Encomium
Nigerian entertainers, young and old generations, thronged the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Sunday, August 17, 2014, to honour Jimmy Amu famously known as Coolest DJ Jimmy Jatt, the pioneer, DJ in Nigeria as he celebrated 25th anniversary in the industry.
It was a black tie dinner that featured the launch of his sophomore album entitled, The Industry. It was the biggest collaboration ever out of Africa that featured over 50 artistes from two generations. Interestingly, most of the artistes in the compilation didn’t only grace the show, they had spectacular performances off the album.
The Industry, ENCOMIUM Weekly reliably gathered, is a “Reflection of DJ Jimmy Jatt’s career so far- and executively produced by him, under a new management Gidigroove Media. It has 22 tracks while the online version has 23 tracks.
That night, the legendary DJ Jimmy Jatt also presented his new book before family, friends and entertainment gurus. The glitz and glamour of the 3-1 event would be on the lips of many for a long time.
The elated celebrant, in a chat with ENCOMIUM Weekly’s RASHEED ABUBAKAR expressed his feelings. Celebrities, including Tiwa Savage, Dr. Sid, Dede Mabiaku, Vector, Ruggedman among others, were also eager to speak with us about the Jimmy Jatt they know. The likes of Kate Henshaw, 2Face, Banky W, Sunday Are, Cally Ikpe, Keke Ogungbe, and other celebrities turned-up for the party.
‘I am very grateful for this moment’ – CELEBRANT
How does it feel?
I feel good. I am very grateful for this moment, for the love and support from friends, industry players, the media and my fans. It’s a day I have been waiting for, I am happy it’s happening now for real.
SUPER STARS SPEAK ON JIMMY JATT THEY KNOW…
‘Jimmy genuinely cares about the industry’ –TIWA SAVAGE, musician
As an artiste, Jimmy is somebody I am looking up to. He’s very talented. He genuinely cares about the industry, not just about his career, but everybody’s career. He’s very hardworking and working with him was awesome. I always remember his humility, dedication irrespective of whom you’re. He works hard by honouring so many shows. He successfully expanded DJ brand in the industry. Jimmy is blessed, a great artiste. I wish him 25 more years of active Djing.
‘Jimmy is a legend’ -Dr. SID, musician
Legendary, the best way to describe Jimmy in one word. I mean, somebody that has put his best for 25 years of consistent hardwork, it’s not easy. I just celebrated 10 years, I know what it takes for somebody to be celebrating 25, it’s a great feat, and I must commend him. Jimmy is a legend. He has incredible ears for music. Before I release an album, Jimmy would listen to it before it gets final approval from Don Jazzy. He understands what it takes to make good music. I am excited to have known a great man like Jimmy. All the best for him.
‘He’s a genius, humble’ -VECTOR, rapper
What’s the best way to describe Jimmy? Hmmm…genius. You rarely see people doing this great thing, not that it’s impossible, it’s just too great for you to come from Obalende, Lagos. He’s hardworking person, God bless Jimmy Jatt. We have done a lot of things together, a lot but I tell you, Baba is very humble. He advises me a lot, and I have learnt a lot working with him. He’s somebody to be with always.
‘He’s instrumental to our success’ -RUGGEDMAN, musician
Jimmy Jatt is a great human being. I met him when I was in secondary school, even before I became Ruggedman, at Obalende, Lagos, when I wanted to produce instrumental for my songs. Jimmy has obviously impacted positively the lives of many people in this industry. He’s instrumental to the successes we’re celebrating today. He’s like an elder brother, a colleague, that’s why I am here to celebrate with him. Working with him is like working with a brother. It was good working with him. I was on the first album he did, now, I am on the second album. I wish him the best n all he does and I am happy he’s still around.
‘He’s the first superstar DJ in Nigeria’ -UTI NWANCHUKWU, actor
He’s the best I know when it comes to Djing in Africa. He’s very grounded in what he knows how to do best after 25 years. He’s very humble, and inspiring to me. He’s truly an icon, a great personality, that brought respect to DJ profession in Nigeria. He deserves a national award for whom he’s.
I have emceed a couple of shows where Jimmy was the official DJ. He’s just an amazing human being, I so much love the way he relates with people. You can see that it’s just the favour of God upon his life.
He’s the first superstar DJ in Nigeria. He’s a veteran and an icon. I wish God will double His blessing upon his life. I want to see his name to be synonymous with success.
‘The biggest best for Africa’ -FLIPTYCE, producer
Jimmy is the biggest thing that has come from Africa. I have been hearing about him when I was a teenager. And he’s still relevant till date, big kudos to him. He’s very humble; easy to work with.
I was so happy when he called me for his The Industry album. It’s an honour for somebody like Jimmy to have invited me to be part of this compilation. It’s a song we have Yemi Alade, but not in the volume one. Watch out for it in volume 2. It was a great experience working with Jimmy.
‘Jimmy is number one’ -MODE 9, rapper
Jimmy is number one. When you think of number one, he’s the one. He has been doing this for long, among the first of all DJs. He started when being a DJ was not appreciated, when you can’t come out boldly and say you’re DJ. But today, being a DJ is a big thing, kudos to DJ Jimmy Jatt because he started it, and now, he’s a big brand in the industry. If he says, Jump-Off, everybody would jump. Congrats boss.
He’s the easiest person to work with. He knows what he wants, and he’s very diplomatic about it. If you don’t deliver, he would tell you in a good manner. In this album, I sent him a song but he rejected it, because I didn’t do it well. I did another one and he liked it. That’s Jimmy for you. I am on track 1 and 2. I am also in the Intro with Olisa and Toolz. I featured alongside the legendary Femi Kuti and fantastic artistes from Ghana and Uganda.
‘Jimmy is a realistic person’ -DEDE MABIAKU , actor
Jimmy is a forthright, sincere, direct and a realistic person. He’s a very happy man, who loves doing what he’s doing. And for the love of what he does, he’s been there for 25 years. He’s a great guy, that’s Jimmy for you.
I have described everything you need to know about him, because every time you meet him, you meet Jimmy as Jimmy, not Jimmy the fake, but Jimmy the real.
‘Jimmy is a father to me’ -DJ TONNY BLAZE
Jimmy is a boss and a father to me. I worked with him for seven years; In fact, I joined him in 2000, as an apprentice and graduated in 2007 (smiles). Hence, I learnt a lot under him. I learnt directly under him, the art of Djing. He taught me the business aspects of Djing and it’s really working for me till date. I have my own movement called, Beat Point Studio.
I wish him long life. 25 years is just the beginning of the success ladder for him. May God bless Jimmy Jatt, my father, my brother, my boss, I will forever be loyal to him.
