Nigerian disc jockey, Onyinyechi Maureen Eneje, popularly known as DJ Pretty Smile, has opened up on the challenges confronting female DJs in the Nigerian entertainment industry, saying they often have to work harder to prove their worth in a male-dominated space.
The Enugu State-born entertainer, who was raised in Lafia, Nasarawa State, and is a graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said one of the biggest challenges female DJs face is being taken seriously.
According to her, female DJs are sometimes judged by their appearance before their talent, forcing them to put in extra effort to establish themselves based on their skills.
“Sometimes people notice that you’re a woman before they notice your talent, and you have to work twice as hard to prove that you’re not just there for your looks,” she said.
DJ Pretty Smile also identified safety concerns, unwanted attention and the male-dominated nature of the industry as other challenges female DJs have to navigate. However, she said she refuses to allow such experiences to define her career, choosing instead to concentrate on improving her craft and building a reputation around her talent.
Explaining why she chose disc jockeying instead of singing or dancing, she said her passion for music and the ability to control the mood of an audience drew her to DJing.
“I’ve always loved music and the way it can change people’s mood instantly. I chose DJing because I love being the person who controls that energy and creates an experience for people,” she said.
The entertainer acknowledged that her appearance has contributed to her visibility and branding, but insisted that looks alone cannot sustain a career in entertainment.
She said she wants audiences to remember her as a DJ who can deliver quality performances, rather than merely as a beautiful female entertainer.
On the recognition and financial rewards available to DJs compared with music artistes, DJ Pretty Smile said DJs still do not always receive adequate recognition for their contribution to the music industry.
She noted that DJs play an important role in introducing songs to audiences and helping to promote music, adding that the situation is gradually changing as DJs increasingly establish themselves as brands and entertainers.
Reflecting on the highs and lows of her career, she described performing before enthusiastic crowds, securing major bookings, meeting influential people and witnessing her career grow as some of her most rewarding experiences.
She, however, noted that uncertainty, pressure and disappointing audience reactions could make the profession challenging. Despite these setbacks, she said every experience provides an opportunity to learn and improve.
On what distinguishes her from other female DJs, DJ Pretty Smile pointed to her energy, personality, versatility and attention to personal branding.
“I don’t want to be known only because I’m a female DJ or because I’m pretty. I want to be known because when DJ Pretty Smile steps behind the decks, people know they’re going to have a good time,” she said.
She also expressed pride in the global growth of Nigerian music, particularly Afrobeats, saying it has helped introduce Nigerian culture, language and lifestyle to audiences around the world.
While describing the creativity and ambition within Nigeria’s music industry as impressive, she called for stronger structures, greater support for emerging talents and better recognition for professionals working behind the scenes.
She added that Nigeria was continuing to make its mark globally and expressed pride in being part of the country’s expanding entertainment ecosystem.
