We recently had the chance to connect with DJ ACE and have shared our conversation below.
Hi DJ, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
People think DJing is just playing music, but it’s really about creating energy, building relationships, and hustling hard behind the scenes. You’ve got to network smart and stay consistent to get the real opportunities.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello! I’m Joseph “DJ ACE” Sarpong , a DJ, music producer, and podcast host from New Jersey. I bring energy to every crowd I play for, from rooftops and private events to nightlife venues, mixing genres like hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeat, Jersey club, and house. Beyond DJing, I host the podcast ‘On The Come Up,’ where I highlight rising creatives and storytellers, giving them a platform to share their journey. What makes my brand unique is the combination of live energy, music curation, and culture-driven storytelling—I don’t just play music, I create experiences and connect people to the culture. Right now, I’m focused on expanding my live shows, producing more original music, and growing my podcast to amplify voices in motion.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that’s served its purpose and needs to be released is my need to constantly people-please. I’ve realized that trying to make everyone happy can drain your energy and distract from your goals. That doesn’t mean I’ll ever stop helping people—I’m still here for my friends, my team, and my community—but now I focus on helping in ways that make sense, that align with my priorities, and that actually create impact instead of just trying to be liked by everyone
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self to keep God first. So much of what feels urgent, stressful, or even disappointing in the moment doesn’t really matter in the long run. Trust the process, stay grounded, and focus on what truly lasts—faith, character, and the work you put in. Everything else will fall into place.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie the music/nightlife industry tells itself is that it’s all about talent or hard work alone. In reality, it’s just as much about who you know, who aligns with your vision, and who actually has your back. You quickly learn that not everyone in the industry is there to support you—like Drake said, ‘no friends in the industry.’ The key is finding the right people, building genuine relationships, and sticking with those who share your goals and value
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
What I’d regret not doing is betting on myself. I’ve taken a lot of risks to get where I am today, and I’m still taking them—whether it’s pursuing new music, bigger gigs, or creative projects. Every risk has shaped my growth, my career, and my vision. Not taking that leap, not trusting myself, would be the one thing I could never forgive down the line
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djace201?igsh=MXJhamsxYzN0b3UyYw==
- Twitter: https://x.com/djace201?s=21&t=zmQ8e-pEC1jP8Cqb7i-9KQ
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@djace2015?si=1mKE7e_rOM5ErASS
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/tzeoAhoCx6tDGKCMeG
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/otcupod?igsh=Zml6c2VydDg5c3p0
Image Credits
@iamnixon
@uncordified
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