In this episode of Beyond the Decks Robert catches up with Eko Electronic pioneer and member of the African Electronic Music experience trio Afrique Like Me, Razaq El Toro (aka. Razaq Onakoya). From his roots in Lagos, Nigeria to migrating to Toronto’s fast-pace nightlight scene, Razaq El Toro’s story highlights the power of authenticity, curiosity and openness in building a quality reputation as a DJ and performer. Razaq opens up about his journey, why he feels personal identity is essential to great DJing and how he thinks DJs can build a name for themselves in a competitive scene using niche appeal.
Transcript: https://learningtodj.com/btd-004-razaq-el-toro-transcript
EPISODE LINKS
Razaq El Toro’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/razaqeltoro
Razaq El Toros’s Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2mWpbTLf9eYkNfx0BBnez2
Razaq El Toro’s Resident Advisor: https://ra.co/dj/razaqeltoro/biography
UNDER THE RADAR, ON REPEAT & GUILTY PLEASURE
- Under the Radar – Tanner Ross – B Sides
- On Repeat – DJ Houseplant’s – The Morning
- GUILTY PLEASURE – Jesse Reyez & Lil Wayne – Ridin
PODCAST INFO:
Beyond the Decks is your guide to mastering the art and business of the DJ, electronic and dance music industry.
Podcast Website: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34jVG0wkfNyinasE9G2jln
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OUTLINE
Razaq’s Early Life (00:00:00)
Musical Influences in Nigeria (00:01:41)
Early Music Production Experiences (00:03:08)
Transition to Hip Hop Production (00:07:12)
Exposure to Electronic Music (00:09:08)
First DJing Experience (00:15:00)
Building Unique Events (00:22:11)
Origin of Afrique Like Me (00:24:33)
Cultural Integration in Sets (00:27:23)
Afrique Like Me, Community and Belonging (00:32:48)
Advice For How Emerging DJs Can Stand Out (00:38:09)
Niche vs. Open Format (00:42:28)
Building an Identity (00:44:56)
Razaq El Toro Selects (00:49:03)
Episode Summary
Building a Unique Sound and Identity
Razaq talks about the origins of Afrique Like Me, an Afro-electronic collective and event series. The name and concept stem from a mixtape he released, embracing the idea of being an outsider while forming a distinct identity in the music scene.
Consistent Aesthetic and Recognizability
Razaq highlights the importance of a consistent appearance in the nightlife industry. Sharing a story about not being recognized after changing his look, he emphasizes how developing a signature style can make DJs more memorable.
Practical Advice for Aspiring DJs
Razaq advises new DJs to build a diverse music library and master the art of reading the crowd. Versatility and crowd engagement, he suggests, are key differentiators in a competitive market.
The Power of Community and Support
Throughout the episode, Razaq stresses the importance of community in the music industry. Networking and supporting other artists are essential for building connections and lasting relationships.
Conclusion
Razaq El Toro’s story illustrates the power of authenticity and community in the music industry. His advice on event organization, DJing, and collaboration through Afrique Like Me provides valuable insights for aspiring artists. By focusing on individuality and connection, DJs can carve out their own space in the electronic music world.
