Commissioner DJ Wysei: Inspiring Story of Nigerian Female Disc Jockey

Mostly identified with her distinct Mohawk styles, distinguished by her live electronic drums, Commissioner DJ Wysei has over the years emerged as a symbol for cultural relevance, electrifying performances, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Sometime in December, 2025, Nigerian Disc Jockey, Commissioner DJ Wysei returned home after dedicated performances across major cities around the world. Part of her mission was to stage a music and dance festival. It was her first-ever homecoming concert. One that resonated with excitement, as she reconnected with her roots, lit up her hometown of Mbaise, in anticipation of a momentous show.

And she did deliver, featuring high-energy DJ performances that have defined her brand, alongside surprise guest appearances, cultural celebration, and provided space for bonding. Set against the vibrant atmosphere somewhere within the historic Ahiara Junction in Mbaise, Imo State, the event attracted natives, fans, music lovers, and industry players mostly of her indigene.

It marked one of the area’s most anticipated cultural gatherings. Days leading to the concert saw her visit prominent figures, socialites and familiar faces in entertainment, to seek support. Overwhelmed by the outcome, DJ Wysei took to social media to express her feelings.

“Mbaise showed me mad love! The concert was epic, the crowd was wild, and the vibes were unmatched.”

In appreciation for making her actualise it, Commissioner DJ Wysei, also known as Drummer Queen posted, “Thank you to everyone who supported, physically, spiritually, financially, in every way. December 2026 is coming with something HEAVIER. Bigger stage, bigger energy, bigger memories. We’re taking it to another level. Thank you, Mbaise, see you again soon!” 

At its core, the festival stands as a powerful statement about remembering one’s roots while building a global presence, reinforcing the values of home, heritage, and giving back. Over the years, DJ Wysei has emerged as a symbol for electrifying performances, commanding stage presence, and cultural relevance across multiple cities, consistent, with years of grinding.

So bringing that whole experience home, closing the year with a major end-of-year celebration, attracting neighbouring towns and communities in Mbaise, according to her, was significant as more than just a performance. It was bigger than music. The reception, the feelers, the turnout were described as massive; one that triggered a rapturously pulsating experience.

The homecoming concert represents a defining moment in DJ Wysei’s journey, and goes beyond entertainment to embrace identity, gratitude, and community pride. “It’s about gratitude, legacy, and letting my people see that dreams born here can travel far and still return home stronger,” she enthused, mostly identified with her signature, Mohawk styles.

The last in a family of eight, her childhood was quite affectionate, her talent a mix. “I grew up with my mum who was a nurse and midwife,” she recalled in a feature. “I think I was too attached to her, to the extent that I would go to the hospital with her. She saw me as a mini-her and envisioned me becoming a doctor.” But that was not to be for DJ Wysei who had always wanted to be the best of herself.

“While growing up, I always told myself that anything I wanted to do, I must do it well. I try to be unique with my performances and every other thing. I always motivate myself.” Like most individuals encounter in their career paths diverse ways; some knowing what they wanted to do with their lives early. For Commissioner DJ Wysei, hers was football. She also nurtured music.

Although her mum disapproved football, she played representing her school and the country at some point. Her football career was cut short, following a devastating accident that almost took her life. That incident changed her career path in 2014. Thus began her musical journey, one she’s very proud of today, everyone in her family too.

As she recalls it, “I broke my mum’s heart for football. My coach and school supported me, saying I was really talented. I was even a “head player” at school games. My mum didn’t let me pursue it, because my elder brother had lost a leg playing football, and she feared that something similar could happen to me. After secondary school, I moved to Lagos, joined a team, and became the captain.

“I played outside the country, in Côte d’Ivoire, and even scored a winning goal at the game. When I came back to Nigeria, my mum was still against it. Then in 2014, I had an accident, which changed the whole story. I fell from a three-story building while playing football with friends on the balcony of the building.  It was a usual spot for us, but the balcony collapsed.

