James Chike Nwankwo Explained

DJ Virall
Birth Name:James Chike Nwankwo
Birth Date:24 June 1989
Birth Place:Kaduna State, Nigeria
Origin:Orumba North, Anambra State, Nigeria
Genre:AfroPop, Hip hop
Occupation:Disc jockey
Years Active:2001–present

James Chike Nwankwo (better known as DJ Virall) is a pioneering Disc jockey, MC, Record producer, Songwriter and Remixer.[1] [2] [3]

He played a role in popularizing the genre of Hip hop music as therapy, the concept of DJ residencies in Moscow and for popularized techniques such as phasing,backspinning punch phrasing and breakbeat a rhythmic section of a song that DJs would loop.[2]

James is among the pioneers of the Afro igbo genre in Nigeria. And has been nominated twice at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards.[4] However, in 2021 he won the Nigerian Books of Record.[5]

Early life and education

James Nwankwo (born June 24, 1989) hails from Orumba North LGA in Anambra State, Nigeria. James who was born in Kaduna and raised in Ibadan, completed his primary school education at Hallelujah Model School (2001). He proceeded to Command Secondary Schools, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria in 2007. Afterwards, he attended the University of Ibadan, Oyo state, where he graduated with a combined bachelor's degree (hons) in Communication and Language Arts and English Language (2014). He later obtained a master's degree (cum laude) in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication from HSE University (2022).

Career

James Nwankwo developed a strong passion for music from a young age, particularly Electronic dance music (EDM) and hip-hop.[6] [1]

DJ Virall made history as the first Nigerian DJ to perform at the University of Glasgow.[4] He is noted as one of the best Mobile DJs in the southeastern part of Nigeria.[7]

In 2013, he pioneered the sounds of Nigerian Afro fusion pop, appealing to lovers of dance music of all styles for his sheer artistry. In 2015, He emerged as one of Nigerian leading DJs at the Coke Studio season 8 project.[8] [9]

He is also the first Afro DJ to play at the Bookhouse club revolutionary party in honour of Elizabeth Wurtzel[10] and was listed among Yessiey Africa 100 Most Influential People in 2023.[11] [12]

Journals

James has article publication on journals like: Sage's Bulletin of Science and Technology (Analysis of Impact of Industry 4.0 on Africa, Eastern Europe and US: A Case Study of Cyber-Security and Sociopolitical Dynamics of Nigeria, Russia and USA).[13] [14] [15]

Awards and recognition

James impact in growing the entertainment industry earned him nomination twice at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards and an award by Nigerian Books of Record in 2021. He is also a member of the ForbesBLK community.[4] [5]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Epitome of modern entertainment . 2021-08-13. P.M. News. en-US.
  2. Web site: Significant Career of DJ Virall contributions to Dance music Scene . 2023-10-05 . The Sun (Nigeria). en-US.
  3. Web site: How Russian-based, DJ Virall, is making Africa proud globally . 2021-07-06. The Guardian (Nigeria). en-US.
  4. Web site: Disc Jockeys in Africa . 2022-05-12 . The Nation (Nigeria). en-US.
  5. Web site: Excellence and Achievements . 2021-06-17 . Daily Times (Nigeria). en-US.
  6. Web site: How DJ Virall Is Revolutionising DJing, Hip Hop Culture . 2022-02-13 . Leadership. en-US.
  7. Web site: Inspiring journey of DJ Virall, leading musical ambassador . 2023-07-23 . Nigerian Tribune. en-US.
  8. Web site: Rise of West Africa’s famous DJ . 2020-09-04 . Daily Times (Nigeria). en-US.
  9. Web site: DJ Virall’s Unforgettable Journey: From Coke Studio Ambassador to Academic Luminary . 2024-03-17 . This Day. en-US.
  10. Web site: Disc jockeys individuals shaping the music industry and influencing popular culture . 2023-02-23 . Daily Times (Nigeria). en-US.
  11. Web site: DJ Virall performs at CYON event in Osun . 2023-07-28 . Vanguard (Nigeria). en-US.
  12. Web site: African 100 Most influential . 2024-02-29 . The Guardian (Nigeria). en-US.
  13. Web site: Cyber-Security and Sociopolitical Dynamics of Nigeria. 2022-03-16. philpapers.org. en-US.
  14. Web site: Analysis of Impact of Industry 4.0 . 2022-03-16. journals.sagepub.com. en-US.
  15. Web site: DJ Virall Unleashes 'Dom Perignon' Freestyle, Igniting Moscow’s Nightlife Scene . 2024-01-09 . The Sun (Nigeria). en-US.