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

Hi DJ , thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

I earned my first booking as a dj from working at ShopRite and a co-worker knew I was aspiring to be a dj . She gave me the opportunity to dj her daughter’s surprise birthday party . All I had was an old MacBook and a small dj controller. The money I was getting paid that night I used to rent the speakers so essentially I made no money but I knew then on that being a professional dj could actually happen . Eye opening experience. Showed me what I needed in order to start making money .

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi my name is Joseph “DJ ACE” Sarpong. I’m a 25 year old second generation Ghanian in New Jersey. I’ve been producing music and djing since 2014.
I also run a podcast called “ON THE COME UP TV” on YouTube sharing local talented musicians and entrepreneurs “come up” story.

I’ve always had a love for music . My favorite artist growing up was the late great Michael Jackson . I knew I wanted to do something with music my whole life . I taught myself how to produce music at the age of 13 on Fl Studio and watching YouTube tutorials. For djing; growing up my cousins used to have house parties and it amazed me on how the music would affect the people in the party . I asked my brother to connect me with my cousin who was a dj so he can point me in the right direction. My cousin “Black” in Ohio & DJ NITEMARE in NJ gave me the tools to start off djing and the rest is what you see today .

I am an open format dj . There is no genre that I personally can’t play .What sets me apart from most djs is that I’m well versed in Hiphop, Afrobeats, Reggaeton, Dancehall, Pop, Rnb , and more . Most of the time coming up a lot of Spanish events I did most of the crowd didn’t think I play or manage Spanish music like I can to the point we’re they start thinking I’m Spanish myself . I just work hard at my craft and study music.

I got myself into the nightlife industry by party promotion for certain clubs or events that my friends at the time wanted to go to . This gave me the chance to talk to any promoter on giving me a shot to Dj . Naturally I was turned down due to being unknown at the time but one promotion group “AM2PM” gave me the opportunity to showcase my talent . Another place that helped my career coming up and still today is Phebe Reborn in Jersey City NJ. It’s a Latin based nightclub but the management Dj El Jefe gave me a shot and taught how to be more versatile with different genres of music . To him and their establishment I’m forever grateful. I’ve dj’d in every major nightclub in jersey so far working towards getting booked statewide to worldwide .

I started making beats the same time I was learning to dj . I believe making music helps you become a better dj in my opinion. Since 2014 I’ve been perfecting my craft and started selling beats online to make money in school . February of this year I produced a charting song “Boy Ain’t Mine” by Chinese Kitty that was a TikTok viral hit for the females . Djing has been my main focus but I plan on getting back to the production side of music with other major artist placements .

One of my proudest moments of my career is going on tour with Afrobeat artist 6fo for Machine Gun Kelly “Est” Festival 2019 in Ohio . That 3-day festival showed me that my dreams of being an establishment DJ is possible .
It was first time djing to a crowd of 7,000 people and I loved every minute of it. I’ve done other shows as years went on but that by far is the best moment I’ll never forget .

The main thing I’d want any of my supporters to know is that I am a clear testimony that you can do it too . Believe in yourself when nobody would . Stick to your craft regardless of whatever life is throwing at you . Find faith in whatever you personally believe in and keep going . Job not finished.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding feeling in my opinion about being a DJ is the crowd reaction to certain music you play on a set or if you do a creative blend live people will shower you with appreciation and love for your talent . I’m an energetic guy when I DJ so I need the crowd to be in tune singing word for word so when that happens I know I did what I was supposed to do that night .

How did you build your audience on social media?

It took a long time to find my footing on social media as a DJ/ Producer/Podcaster. Example, Nowadays as a DJ in order to get a booking at a club you have to get updated flyer pictures or recap videos as well as making sure your image is up to par AND we haven’t even gotten to if you’re skillful enough to rock the party … I found my footing by creating a party page separate from my main page so my page isn’t cluttered with flyers . Keeping your main page clean and with quality photos . You also don’t have to break your pockets buying the latest fashion but try to maintain a clean look . Invest in a camera when you can’t afford a camera guy or videographer for your events . Be creative with your posts . Remember you are a brand the more you look at yourself that way the more people will believe that you are . That goes for anything creative or business wise that you’re tryna do .

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lnk.bio/YDcz?fbclid=PAAaYgvKdrxknNuOvJOhr5rKNQNw234CAdPZhZl8MGvU6JadP8xmfsPYvM7uY_aem_Ab0ziVLQj9jBdHQ9_N5rHL9w5wgmkruHJysUYs2pM6lS6iyJNSfa4wfuhE1vVq_z_Jo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djace201?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djace201?mibextid=PlNXYD
• Twitter: https://x.com/djace201?s=21&t=zmQ8e-pEC1jP8Cqb7i-9KQ
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@djace2015?si=soBQlUl-XutYHYlp
• Other: https://youtube.com/@otcupod?si=NJJllGRgkB-cWkVu

Image Credits
@mcfleezus_ @uncordified @kaitsehay