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James Chike Nwankwo

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DJ Virall
Background information
Birth nameJames Chike Nwankwo
Born (1989-06-24) June 24, 1989 (age 35)
Kaduna State, Nigeria
OriginOrumba North, Anambra State, Nigeria
GenresAfroPop, Hip hop
OccupationDisc jockey
Years active2001–present

James Chike Nwankwo (better known as DJ Virall) is a pioneering disc jockey (DJ), master of ceremonies (MC), record producer, songwriter, and remixer.[1][2][3][4]

He played a role in popularizing the genre of Hip hop music as therapy, the concept of DJ residencies in Moscow, and techniques such as phasing, backspinning, punch phrasing, and breakbeat (a rhythmic section of a song that DJs would loop).[5][3]

James is among the pioneers of the Afro igbo genre in Nigeria. He has been nominated twice at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards,[6][7] and won the Nigerian Books of Record in 2021.[8]

Early life and education

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James Nwankwo (born June 24, 1989) hails from Orumba North LGA in Anambra State, Nigeria. He was born in Kaduna and raised in Ibadan, and completed his primary school education at Hallelujah Model School (2001). He proceeded to Command Secondary Schools, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria in 2007. Afterwards, he attended the University of Ibadan, Oyo state, where he graduated with a combined bachelor's degree (hons) in Communication and Language Arts and English Language (2014). He later obtained a master's degree (cum laude) in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication from HSE University (2022).[1][9]

Career

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Nwankwo developed a strong passion for music from a young age, particularly Electronic dance music (EDM) and hip hop.[5][2]

DJ Virall made history as the first Nigerian DJ to perform at the University of Glasgow.[6] He is noted as one of the best Mobile DJs in the southeastern part of Nigeria.[9]

In 2013, he pioneered the sounds of Nigerian Afro fusion pop, with his artistry appealing to lovers of all styles of dance music. In 2015, he emerged as one of Nigeria's leading DJs at the Coke Studio season 8 project.[1][10]

He is also the first Afro DJ to play at the Bookhouse club revolutionary party in honour of Elizabeth Wurtzel[7] and was listed among Yessiey Africa 100 Most Influential People in 2023.[11][12]

Journals

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Nwankwo has articles published in journals including: Sage's Bulletin of Science and Technology (Analysis of Impact of Industry 4.0 on Africa, Eastern Europe and US: A Case Study of Cyber-Security and Sociopolitical Dynamics of Nigeria, Russia and USA).[13][14][15]

Awards and recognition

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Nwankwo's impact in growing the entertainment industry earned him two nominations at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and an award by Nigerian Books of Record in 2021. He is also a member of the ForbesBLK community.[6][8]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Rise of West Africa's famous DJ". Daily Times (Nigeria). Retrieved 2020-09-04.
  2. ^ a b "Epitome of modern entertainment". P.M. News. Retrieved 2021-08-13.
  3. ^ a b "Significant Career of DJ Virall contributions to Dance music Scene". The Sun (Nigeria). Retrieved 2023-10-05.
  4. ^ "How Russian-based, DJ Virall, is making Africa proud globally". The Guardian (Nigeria). Retrieved 2021-07-06.
  5. ^ a b "How DJ Virall Is Revolutionising DJing, Hip Hop Culture". Leadership. Retrieved 2022-02-13.
  6. ^ a b c "Disc Jockeys in Africa". The Nation (Nigeria). Retrieved 2022-05-12.
  7. ^ a b "Disc jockeys individuals shaping the music industry and influencing popular culture". Daily Times (Nigeria). Retrieved 2023-02-23.
  8. ^ a b "Excellence and Achievements". Daily Times (Nigeria). Retrieved 2021-06-17.
  9. ^ a b "Inspiring journey of DJ Virall, leading musical ambassador". Nigerian Tribune. Retrieved 2023-07-23.
  10. ^ "DJ Virall's Unforgettable Journey: From Coke Studio Ambassador to Academic Luminary". This Day. Retrieved 2024-03-17.
  11. ^ "DJ Virall performs at CYON event in Osun". Vanguard (Nigeria). Retrieved 2023-07-28.
  12. ^ "African 100 Most influential". The Guardian (Nigeria). Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  13. ^ "Cyber-Security and Sociopolitical Dynamics of Nigeria". philpapers.org. Retrieved 2022-03-16.
  14. ^ "Analysis of Impact of Industry 4.0". journals.sagepub.com. Retrieved 2022-03-16.
  15. ^ "DJ Virall Unleashes 'Dom Perignon' Freestyle, Igniting Moscow's Nightlife Scene". The Sun (Nigeria). Retrieved 2024-01-09.
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