We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ikenna a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ikenna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

My journey into DJing began in college back in 2014. I still remember the excitement of spinning at my first college party, watching the crowd move to the music I played. It was exhilarating. Over the next year, I did a few small parties here and there, but in 2015, my role as a Resident Assistant put a halt to my DJing. As an RA, I had to set an example, enforcing rules about underage drinking and dorm policies. It didn’t feel right to be at the same parties I was expected to regulate, so I stepped away from the turntables.

Fast forward to 2018. A friend invited me to her birthday dinner at a restaurant called Abuja in Union, NJ. As we waited for our food, the DJ, Swizz 9ja, began playing. His music selection was flawless. The energy in the room shifted; we weren’t just eating dinner, we were singing, dancing, and losing ourselves in the moment. It was pure joy, a feeling of freedom where nothing else mattered. And then, it hit me, this was the same feeling I used to create when I DJed. That passion, which had been buried for years, reignited in an instant.

That night, I made a decision: I was going to teach myself how to DJ. I dove deep into research, looking for the right equipment to get started. My first setup? A Numark Mixtrack Pro 3 and two Mackie Thump12 speakers. At the time, I was working as an auditor at EisnerAmper, grinding through a 9-to-5 while studying for my CPA exams. On weekends, I’d drive down to South Jersey to DJ at a hookah lounge, slowly building my skills and confidence behind the decks.

But life had other plans. I took the CPA exams, and failed all four parts. A week later, my boss called me into her office. The company was letting me go. Just like that, my steady paycheck was gone.

I had a choice to make: start looking for another corporate job or bet on myself and go all in on DJing.

I chose to bet on myself.

It was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Ikenna, 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 got into DJing during my sophomore year of college at Rowan University in South Jersey. Coming from North Jersey, the music and party culture were completely different from what I was used to. Back home, we danced to Caribbean vibes, high-energy hip hop, Jersey Club, and a bit of Spanish music. But at Rowan, my first party was all trap music—no dancing, just people nodding their heads and smoking hookah. It wasn’t the kind of energy I associated with a real party.

I knew I had to change that.

With my birthday coming up, I decided to throw my own party—and DJ it myself. I didn’t know much about DJing, but I knew how to curate a vibe and get people dancing. I pitched the idea to my roommate, and he agreed to split the cost with me. We asked a friend to use his apartment as the venue, and while he wanted 50% of the earnings, I didn’t care about the money. I just wanted to show people what a real party could feel like.

For weeks, I carefully crafted a playlist in Apple iTunes—no DJ software, just vibes. When the night came, I plugged my laptop into the speakers and hit play. The result? Pure magic. People danced, mingled, and let loose. That party reminded me of how powerful music could be in creating connection, joy, and unforgettable memories.

After college, I decided to take DJing seriously. I did most of the early research on my own, learning the craft from scratch. My cousin Chidere helped me land a weekly residency at Abuja Restaurant in Union, NJ. That was the real turning point. Along the way, I met a fellow DJ named Hyfa, who introduced me to my now-business partner, Mvjor Keyz (pronounced Major Keys).

Mvjor Keyz opened my eyes to the bigger picture of the entertainment industry—how DJs can be more than just music selectors. We could be curators, brand builders, and pioneers of a new party culture. Together, we built what is now known as Chop Life Crew (formerly Goodfellas). Our mission? To throw parties that go beyond the typical. To create a vibe, a mood, an experience that sticks with you long after the music stops. Today, Chop Life Crew is one of the top entertainment groups in New Jersey.

As a DJ, I’ve had the honor of playing over 50 weddings and working with 100+ clients on events like private birthday parties, baby showers, galas, and charity events. I don’t just press play—I create moments. When clients book me, they know they’re getting someone who understands how to craft an exclusive experience, not just a setlist. My goal is always the same: to make people feel free, connected, and unforgettable in that moment with their loved ones.

Some highlights I’m proud of include:

Sharing the stage with artists like Rema, Flavour, Ruger, Ladipoe, Shatta Wale, and Davido
Headlining ACANA Festival in Philadelphia
Earning the trust of countless couples and families on their most meaningful days
In addition to Chop Life Crew, I also run a brand called Sonic Room Service—a private, intimate series where people are invited to experience live DJ sessions from a range of talented DJs. These sessions are recorded and curated to showcase new sounds and the artistry behind the decks. It’s a space for music lovers to explore, discover, and vibe out in a more intentional setting.

Whether I’m spinning at a wedding, curating a nightlife event, or introducing people to new genres through Sonic Room Service, one thing remains true: I live to create unforgettable experiences through music.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being an artist and creative is the freedom to fully express my art without limits. As a DJ, I get to be a vessel for sound, emotion, and culture. There’s nothing like the feeling of introducing someone to a song or genre they’ve never heard before—watching their face light up, their body start to move, and seeing them get lost in the moment.

I take pride in curating musical journeys that pull people out of their everyday routines. Even if just for a few hours, I help create a world where they can feel free, connected, and alive. That ability to shift energy, spark joy, and push culture forward through sound—that’s what makes it all worth it.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

The resources I wish I knew about earlier in my creative journey, when I first started, I didn’t even know DJ software existed—I was making playlists in iTunes and plugging in my laptop. Had I known about programs like Serato, Rekordbox, or Virtual DJ early on, and how many free tutorials were on YouTube I could’ve sped up my learning curve significantly.
Early on, I focused just on the music, but understanding branding, contracts, invoices, and building an online presence is just as important. Tools like Canva (for flyers), HoneyBook or Dubsado (for client management), quickbook (accounting) and platforms like Instagram and TikTok for growth—these would’ve helped me scale quicker and more professionally.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djkenz_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dj-kenz-b8bb69336/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djkenz6311
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dj-kenz-866304310