By Ayo Onikoyi

The Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN) has concluded its first-ever Mix Master Championship (MMC), officially naming the country’s top DJs at an award ceremony held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in Calabar, Cross River State.

The event brought together leading disc jockeys from across Nigeria after months of state and zonal contests that produced 16 national finalists.

Presiding over the ceremony, DJAN National President, Prince Christian Edeh (DJ Perfect International), described the competition as a major stride in the association’s push for professional excellence. He recalled the success of the 2024 DJAN Awards, calling the MMC “a new pillar” in the organisation’s mission.

“Our Mix Master Championship is an eloquent expression of our commitment to showcasing the skills and talents of our members,” Edeh said. “This competition has become a benchmark for excellence.”

MMC spokesperson Salawu Idowu Abiola (DJ Collabo) also commended the successful conclusion of the first edition, describing it as Nigeria’s premier deejay competition and praising the “incredible depth of talent” displayed across the country.

The finals had initially been scheduled to hold in Ibadan on November 5 but were disrupted due to security concerns. Edeh noted that the association was “glad to be in Calabar to finally celebrate our winners.”

Southeast Zonal Coordinator of DJAN, journalist Olebara Uchechukwu Anthony Chijioke (Cool DJ Blaze McBede), hailed the championship for setting “a new benchmark for excellence in the DJing industry.” He urged Nigerian tertiary institutions to consider formal academic programmes in DJing, saying such a move would help professionalize the field and empower upcoming talent.

Zonal champions emerged as follows:

DJ Zangar International (FCT Abuja) – 1st Place – ₦5,000,000

DJ Ussy (Kaduna State) – 2nd Place – ₦2,000,000

DJ Palladium (Rivers State) – 3rd Place – ₦1,000,000

The winners were selected after a final round that showcased the DJs’ technical skill, creativity, and crowd mastery.

In his closing remarks, Edeh emphasized the association’s contribution to youth empowerment and national development, calling for greater support from government and corporate Nigeria.

“We are creating jobs, keeping our young people busy, and steering them away from social ills,” he said. “Many of our members are already representing Nigeria on the global stage. The creative industry has the power to transform our nation and our continent.”

The 2025 MMC marks DJAN’s latest step toward expanding opportunities for DJs and strengthening the country’s growing creative economy.