Walk into almost any successful party in Ago-Iwoye today, a campus concert, lounge night, birthday celebration, club event or festival, and you’ll quickly notice something. The crowd may have come for the artist or the event itself, but their decision to stay, dance and create memories often depends on two people standing just a few metres apart. One controls the music, and the other controls the mood.

For years, DJs and hypemen have been viewed simply as entertainers hired to keep parties alive. Today, their roles have expanded into something much bigger. They are curators of experiences, architects of atmosphere and, increasingly, important contributors to the local entertainment economy.

That evolution is becoming more visible in communities like Ago-Iwoye, where nightlife has grown beyond weekend fun into a culture that supports businesses, creates jobs and provides opportunities for young creatives.

Every packed club, sold-out show and successful social event creates a ripple effect. Hotels receive more bookings, food vendors make more sales, photographers and videographers secure more jobs, fashion brands gain exposure, decorators are contracted, event planners stay busy, and local businesses benefit from increased traffic. At the centre of that ecosystem are the DJs and hypemen who keep audiences engaged from the first song until the final announcement.

It is no surprise that the inaugural Creative and Spotlight Awards (CAS Awards) chose to honour excellence in these categories. The awards recognised DJ El Bella as Best DJ and Hypeman Oracle as Best Hypeman, celebrating two creatives whose influence extends far beyond the stage.

Hypeman Oracle: Turning Passion Into a Platform

Mayowa Henry, popularly known as Hypeman Oracle, did not set out to become one of Ago-Iwoye’s most recognisable hypemen. His journey began with a simple desire to become more sociable and connect with people. Over time, that personal transformation evolved into a career that has made him one of the defining voices of the town’s entertainment scene.

Looking back, he describes the road as anything but easy. Friends became supporters, supporters became fans, and that growing community gave him the confidence to continue building his career despite the challenges that came with it.

“Where my journey started from isn’t easy,” he says. “All thanks to my friends. Talking about friends, all my fans are my friends because they keep me going till today. I know I’m not there yet, but I’m certainly going to get to that top because I’m ready to learn, grow and overcome challenges.”

Those who regularly attend entertainment events in Ago-Iwoye already know his voice. Whether it’s a campus concert, club night or brand activation, Oracle has built a reputation for reading the room, lifting the energy and keeping audiences connected throughout an event. Yet he is quick to challenge the way people define him. “I’m not just a hypeman,” he says. “I’m a professional MC.”

That distinction reflects how much the entertainment industry has changed. Modern hypemen are no longer expected to shout over music. They host events, engage audiences, coordinate programmes, represent brands and become part of an event’s identity. Their personalities often become as recognisable as the events themselves.

Winning the CAS Award, Oracle believes, says as much about the people who supported him as it does about his own work. “My friends, my fans were able to spotlight me and nominate me,” he explains. “And they didn’t just nominate me. They voted as well to show that I truly deserve it.”

Rather than seeing the award as the peak of his career, he views it as the beginning of greater expectations, “It means I have been challenged to do more and give my people better vibes because they believe in me.”

DJ El Bella: Building a Career One Beat at a Time

While Hypeman Oracle found his voice through connecting with people, Orebela Emmanuel Olanrewaju, professionally known as DJ El Bella, discovered his calling shortly after completing secondary school. What began as a passion for music and entertainment gradually evolved into a profession built on discipline, consistency and an understanding of how music can shape human experiences. Rather than seeing DJing as simply playing songs, El Bella embraced it as an art, one capable of bringing strangers together, creating memories and giving every event its own identity.

Over the years, the Ago-Iwoye-born DJ has performed at large events, celebrations, campus shows and nightlife experiences, steadily earning a reputation for professionalism and reliability. His ability to read different audiences and adapt his sets has made him one of the familiar names behind some of the area’s most memorable events.

For El Bella, every performance is an opportunity to do more than entertain. “Music is more than just entertainment,” he says. “It is a powerful tool for bringing people together, creating lasting memories and positively impacting lives.” That philosophy has guided his career and earned him the trust of event organisers who continue to place him behind the decks for some of Ago-Iwoye’s biggest social gatherings.

Receiving the Best DJ award at the inaugural Creative and Spotlight Awards (CAS Awards), he believes, is recognition of years spent consistently showing up with the same level of commitment, regardless of the size of the event. “I believe this recognition is a result of consistency, dedication and passion for what I do,” he says. “I’ve always given my best at every event while maintaining professionalism and striving to exceed expectations. It also reflects the support of the people who have believed in me and trusted me with their events.”

For him, the award carries a deeper meaning than personal achievement. “It’s more than just a trophy. It reminds me that hard work, consistency and commitment do not go unnoticed. It inspires me to keep improving, continue serving my community through music and reach even greater heights. I’m sincerely grateful to the organisers of the CAS Awards and everyone who has been part of my journey. This recognition belongs to all of us.”

Two Paths, One Purpose

Their stories may have started differently, but they meet at the same point. Both built their careers one event at a time, and both depended on fans and friends’ support before public recognition arrived. Both understand that entertainment is not simply about making noise, it is about creating moments that people remember.

As Ago-Iwoye’s creative scene continues to expand, the role of DJs and hypemen is becoming increasingly important. They help define the identity of local events, give emerging artists a platform, contribute to the local economy and create the atmosphere that keeps nightlife alive.

The inaugural CAS Awards recognised that reality by celebrating professionals who often work behind the scenes yet leave the biggest impressions on every stage they step onto.

For DJ El Bella and Hypeman Oracle, the trophies now sit on the shelf. The real work, however, begins again the next time the lights dim, the speakers come alive, and another crowd gathers, waiting for two familiar figures to remind them why the best nights are never remembered by the venue alone but by the people who gave them their soundtrack and their energy. – CAS Awards