Frances Higgwe hit the limelight when she did the female version of ‘Wizkid’s Holla At Your Boy’ titled ’Don’t Holla At Me Boy’. Known as DJ Frizzie in the Nigerian entertainment landscape, she is one of Nigeria’s foremost female DJs who is giving the guys a run for their money. In this interview, she reveals how the journey began for her among other issues.
When I finished secondary school in 2005, I actually had to stay home for a year because my JAMB result was cancelled and at that period, I was doing my A levels. I visited my cousin one day and I stumbled on a virtual DJ software which I got crazy about because of my love for computers and soft -wares.
I love working with my hands. When I stumbled on this DJ soft ware, I went home, installed it and started playing around with it. What actually intrigued me about it was that you can actually move from one song to another without stopping the beat. I love the beat-matching aspect. That was how it began.
Before I stumbled on the software, I hadn’t heard of the word DJ. I took the software to
school, and whenever my friends were throwing a party, I was always excited to play for them. I was doing it only for the passion then.
When I was in school, I wasn’t a social person. I could stay indoors all day.
Being a female DJ is bigger than what people see. Using myself as an example, I had challenges from my family because my mother wanted me to work with my certificate as an Environmental Engineer, probably in an oil company. The DJ career is not something people see as responsible. Before now, the music industry was seen as one for irresponsible people.
At some point, my mum started taking me to pastors to talk to me. But the pastors saw that I really wanted to do what I wanted to do. There is always this fear of sexual harassment and security .The perception people have about female DJs also poses a challenge. They believe you might not be able to deliver because you are a female. There is also the issue of gender discrimination, people just don’t trust a female DJ to deliver the way a male would.
I have never been heartbroken. Heartbreak is a very big word but I have been deeply disappointed.
I am not engaged to anybody neither am I planning to get married now but my friends support me in my career.
Dress-wise, I love to wear shorts but not bum-shorts and I also love Tee shirts.
One of my unforgettable moments was when a dude asked me what I am into and I told him I am a DJ. He just started laughing. I was so embarrassed and when I asked him what’s on his mind, he said to me; ‘Can anyone ever hire a female DJ?’. He later apologised, saying he didn’t mean to offend me. I was hurt and I actually cried.
I believe there will always be that doubtful mind that says a male can do it better than a female, but on the flipside, there are people that see it from another perspective that a female DJ will spice things up to make things look classy and different.
Even though I don’t work with a radio station at the moment, I have had my club chat video mix on MTV base for like three times. I was part of Seyi Law’s Akure Must Laugh show. I am not just a female DJ, I am also an Environmental Engineer. I am only doing this for the love I have for the craft.
I take my job serious like someone who works in a bank. As an entertainment brand, I am out to inspire others to stand up for what they believe in. It’s not just about me being a DJ, there are so many people’s destiny tied to mine who will be inspired to pursue their dreams just by my own example.
I also write and produce music too.
STAYING IN
As an introvert or a shy person that does not like going out, these are some of the things you can do to keep you busy while at home;
Arts and Crafts: Arts and crafts may bring flash-backs of pasty kindergarten fingers and construction paper, but the act of making something creative with your closest friends can be cathartic and fun. Make cards for upcoming holidays or birthdays, or put together some wall art for your new room or apartment. Use this time to let loose your inner child and let your creativity run rampant.
Housework: Dusting furniture and mopping floors can scarcely be considered fun and appealing…on it’s own perhaps. But show your bestie “how you roll” with housekeeping by cranking up your favorite music and dancing your chores to completion.
You will feel both productive and cheerful when accompanied by your companion. If necessary, bribe them with baked foods in return for their help with your janitorial tasks.
GOING OUT
Going out with your best friend could be as basic as grabbing a coffee together or as formal as seeing a symphony. Here are some excellent ideas for exploring the world with your friends.
Friend Date: Need some one-on-one time with your best friend? Plan a friend date together. Stop by a local coffee shop or your favorite restaurant for a few hours of catching up. If you are in the mood for something a bit more special, try dressing up and making reservations one evening at a fancy restaurant.
Concerts: Bonding through music is a major best friend phenomenon. Find one of your mutually-favorite bands or artistes and make a trip to see them live. In the summer especially, outdoor concerts are a great way to bring out the audiophile in all of us.
