Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nodebechukwu Paully-umeh. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nodebechukwu, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

My creative journey has been a transformative experience. Growing up in a family that prioritized education over creative or athletic pursuits, exploring what I truly enjoyed was a challenge. My hobbies were confined to what my family deemed appropriate, and with limited finances, there wasn’t much room for anything beyond the basics. Still, I always gravitated toward activities outside the traditional classroom setting, finding joy in participating in school plays, joining the school band, and singing as a chorister at church.

After graduating college in Fall 2021, I found myself with more free time to revisit my childhood passions. I dove headfirst into learning and rediscovering skills, including theater, cinematography, and fashion. By 2023, I added DJing to the mix as a hobby, which became a particularly exciting avenue of expression.

Reflecting on this journey, I’ve come to realize how crucial mentorship is. With the vast amount of information available online, it can be overwhelming and, at times, confusing. A mentor helps cut through the noise, guiding you with clarity and making the learning process much more focused and effective.

What has driven my growth the most, however, is my curiosity. My willingness to constantly seek out knowledge, ask questions, and connect with colleagues in similar fields has been instrumental. This journey has been about learning, unlearning, and staying open to evolving as both a creative and an individual.

Nodebechukwu, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Nodebechukwu Paully-Umeh, also known as DJ 2TIMES. I’m a mechanical engineer, creative professional, and storyteller, and my journey into the creative industry has been deeply personal and transformative. Growing up in a family that valued education above creative or athletic pursuits, it wasn’t always easy for me to explore what I truly loved. With limited resources, my hobbies were confined to what my family deemed appropriate. Despite these challenges, I found joy in school plays, joining the band, and singing in my church choir—activities that sparked my love for artistic expression.

After graduating in 2022 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I finally had time to revisit my childhood passions and explore new ones. I threw myself into learning about theater, cinematography, fashion, and, in 2023, DJing. What began as a hobby has evolved into something much bigger. As a DJ, I focus on curating live experiences that blend Afrobeats with electronic African rhythms. My sets are dynamic, energetic, and designed to connect with the audience in the moment. What sets me apart is my cultural authenticity and my ability to infuse every set with a personal touch.

For me, it’s always been about more than just music. My brand celebrates creativity, culture, and connection. Whether I’m mixing tracks or collaborating on new projects, I’m driven by a desire to bring people together through shared experiences. My theater project, Betrothed, was a deeply personal one where I played a protagonist trying to reconnect with his culture as a modern man who didn’t have the guidance to learn about his heritage. That role resonated with me because it mirrored my own journey of self-discovery.

Over the past year, I’ve experienced incredible growth. From booking my first corporate gig to becoming a Resident DJ at Afrobeat brunches every Sunday with ZikkiNwanne Entertainment, I’ve come a long way. It hasn’t always been easy—it’s taken curiosity, resilience, and learning from others in the industry to get here. Looking back, I see how important it is to unlearn old limitations, embrace new opportunities, and stay authentic to who I am.

At the heart of what I do, whether it’s DJing, storytelling, or performing, is the goal of creating meaningful and memorable experiences. I want my work to remind people of the beauty of connection and the power of art to bring us together. If you ever vibe to my sets, explore my visual storytelling, or engage with my journey, know that you’re a part of something rooted in culture, passion, and the joy of shared moments.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

One thing I’ve come to understand about art is that its acceptance often relies on a collective “yes” from a group of people—a recognition that this piece of work, whether it’s art, music, a story, or an illustration, has been crafted exactly as it should be. Creatives need this kind of affirmation at different points in their journey. It’s not about seeking instant gratification but about receiving meaningful support that helps them see their growth and validates that their work is improving and impactful.

This support doesn’t have to be massive; it often starts within an artist’s immediate circle. When close friends, family, or peers show encouragement and appreciation, it creates a foundation of confidence. That foundation is what enables the world to eventually recognize and celebrate the creative’s brilliance. A thriving creative ecosystem begins with communities uplifting and nurturing their artists before their work can shine on a broader stage.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to connect with people on a deeper level through my work. Whether it’s a DJ set that gets a crowd moving or a story that resonates emotionally, there’s something incredibly fulfilling about creating experiences that bring joy, spark thought, or evoke emotion in others.

It’s also the personal growth that comes with the journey, learning new skills, pushing boundaries, and seeing an idea evolve from a spark into something tangible and meaningful. The moments when someone tells me that what I’ve created inspired them or brought them happiness are priceless. Knowing that my creativity can have a positive impact on others and bridge connections is what keeps me passionate and motivated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/_hunclenick/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nodebenicky_pu/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nodebechukwu-paully-umeh-ab89a186
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hunclenick?si=ZRMQccs1oUflIpK6