Music is something worth enjoying and those that make this happen are the DJs. But for Donalee? Areguamen, the first DJ in Abuja, who has been in the business for about 25 years, it is a way of life. He has helped many people to achieve their dreams in the music world. SOLOMON NDA ISAIAH had an exclusive chat with him.
Tell us about your foray into the music industry especially in the art of DJ?
‘It all started when I was in secondary school. I was socialised by my social mater of blessed memories Raphael Kubiri. He is gone now. I got acquainted with him through the social event he was mentoring, and I gained the kind of name I want through social affairs. So by the time I left secondary school, I went to Kaduna, where I was affiliated with so many DJs. I was able to get a night club of mine where I worked with a Chinese restaurant. Thereafter, I left for another club, Kaduna Country Club and then other clubs. I went to Lagos, Dajuma Night club Agege. There after I went to nightshift where I worked briefly. I worked with Radio Nigeria. I was actually the first DJ in Abuja. I realised that people go to the neighbouring state to catch fun. In the process there was accident every time. So when I looked at all these, I thought of a solution to come up with, something that would keep the people abreast with issues. It was in the light of this that I moved my studio down to Abuja. Then I presented programmes briefly with the then Radio Nigeria, which is now Capital FM. We were operating from Gwagwalada. I was there for about two years, I equally presented programme for NTA, and it was located at Area 10. I came up with a programme called the bubbles, a musical programme which has now developed into something else. Though I don’t know the actual name now. That is just how it stated.
Even though he is known as the father of DJs in town, the easy going Donalee told us about those he have mentored and how he set the pace for Abuja entertainment industry.
‘Before I came to Abuja, I? was in Lagos where I? had couple of friends. I trained them to be Disc Jockeys. One is Abiola who is currently in London. There are others who are doing very well in, London.? When I came to Abuja, the land was very fertile, so I told one of my boys, Mike lee, who was a dancer, who I decided to tutor on aspect of DJing. At a point in time he became a very good one. I thought Jonas who is now in Holland, then Capo, who is a very good rap artiste. Right now he is n the USA. When he first arrived he stayed with Joe, the renowned artiste in America who lots of people go crazy about. Another one is DJ Mike, he is not a DJ but an MC. I taught him how to address the audience to his benefit and the audience’s happiness. He is a very good MC today in Abuja. So any artistes that is coming into Abuja will have to stay in my place as a stop point such as Daddy Showkey, Alex O. I was the first person to bring Tuface, Tony Totuila, Alariwo and others to Abuja. They stayed in my house and perform in some shows at Area 10 Cultural Centre. My flair for entertainment will continue because I want everyone to be happy. Nigerians are very hardworking people. But we don’t have directions. If we have the country at heart we can easily deliver the country from what she’s facing right now. So with the interest I have in entertainment, I will use it? to work for Nigeria.’
He also spoke on how he set the stage for Abuja entertainment industry.
“Just as I said, I was socialised into entertainment by my social master in those days. I took it up. I started off with DJ Jimmy Jat; we were the owner of Lagos doing this work together. I went to the university were I started with a Diploma in Computer Science and Advanced Diploma in Public Administration. Thereafter I got BSc in accounting, then Master’s Degree in accounting and finance. Right now I’m doing my PhD. I told Jimmy that I would go into accounting but he said he was going to die in the entertainment industry. That is why he is renowned world wide, while I am on the accounting side with INEC which is my first choice. For me entertainment happens in the night. So I decided to set up this night club at Kubwa called The Journalist so that Abuja fun seekers can enjoy themselves and prevent other things from happening especially at night. We have editing studio here. This is where we edit African pot, we have a photography studio. We cover event, but thank God that this place now allow people to relax.’
What a man! Even with all these success enumerated, Donald went through lots of challenges before getting to his current position.
‘The greatest challenge in the entertainment industry is finance. Like in my case I have been doing all these things on my own. No one has ever thought of helping me. The other challenge is the political instability of the country which is a huge threat, the spate of incessant bombings and insecurity has been one of my major challenges. You establish a business thinking of how to draw customers but they are afraid of the insecurity perpetrated by Boko Haram. The other challenge we faced which is fast fading out is social entertainment. In those days they take you as a miscreant, but with Goodluck Jonthan social entertainment is being promoted. It was due to this that he gave the industry some huge amount to improve it.
Even with his job as an INEC officer and an entertainer, how this hardworking dude combined all these?
‘My job involves my family, INEC, the entertainment industry, and my friends. It has not been easy. I also audit companies as a chartered accountant. Just as I told you I’m on my PhD now. In my class I am one of the best. People call me and ask how I do it? But it is all time management. Initially I though I would kick the bucket but with time I got used to it. I was given an award by INEC as the best staff in the whole Nigeria. I believe that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well. It is not easy but I strive for everything. If you come to my house I am a good father to my wife and daughter and all those who are close to me. Time management is a skill I acquire as I am doing my PhD right now. It is just cool.
Dona lee also has a piece of advice for all those entrepreneurs in the industry who would want to be like him. He said it is not easy but they can make it if they are really dedicated and honest.
‘The first thing is: you must believe in honesty and treat other people the way you want to be treated. Be humble. Don’t be proud. If you humble yourself you will surely the exalted but if you exalt yourself you will be humbled. like many Nigerians, especially the upcoming ones, when they release a single and it becomes a hit, when you greet some of them they won’t even answer you because they believe they have arrived. An unnecessary ego. Be humble like Tuface and Jimmy-Jat that is why I respect them. The fact is that many Nigerians are too proud for nothing. If they are in one small position they think they will be there for ever. Just do your thing and be humble and there will be a better place for the future generation.