Today we’d like to introduce you to Agie Anyanya.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Agie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been inspired by music. When I was child, my father had a huge vinyl record player with an impressive vinyl collection that i adored so much. He moved to America in the era where old skool hip hop and funk soul music was in its prime. He LOVES to dance and just vibe out to some good music, one of the many traits I get from him. When I was growing up, my dad always played 60’s-80’s hits on vinyl. He was the first person to introduce me to REAL music. He introduced me to greats like Fela Kuti, DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, etc. I have always admired the way DJ’s would manipulate music to make people keep dancing.
The moment I officially declared I was going to be a Professional DJ was when I was around 11 years old and I came across a 13-year-old DJ from Dallas named DJ White Chocolate. I was so amazed at how effortlessly he scratched on the 1’s and 2’s at such a young age. Seeing someone so young doing something that I always admired really inspired me. Before I saw that video, I always thought that DJ’ng was something you can only do as an adult. I immediately decided from that day forward that I was going to be a DJ, a REAL DJ. In high school for career day, I dressed up as Jam Master Jay who is another one of my inspirations. My family and people at my high school thought it was cute and just wishful thinking but little did they know, I was beyond serious. I didn’t know how I was going to do it but I knew I was going to make it happen. I always loved music and have always been intrigued by the way music and sound is created. My father felt like I would make a good lawyer and my mother felt that I would make a great nurse. I felt like I was too creative to be put in such limited boxes. I knew I was destined for something even greater than what they can see. I went against their wishes and followed my heart. I decided to go to college for Music Business and Recording Technology to become a Sound Engineer.
While I was in school, I had to teach myself how to DJ because the few DJ’s in my city that I reached out to were not really serious about teaching their future competition. I had no choice but to take matters into my own hands. I worked extremely hard working as a stagehand, building stages and setting up audio, video and lighting equipment for concerts and conventions as well as many other side gigs. I raised up enough money to buy my own DJ equipment. I studied DJ techniques on YouTube and practiced practiced practiced as much as I could. I utilized the information I was learning in school about sound techniques and combined it with what I was learning online about DJ’ing and before I knew it, I was a natural! I ended up running across a company online that was looking for DJ assistants. I applied for the position just so I can learn how to be a professional DJ. That company ended up hiring me but instead of placing me with a DJ to assist they just kept booking me for Photo Booth technician gigs.
On many occasions, I expressed my wants of being a DJ and wanting to assist the DJ’s so I can learn the ropes. I kept getting unfulfilled promises and getting the run around so I felt like that company was not trying to advance me as a DJ. I made the decision to separate from them so I can grow my career. I started reaching out to different people and networked with multiple event planners and catering directors. After that, it didn’t take long for me to start getting a few DJ bookings. I wanted to take things to the next level so I sought out another DJ company and was welcomed with open arms. I learned a lot from the owners especially when it comes to sales, marketing and turning my craft into a business. I eventually became the sales director as well as one of their main entertainers. I enjoyed working with that company but I’m always seeking to grow, elevate and take things to the next level. By that time I had gained enough experience and knowledge on how to seek out my own clients and book my own events. I stepped out on a limb and made the decision to get started on my own LLC, Agie Gee Productions. The moment I took that leap of faith I started booking, hosting, and planning events left to right ESPECIALLY weddings. Brides LOVE me!
In my Audio Visual career, I started off as a stagehand, then worked my way up to an audiovisual technician, then worked even harder to become a Live Sound Engineer. Being in the AV industry earned me my tagline
“She’s the Sound Guy™”. I am building a brand as one of the most sought after Audio Engineers/DJ’s in Dallas Texas.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has not been the smoothest road, of course, nothing great comes easy. It was really a challenge balancing my career and college at the same time especially with having to fund everything on my own. Since my parents didn’t really understand my career path at the time they didn’t really see the need in helping support my career so I had to work 3 times as hard so I could balance everything. I had to work my way up in the industry and I have definitely paid my dues.
Breaking the barrier as a female in a male-dominated industry is tough but it’s not impossible. I had to overcome depression and self-doubt. So many doubts crept into my mind but I had to prove to myself that I am worthy of success and I am beyond talented and that no matter how many no’s I get, I will get that one yes that will change my life and that’s exactly what happened! The road to success is still being traveled, I still have so much more to accomplish and despite all obstacles, I am still enjoying it every step of the way!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
On the Entertainment and Event Production side of things, I am a DJ, Audio Engineer, Host, Event Planner, and Music Producer. I do live sound engineering, music production, in-studio recording and mixing. I can DJ and Emcee any wedding, party, festival, showcase, club, you name it! I really enjoy all genres of music but my faves are EDM, Afro-Beats, Hip Hop, Pop, K-Pop, Reggae and House Music. I am mastering the skill of packing any dance floor. Being a professional DJ is more than just playing music, It takes great people skills, great business skills and knowing how to read your crowd. Being an Audio Engineer and DJ has allowed me to invest in other business endeavors. Alongside DJ’ng, I also co-own an Audio Visual company named AAAV “All American Audio Visual”. We provide lighting and visual services to commercial and residential clients as well as permanent tv and sound installation. I also have a few other businesses in the works that will be launching real soon so be on the lookout for great things coming!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I feel like our city is a pretty good place to start ANY business. Dallas has really played a big part in my success.
With that being said, I do study demographics and I pay attention to the work economy in my field. As a whole, Dallas has its downsides when it comes to the DJ business. A lot of entertainment seekers are miseducated on the value of a DJ when it comes to compensation. I say that’s the biggest downside about starting out in Dallas As a DJ. BUT that’s nothing you can’t overcome with the right mentality and the right business ethic. I get what I deserve but I see a lot of DJs especially ones that are just starting out, undervaluing themselves and allowing these lowball offers to take place. Without the DJ, the event is dead so why not pay the DJ what they deserve instead of trying to cut costs when it comes to entertainment. But if you have the right plan, the drive to not take no for an answer and have the integrity to not accept any offer that undervalues you then you can really thrive just fine in Dallas.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.agiegee.com
- Phone: 2149168724
- Email: agiegeebeats@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agiegeetv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agiegeetv
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