Tochukwu Ananti, professionally known as DJ TTB, recently opened up about his rise to prominence in the music industry during a press interview. The celebrated DJ, who has garnered international recognition for his unique sound and dynamic performances, revealed the driving forces behind his career and his plans for the future.

When asked about the inspiration behind his career as a DJ, TTB explained, “I was inspired by my love for music and my passion to make people happy. DJing kind of happened to me. My neighbor in my final year at university was a DJ, so I learned effortlessly.” This passion for music and natural entry into DJing set the foundation for what would become a thriving career.

Unlike many artists who are mentored by industry veterans, DJ TTB credits his friends for their unwavering support during his early days. “No one really mentored me. It was my friends who were the real MVPs—their support kept me growing,” he said.

However, the road to success wasn’t without challenges. TTB recalled the difficulties of facing an audience for the first time, explaining, “The anxiety of the crowd mentality—not knowing if they were going to like my set or even dance—was tough. Then, there were sleeping disorders and the stereotypes around being a DJ. I mean, I’m an industrial chemist and left it for DJing; people couldn’t understand it at the time.”

TTB’s sound stands out in the competitive DJ landscape. He describes it as a hybrid fusion of genres like House, Afrohouse, EDM, dancehall, hip-hop, R&B, funky house, pop, Afrobeat, and Amapiano. “The TTB experience is a fusion and recreation of these genres to give a vibe like no other,” he said, emphasizing that his approach is unique and constantly evolving.

Curating his DJ sets is a thoughtful and deliberate process for TTB. He shared that he tailors his performances based on the venue and audience, ensuring his song choices resonate with the crowd. “I do my little research about the venue and audience I’m about to DJ for, then create something that’s specifically tailored for them. In prepping, I keep an open mind and select the hit songs that will appeal to my audience,” he explained.

One of the standout moments of TTB’s career was in 2008 when he DJed at the MTV Base MaMa Awards in Abuja, sharing the stage with artists like Flo Rida and The Game. “It was a euphoric experience, and the inspiration from that helped shape my focus and direction in the industry,” he reminisced. Another milestone came in 2017, when he landed his own TV show, DJ Takeover on MTV Base. “It was a dream come true. Since the Abuja stadium experience, I had been working toward creating an opportunity to join their team, and I finally got it.”

TTB’s contributions to the music industry go beyond his performances. In 2016, he founded the Ace DJ Academy, initially training friends before expanding the initiative. “It boomed in 2019 when I started having multiple students. Now, we’ve trained over 80 DJs around the globe, and we also train music producers, light engineers, and sound engineers,” he said. TTB has plans to expand the academy even further, using it as a tool to combat unemployment by helping young people harness their talents.

Looking ahead, DJ TTB’s goals are both ambitious and impactful. He aims to execute as many events as possible in the short term, while in the long term, he wants to establish the biggest skill acquisition academy in Africa. “I want to be a household name when it comes to entertainment in Africa and the world at large,” he stated.

As the music industry continues to evolve, TTB remains committed to staying ahead of the game. “My brand has been evolving since I started in 2006, by always staying ahead, collaborating with the new generation of artists, producers, and DJs alike,” he shared.

Reflecting on his legacy, TTB expressed his hope to be a role model to aspiring DJs. His advice to those looking to build their brand? “Put in work, earn the skills, and choose a mentor to guide you. Diligence and humility are key to success,” he advised.

Through his music, academy, and mentorship, DJ TTB is not only shaping the future of the industry but also leaving a lasting impact on the next generation of talent