From PITCHING Decks to Playing Behind the Decks: DJ Shagy’s Journey in Dance Music

Reinvention isn’t new, it requires a level of clarity and intention that few are able to see through. Before the international gigs, the festival sets, and the nomination for House DJ of the Year at the Ghana DJ Awards, there was a version of D Shagy seated behind a 9–5 desk, quietly building decks in his mind while navigating spreadsheets in real life.

But when he returned to DJing, he didn’t return to familiarity. He rebuilt himself entirely, shifting from commercial sound to a full commitment to House and Dance music — a space where he felt most at home creatively and spiritually. Since then, he’s played sets across Ghana, Amsterdam, Nigeria, and Liberia, curated experiences, shaped and built an emerging community of people who trust his ear as much as his energy.

Shagy’s story is for anyone who’s ever paused a dream, outgrown an identity, or felt the pull of a life waiting on the other side of courage. In this feature, he opens up about reinvention, discipline, finding his sound, and the journey from working on presentations to moving the dancefloor.

When and why did you first get into DJing, and why did you decide to take it up full-time?

I got into DJing back in university, around level 300. My reason was simple. I didn’t enjoy the sets and mixes I heard during most campus parties. The DJs at the time played music that, to me, didn’t encourage dancing and broke the vibe. So one long vacation, I downloaded Virtual DJ, started experimenting, and by the next semester I was a DJ

You took a break from DJing before returning with a new direction in dance music. What changed in your mindset between those two chapters?

What changed was my sense of purpose. Before the break, DJing had become about just survival…a hustle. But after working in an agency, living through COVID, and managing a radio station I realised what truly brought me joy aside curating experiences was being behind the decks, interacting with people through music. When I made the decision to DJ fully again, I simply re-strategised. I saw the potential for longevity and took it up full-time. Now it’s not just about gigs; it’s about impact and leaving a legacy both on and off the dance floor. I still 9-5 but not in the traditional sense and now I am more intentional about my career as a DJ

You describe yourself as a dance-music DJ. What does that mean?

I play music that makes you move and want you to dance but breaking it down further, I am an Electronic Dance music DJ specialising in African Electronic Dance. This is music that involves drums, you know repitiion translating into body movement

How do you describe YOUR sound to someone who’s never heard you play? And WHAT MAKES you stand out as a dj

In very plain language, my sets make your body move and want to dance. It’s an experience. That’s why I like to call my sets "baptisms." There’s an art to it; the kicks, drums, and soulful percussion speak directly to your core. It’s not just music you hear; it’s something you feel deeply.

For me, DJing isn’t about chasing the next gig or showcasing my music knowledge. It’s a lifestyle — a space where I feel safest and most connected. It’s not just performance for performance’s sake. When I play, I’m not just mixing songs; I’m translating energy. That’s what sets me apart as a DJ.

You’ve played both intimate sets and larger dance events. How different are those experiences for you?

The vibe is very different. Intimate sets let you experiment and take people on a journey. Larger stages build your name but they demand control. You NEED to hold the crowd and find a sound that connects to them instantly. Both require connection, but in smaller spaces, it’s easier to feel that energy bounce back. I love both, and I’m grateful I get to experience each side of the craft.

What keeps you grounded creatively?

Reminding myself that this game is long and it can be ruthless. You can lose focus easily, so I’ve learned to stay calm after every milestone and ask instead, what’s next?

I’ve built small rituals that help, like my just ended ‘Monkiaso Therapy’. It’s a 100-day sobriety challenge I made up based off something I saw while watching Avatar. The therapy is about staying centred, clarity…it’s not easy but it’s helped me refocus several times

Ghana isn’t exactly known for its house scene yet. What draws you to the genre and keeps you pushing it here?

The challenge excites me. But honestly, my dream goes beyond Ghana. I love introducing more people to the sound here, but House music is a global movement. It’s a massive, international space. It’s not easy breaking through, but the reward matches the effort. I’ve always liked challenges anyway, and this one feels worth it.

What have been some challenges you’ve faced as a dance-music DJ in Ghana, and how do you navigate them?

It’s a niche market, so obviously, you’re not the first pick for every event. As the genre grows, though, the demand is catching up. Another issue is the ‘infrastructure’. My biggest challenge is venues not having the internationally standardized DJ equipment. You can’t blame them entirely, we are in an ecosystem where DJs play from laptops and their own portable decks all the time. For me, the right equipment forms part of the performance but, I try to educate them. As an experience curator, I make sure that wherever I’m involved, things are standardized at least. That is part of my contribution and, we are almost there!

You’ve been nominated for House DJ of the Year. What does that recognition mean to you and to the dance-music scene?

The nomination is special. It means people are watching. Sometimes you work quietly, thinking no one notices, but this reminded me that the effort is seen. Being recognised in my home country is everything and I love that the Ghana DJ Awards is acknowledging the dance-music space, too. It gives the community visibility.

what’s Your most unforgettable moment behind the decks?

Playing as Gyakie’s DJ in South Africa at the Homecoming Festival. It was right before I returned to DJing full-time, and there were thousands of people. Hours before her set, I realised I’d never used USB enabled decks before and they only had CDJs before me for soundcheck. I did not know what to do and I had to learn quickly!! I went through YouTube tutorials, a few questions during soundcheck and after her manager just said, “Don’t F this up.” I made sure didn’t. It went perfectly. I haven’t used a laptop since that day

Looking ahead, how do you see DJ Shagy expanding beyond the decks?

DJ Shagy isn’t just a DJ, I curate experiences. So beyond the music I intend developing a 360 ecosystem that feeds off each other, nurturing the new ones, creating platforms for showcasing others, making and releasing music, having associate businesses and co. It’s a conglomerate and the journey has only begun. I just ask that God give me strength and life to see it all