Nigerian disc jockey, DJ Pretty Play, has spoken candidly about the gender bias she says continues to shape perceptions of women in the country’s music industry.
During a recent interview with HipTV, the entertainer described her journey as both demanding and, at times, discouraging, noting that female DJs often face scrutiny that goes beyond their craft.
According to her, women working behind the turntables are frequently judged by their appearance rather than their competence.
“It’s crazy, the journey has been really difficult and discouraging, I must say, as a woman in a male-dominated space,” she said.
She added that some of her male counterparts question the legitimacy of bookings secured by female DJs, assuming that opportunities are tied to looks instead of skill.
“Most of the time we are being sexualised. Some male DJs believe female DJs get gigs because of their physical appearance, not because of their skill. They think female DJs are getting gigs because they’re pretty,” she stated.
Despite these stereotypes, DJ Pretty Play maintained that her career is grounded in proper training and dedication. She explained that she was mentored by experienced professionals and comes from a musically inclined family, which shaped her foundation in the industry.
“From anyone that’s been in my party knows I’m a badass DJ. I enjoy what I’m doing. I’m not doing it because I don’t have what to do, I’m doing it because it’s what I want to do. I was born into music,” she said.
She also advised aspiring DJs to be certain about their motivations before entering the profession, stressing that passion and competence should come before the desire for fame.
“It’s not by going into the DJ world, trying to be a DJ maybe because you want to be known and you don’t know what you’re doing,” she added.
The DJ addressed discussions over stage appearance, pointing out that female performers frequently receive criticism for their attire. She asserts that most professions have their own unofficial dress codes and that these choices are frequently influenced by social norms rather than just personal taste.
DJ Pretty Play announced plans to try to break the Guinness World Record for the longest club DJ-ing session. The challenge will start on Tuesday, March 3, at Bay Lounge in Lekki, Lagos. Her goal is to spend 288 hours straight behind the turntables.