“My best friend died, and I survived but was hospitalised for over six months. I had broken bones and spent additional time at an orthopedic hospital. It was devastating. I couldn’t play anymore. Lying in the hospital, I felt miserable—not just because of the accident but because I knew my football career was over. It was after the accident that I decided to go into entertainment.

“Everyone in my family is proud of me now, including my sisters. Unfortunately, my dad is late, so he didn’t really see the bigger side of this journey.” She has grown to become an inspiration to her colleagues and upcoming female DJs in the industry. Initially, she started as a singer, and even produced a song for her mum, just to please her, because her mum did not want her to follow another career path.

But, one day, “I told myself that I was not getting it right. I did not like my voice, perhaps because I was still a teenager then. Anyway, I went out and saw a DJ performing, and I liked what he was doing.” The multi-talented DJ Wysei once explained further how she decided to embrace it as a career in a post on her Instagram page.

After her secondary education, DJ Wysei bagged a degree in Information Communication Technology from the National Open University (NOUN).

“The passion for music developed during my secondary school years and through my University days as a student. I am also a certified Information Technologist. Though I had no Idea I would decide on disk jockeying,” she wrote in a post.

Distinguished by her signature style of playing live electronic drums, a skill she developed out of passion. 

“Before going to perform, I think of what I would do on stage. I play all genres of music just to accommodate different crowds and age brackets. When I see Gen Zs, I know what to give them. When I see our fathers and mothers, I know what to give them as well. But personally, I love reggae.

“I have had lots of experiences in my career when I started as a DJ and I can boldly say publicly that coming out strong and noticed in the industry is not just about being a lady with all the attractive features to offer, but such that could attract the needed attention and know what the listeners want”. Her story is incomplete without the impact her sister made.

In making her dream come true, a memory she said will remain with her forever, she recounts. “It all began with a simple question that I answered without knowing what the future holds. ‘DJing?’ my sister asked, ‘Is that what you want to do?’ I told her with full confidence: ‘I’ve decided to take this thing full time; I love it and I am ready for it’. 

“She could see I was clearly love-drunk with music and the industry. It was then she took me and bought me my very first DJ player, a memory that has created a beautiful after-taste of passion, drive and brilliance. I can never forget that moment in my life,” she said. Along the path Commissioner DJ Wysei met some other DJs in the industry who taught and took her through the rudiments.

She figured that after graduation, she would get a job, use her DJ skills for fun. But, everything changed after she met DJ Switch, a leading Nigerian DJ.

“I used to follow DJs for gigs, and I even helped out once in a while for free. I was doing that until I met DJ Switch, who was with P-Square at the time. According to her, she liked my swag.

“She was excited, and she told me that though she had never accepted to teach anyone before but she liked me and would put me through. True to her words, she put me through and taught me to be a professional DJ. She was trying to make sure I would be bigger than her. She often told me that she would be proud to see me grow bigger than her. She really wanted to see me win.

“Many people doubted my abilities just because I am a woman… However, I stayed focused and kept pushing forward. Today, people appreciate me and want to see me.” Having succeeded creating a niche for herself in the same industry dominated by the male folks, possessing a rich profile and an intimidating list of awards, achievements and recognition to show for it.

By 2018, Commissioner DJ Wysei was already gaining global attention when she was listed on CNN’s Inside Africa and BBC’s top five female disc jockeys in Africa making waves in their countries and beyond. Her popularity was further boosted when she was announced the official DJ for Globe Broadcasting and Communication, the parent company of Wazobia FM 95.1, Lagos.

“Initially, I wasn’t well-accepted. There was a time I was told I couldn’t play at a party because I was a female DJ. But, I didn’t give up. I had to prove myself and deliver amazing performances. I was still with her (DJ Switch) when CNN came for five female DJs in Africa. They saw my video, and I was selected among the five. That and a feature by BBC were the turning points for me.”