Nigerian disc jockey, DJ Pretty Play, has opened up about the gender stereotypes she says still affect female DJs in the country’s music scene.
In a recent interview with HipTV, she described her career journey as challenging and, at times, discouraging, noting that women in the industry are often evaluated based on their appearance rather than their talent.
According to her, female DJs frequently face sexualisation and unfair assumptions about their success. She said some male counterparts believe women secure bookings because of their looks instead of their skills.
“It’s crazy. The journey has been really difficult and discouraging as a woman in a male-dominated space,” she said, adding that many people overlook the hard work and competence female DJs bring to their craft.
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Despite the criticism, DJ Pretty Play emphasized that her career is built on training, mentorship, and a strong musical background. She explained that she was guided by experienced professionals and raised in a musically inclined family, which laid the foundation for her success.
She also encouraged aspiring DJs to enter the profession for the right reasons, stressing that passion, knowledge, and dedication should come before the desire for recognition.
Addressing conversations about stage appearance, she noted that female entertainers are often judged for their outfits. She argued that, like many professions, performance spaces come with unwritten dress expectations shaped by social norms.
Looking ahead, DJ Pretty Play revealed plans to attempt a Guinness World Record for the longest club DJ-ing marathon. The 288-hour challenge is set to begin on Tuesday, March 3, at Bay Lounge in Lekki, Lagos, where she aims to remain on the turntables for 12 consecutive days.
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