I Turn Down Worldly Deals Worth Millions – DJ Ernesty

Ernest Esekhile is a graduate of Estate Management from Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State. The estate Surveyor turns profession DJspeaks with CHINENYE ANAEMENA on sundry issues.

Your Background?

My name is Ernest Esekhile, I am in my 30s, a graduate of Estate Management from Federal University of Technology Minna, Niger State. Am an estate Surveyor by profession but a DJ by calling, I do both Radio and club DJ, gospel DJ and all round DJ. I come from a family of six in Edo State and I have a twin sister.

How was growing up like?

Growing was really cool especially coming from a family like mine where the children's needs are of utmost priority to our parents, it wasn't so rosy, it was just okay.

Your parents and the influence they had on you

My parents have influenced me a lot, they are addict followers of Christ who attend Anglican Church, so we had strict adherence to doing things the right way, and that has shaped me into who I am today. My father has influenced me in so many ways, amongst which is that am wearing his shoes career wise, because he is an estate surveyor and so am I. As for my mum, she has left a mark of selflessness in me and from her I learnt a life of servitude, living for the benefit of others.

How did it all start?

Hmmm! A lot of people will say they started when they were two, but mine wasn't really so. It started as an extra-curricular when I was in the tertiary institution, (FUT, Minna). I had DJ friends then and we were just doing it to keep us going. Though for me, it started like a hobby and further grew into passion. Then along the line, I gave my life to Christ, though I have always been a Christian but this time it was very genuine, born out of commitment. So, I had to stop some activities and lifestyle that regular DJ does, especially the clubbing aspect of DJ and I went strictly gospel. So, I started using the vibe in me for God only instead of the circular way.

Your first time on radio and what the experience was like?

My first time on radio was an unforgettable one because I was really tensed but in a thrilling way. Especially when the head of station precisely, Cool FM. Wazobia FM and Nigeria Info said to me, show me what you have got, am listening. You can imagine how that must have felt and I was still on probation then.

Your mentor(s)?

Of course I have so many mentors in different arears of my life both foreign and local, my mentor on the reason behind the art is Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, my Senior Pastor who always encourages and advices me because it is not easy being a gospel DJ in a Secular world. Also, in my line as a DJ, the person I admire is DJ TTB, though he has not influenced me directly but by his Charisma and personally has influenced me to become a better DJ and when I met with him personally, he is just an amazing guy.

How you connect with your fans?

Basically I reach out to them via music when I spin records as a DJ, playing from rap to hip hop, dancehall to reggae and the list is endless, but I connect with them on all different social media platforms, just search for djernesty.

Most memorable moment as a presenter?

My most memorable moment as a DJ was my first live performance in Church in 2014 precisely Temple of Glory church. It was so awesome, I enjoyed myself and everybody enjoyed themselves. That was my first and you know! Having a DJ in church then sounded strange but it was fun, while the congregation connected with the message in the music.

What gives you fulfilment?

I derive my fulfilment whenever am spinning my records as a DJ, in fact before I defined my path as a gospel DJ, I remember telling myself that common you are a estate surveyor and you can do other things, why this whole DJ stuff, but I ended up realising that my joy lies in it, it is my destiny and God wants to use me to achieve his purpose.

Your most embarrassing moments?

My most embarrassing moment as a DJ would be at a wedding some years back, where of course being a gospel DJ, when I was asked to do a Secular music, I just dropped my stuff and walked out, everybody was shocked.

Weirdest thing you ever did?

I was offered to be paid a very huge amount of money to play Secular music in the UK but I turned it down and someone said you are one of the best, why don't you just do it but my vision is not wanting to be one the best or to make all the money but to achieve purpose and this is not my line this is ridiculous.

If you could change one thing, it would be ...

Well! I would say that changing anything will change the cause of life, because everything that happens in life happens for a reason. Maybe I will want to change people perception to life so it would revolve around love. Because where there is love, every other thing becomes secondary

How do you balance your public and personal life?

At first it was not easy because being DJ Ernesty is like stepping into a shoe that was handed over to me, a really big shoe where I have to be patient, up and doing, role model, an example to others and lots more. But being Mr Ernest Esekhile is easy because is me, my simple, cool, calm self. Though there wouldn't have been DJ Ernesty without Mr Ernest Esekhile, so it is easy to balance my public and private life because it is one and same life functioning in diverse way

Your bucket list?

I wish for Gospel music to have a better appreciation on a day to day basis not only Sundays. Secondly, let's see Christianity as more of a lifestyle than religion just as love is a lifestyle.

Your advice?

Follow your passion even if no one joins you, become a master of the art till it passes the test of time. Also, dare to try new things, be original and don't be a copy-cat.