We recently connected with Johnnie Judah and have shared our conversation below.
Johnnie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Yes, I have been making a full time living from my creative work for over 15 years now. It started in 2008 when I got fired from AT&T. I had clientele in the computer software/hardware business mostly from building and repairing computers for fellow employees. I had a DJ “residency” on Saturdays at a place called B&B Blues Club on Riverside Dr. in South Fort Worth from 9p-2a making a whopping $45 per night. I had dabbled in mobile DJing and quickly realized that’s where the best pay was and ended up leaving B&B after they wanted to drop my pay to $30 per night. I took some of my money from unemployment checks I was receiving, purchased a couple of tower speakers from Trader’s Village in Arlington, a couple of power amplifiers from a pawn shop and I was on my way to to making a living as a DJ! I started out charging $25/hr and sometimes less than that just to get my foot in the door with potential clients. My thoughts were that I can get in spaces and show my skills then charge clients more after they hear me spin and at the end of the day that’s what happened just not as quickly as I thought it would.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Johnnie Judah — a DJ, VJ, host, and creative curator who’s passionate about bringing people together through energy, entertainment, and experiences. My path into this industry wasn’t a straight line; it grew out of a genuine love for music, culture, community, and the way the right vibe can completely transform a room. I’ve always believed that sound and visual storytelling can shift moods, build connections, and turn ordinary nights into memorable moments, and that belief is really what sparked everything I do today.
I started by simply saying “yes”—yes to small opportunities, yes to learning new tech, yes to figuring out how to create an atmosphere that feels alive. Over time, that “yes” evolved into DJing, VJing, hosting events, curating experiences, and becoming the go-to person for setting the tone at watch parties, open mics, nightlife events, and community gatherings throughout the DFW area.
What I provide is more than music or visuals—it’s a vibe.
I offer DJ and VJ services, event hosting, branded experiences, and creative direction for venues and organizers who want their events to feel intentional, engaging, and elevated. Whether it’s a sports watch party, a comedy open mic, a nightlife event, or something more intimate, my goal is always the same: create an atmosphere that people want to come back to.
The problem I solve for clients is simple but essential: consistency, energy, and professionalism. Events need someone who can read the room, keep the momentum going, and make the whole experience seamless. I bring all of that—plus a visual component through VJing that most DJs don’t offer—which is a big part of what sets me apart. I don’t just play music; I build a full sensory experience.
Another thing that differentiates me is the heart behind what I do. I’m big on encouraging others to push past self-doubt and pursue their passions—I live that message myself. I know what it feels like to step into a lane where not everything is guaranteed, but trusting your gifts and putting in the work can take you further than fear ever will. That’s something I try to reflect in my brand and in the spaces I create.
What I’m most proud of is the community that’s formed around the work.
Whether it’s comedy nights that give new voices a place to shine, watch parties that bring fans together like family, or nightlife moments where the energy is just electric—I’m proud that people trust me to guide the experience. I’m also proud of my growth, my consistency, and the fact that I’ve built something authentic to who I am.
For anyone getting to know me or my work, here’s what I want you to take away:
My brand is built on vibes, creativity, empowerment, and community. I care about the energy in the room, the experience people leave with, and the visibility of local talent. If you come to one of my events or book me for your own, you’re not just getting a DJ—you’re getting a curator, a host, a vibe architect, and someone who truly loves what they do.
If you want a space where people feel something, connect, and leave talking about it, that’s where I come in.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Absolutely. At the core of my creative journey is a mission to build community through energy, culture, and authentic experiences. Whether I’m DJing, VJing, hosting an event, or curating a space, my goal is always to create environments where people can feel connected, inspired, and seen.
I’m driven by the belief that music, visuals, and live events do more than entertain—they can shift someone’s mood, spark a new idea, restore confidence, or introduce them to people they’d never cross paths with otherwise. I want every space I touch to feel intentional, vibrant, and welcoming.
Another part of my mission is to encourage others to overcome self-doubt and step into their own gifts. I’ve learned firsthand how powerful it is to push past fear and keep showing up for your craft. A lot of the events I’m involved in—whether it’s an open mic for emerging comedians, a watch party that brings fans together, or a nightlife event that lets people escape for a while—are rooted in giving people room to express themselves and enjoy the moment.
What drives me is the opportunity to blend creativity with purpose:
to elevate local culture, to curate unforgettable vibes, and to create spaces where people walk away saying, “That felt different.”
That’s the mission behind everything I do.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One story that really illustrates my resilience comes from a period where I was still building my footing as a DJ/VJ and trying to establish myself in a crowded scene. There was a time early on when I wasn’t getting the bookings I wanted, and a few opportunities I did have fell through at the last minute—nothing to do with me, just politics, timing, or people choosing the “already established” names. It would’ve been easy to take that as a sign to slow down or rethink everything, but instead it pushed me to work harder.
Rather than wait for doors to open, I started creating my own. I showed up consistently—running visuals, curating vibes, hosting, collaborating with venues, putting together events, and saying yes to any chance to prove myself. That stretch of time taught me that progress isn’t always loud or glamorous. Sometimes it’s you, your craft, and your commitment showing up even when nobody is clapping yet.
A perfect example is how I became part of events like watch parties and open mics. Those weren’t handed to me—I helped build those spaces through consistency, professionalism, and energy. There were nights with low turnout, nights where things went wrong behind the scenes, nights where I had to juggle multiple roles just to keep the vibe alive. But I never let those moments break me. In fact, they sharpened me.
What kept me going was my belief that if I kept showing up with authenticity and a high standard of quality, the right people and opportunities would find me—and they did. Now the work speaks for itself, and the community around it keeps growing.
That journey—pushing through rejection, uncertainty, and the slow seasons—reminds me that resilience isn’t about being unshaken. It’s about being committed. It’s about knowing your gift has purpose, even on the days the results aren’t obvious.
That’s the part of my journey I carry with me every time I step behind the decks and sometimes even the mic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.johnniej.com
- Instagram: @itsjudahfoo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsjudahfoo/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@itsjudahfoo
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itsjudahfoo_dfw
Image Credits
Kendrick Mays
Sielio Butler