of music.
Recently, the dreadlocks spotting entertainer launched his Nite Club, D’ HAC in the heart of Ikeja, Lagos. But just few months after opening shop, a crisis of ownership brews between the parties, leading to incessant harassment of DJ Humility. In this chat with Blockbuster, the Dee Jay opens up on sundry issues including what led to the crisis, crying out that his life is in danger.
Beginning
I was in JSS 3 when I started as a rapper. I represented my school in various competitions. I had featured in numerous competitions but professionally I started as a Dee Jay in 2005. I got my experience from DJ Stremboralla and the guys who actually taught me disc jockey are DJ Funky J and DJ Larry B Fresh. They took me to the highest level and today I’m proud to say that I’m a success. I took part in lots of Dee Jay Championships from when I was barely 16 years old, and in 1995 when I featured in DBN’s Solid Vibes Dee Jay Championship. Also in 1998 I featured in Benson and Hedges Championship in which I got nominated as the Best Dee Jay. Since then I have worked as a Dee Jay in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Sierra Leone, Dubai, and Ghana. I had worked for Rhythm 93.7 FM as a DJ for over 7 years. I enjoy my job because of the passion I have for it and I thank God for all the opportunities given to me. Presently, I’m producing a music show, Top 10 Countdown with my co-presenter JAJ on Silverbird Television.
From disc jockey to nite club business
If you go abroad you will discover that most of the Nite Clubs are owned by Dee Jays. So, I want people to know that a Dee Jay can also run a Nite Club in Nigeria. Abroad people go to clubs most times because of the DJs but in Nigeria the reverse is the case. Secondly, club owners are not paying DJs reasonable amount of money and they don’t also respect us. So, I was tired of all these and decided to invest in D’ HAC with the assistance of my partner who is also a DJ based in Atlanta.
D’HAC Nite Club
D’ HAC is basically made up of our names. The H represents Humility, while A is from Away and C represents Chiout. That was how we got the name, D’HAC. I feel fulfilled being able to venture into the business with the support of my partners. Though, it wasn’t an easy thing venturing into such business because it involves huge amount of money. I thank God for giving us the ability to actualise it.
Competition
I’m not competing with anybody. I’m just trying to do what I know how to do best and not in competition with anybody. We put in our best to make the environment conducive. In fact, we invested over N3.5 million on sound system alone to enable our patrons get the best sound quality. We have other professional DJs in the club, not just me. When you think about good music, think D’HAC. We also have good food because we have the best chef in town. I have eaten in hotels but I have not seen a chef like ours.
Threat to life
An Egyptian, Mrs. Tiahany Anafi Mouftafa wanted to drive us away from D’HAC. We had a tripartite agreement on the running of D’HAC. We came in last June and our brief was to run the club profitably and make money for all the parties. We have spent about N13.5 million renovating and equipping the club. From the US, we bought a new set of equipment, sound system, lighting devises, and smoke machines that we installed in the club. Going by the agreement, we’re supposed to pay the woman yearly but we made the mistake of paying her daily so as to be left alone. Since we started business, we have not made a dime as profit. All the money made is being used to pay staff salary. Once we stopped paying her daily, she then says we are making money but have refused to pay her. So, she brought policemen to the club to harass us. I was arrested and detained on a flimsy excuse that I owed her money, and wanted to take away her property. All she wants to do is frustrate us and take over the club after we’ve have invested a huge sum of money to put things in shape. Right now, my life is in danger as she’s threatening me daily, saying Egyptians are powerful people in Nigeria, and vows to deal with me mercilessly. I’m so afraid that these people can plant drugs or even arms in the club to implicate us.
Married with kid
I’m married, and we are blessed with a bouncing baby boy who is over nine months old.
I met my wife, Madeline a year ago and I’m very proud to be married to her because she has made my life a worthy one. In fact, she is the woman of my dream. I love her so much. She is irreplaceable. She cooks very well and is a very respectful woman. She is absolutely beautiful. I thank God for blessing me with such an adorable woman.
Fatherhood
Fatherhood makes you feel responsible. Now I know why people categorise a married man as a responsible person. Marriage gives you a good sense of responsibility. You have to provide and create time for your family no matter your tight schedules. So, it is quite different from bachelorhood. When you are a bachelor, you take decisions anyhow even you may decide to stay outside your home for a month. But because you know you have an investment at home, you will always run home and this would also give you the opportunity to save money rather than spending it extravagantly. Yes, I do cook because I’m a good cook and it’s something I enjoy doing as a hobby. I change my baby’s diapers as a lovely father because its one of the joys of fatherhood.
On female fans
I know how to handle them and I don’t do anything crazy to tarnish my reputation. I respect every woman.
On my dreadlocks
I’ve been wearing dreadlocks for over 15 years. I was not born with dreadlocks. I wear dreadlocks because I want to look different. It’s just a fashion statement. I wash my dreadlocks at the saloon once in a month, and I have a stylist who twists it for me. I don’t put water on it whenever I’m bathing.
On the music industry
The industry is seriously growing compared to what it used to be years back. I thank God that we’ve grown to the level of international recognition. Our artistes are now products for export. Some of them travel to different countries to perform and they are appreciated. So, it shows that we are growing.
Advice to upcoming Dee Jays
They should stay focused. I believe in the slogan: ‘Determination today leads to success tomorrow’. Most young Dee Jays are easily intimidated because of their level of exposure and enlightenment. You have to let people appreciate what you do as a person.
