DJ OMINAYA of New York City on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with DJ OMINAYA and have shared our conversation below.

DJ OMINAYA , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Spending time with my family brings me the most joy. As a DJ, I am always on the road or at a local gig in New York Tri State area. Being with my wife and kids helps me recenter myself. They are so supportive and bring a sense of normalcy away from the fast pace of the music industry.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the official tour DJ for rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Lola Brooke, as well as a mix-show DJ for Sirius XM’s Shade 45 “WKND Work” show. I also work on the nationally syndicated ‘Sherri Show’.

I was born and raised in the South Bronx and started DJing at the age of 14. I built my career by playing at parties, clubs, and eventually securing opportunities on radio shows and major tours, including global performances at venues like Madison Square Garden and the O2 Arena. Beyond my DJing career, I also founded The TTAJJ Group, an entertainment company that provides event planning, production, and management services. I also have my Uptown Market clothing line.

But aside from all the business ventures I pride myself in actively engaging in community outreach and motivational speaking at schools.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Prior to being a full time DJ, I was a Merchandising Specialist for H&M. I was in charge of how all the clothing was styled and positioned at retail. I got so good at it I would go on to travel throughout the country to train other teams at the company.

While I didn’t recognize it at the time, my H&M experience helped me in different ways. I approach DJing concerts in a different way than your average DJ because I not only work with these artists on the song list, but also the staging, production set, and more. I look at putting together live shows as a creative project.

The job at H&M also prepared me for touring as well with the constant travel; learning how to pack efficiently, making contacts in different states and how to budget appropriately.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes there were plenty of times I thought of giving up but I believed in my talent too much to give up. If you don’t believe in yourself, who will?

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe in GOD. My faith carries me through the good, the bad and the ugly. I pray often and it is only through GOD that I am still here.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most peace at home when I am with my wife and children. I also love driving alone and playing music. This gives me the time to think, reflect, strategize and live in a moment that doesn’t come with any responsibilities.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
@DJOMINAYA

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