An Interview with SPINALL: The Focus Behind the Catalog

SPINALL has never been the type to box himself in. Over the last decade, the Nigerian DJ and producer has helped shape the international rise of Afrobeats—not only by contributing to some of the scene’s biggest moments, but by building a catalog that moves across sounds without losing its core. From crowd staples like “Palazzo” and “Sere” to major collaborations with Wizkid, Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, Tyla, Teni, Reminisce, Kranium, DJ Snake, Summer Walker, and Sean Paul, Spinall has consistently proven that a DJ can be both a hitmaker and a cultural force.

His impact stretches far beyond streaming numbers. He’s taken Afrobeats to the world’s biggest stages, performing at Coachella, Glastonbury, ACL, and Lollapalooza, and making history as the first Afrobeats DJ to perform at Coachella across two consecutive weekends. He’s also earned a reputation as a true global tastemaker, with career-defining moments like being invited by JAY-Z and Beyoncé to DJ their Gold Party.

Offstage, Spinall is just as locked in as he is behind the decks. With an engineering background and a sharp focus on sound, he’s constantly refining his process in the studio—driven by a simple goal: keep the music honest, keep it tight, and never lower his standards. In this interview, SPINALL speaks candidly about the discipline behind his career, the mindset that keeps him pushing forward, and what it takes to stay present in the work without getting stuck in past wins.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

My depth. My lengthy process.

If you weren’t a DJ/Producer, what would you be?

I studied Engineering in university… with good grades lol.

What’s the most memorable moment of your career?

Making some of the biggest Afrobeats songs and putting out a wild, genre-mixing catalog. Playing Glastonbury, Coachella, and Lollapalooza. Getting invited by JAY-Z and Beyoncé to play their Gold Party. Discovering a few Afrobeats stars.

Who’s an artist that inspires you right now?

These change a lot, but currently: DJ Snake and Calvin Harris.

What’s a track you play when you want to get the crowd hyped?

What’s your favorite city to play in, and why?

I love LA, New York, and London. Raw energy.

How would you describe your sound in three words?

High energy, motion, soul.

What’s one non-music-related thing that makes you happy?

Fashion, the ocean and beach houses, brutalist homes or hotels, trees and plants.

What’s a track that always brings you back to your roots?

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

Fela Kuti, Chris Brown, Tems, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars.

If you could time travel to any era of music history, when would it be and why?

’90s R&B!!!!

If you weren’t touring or in the studio, where would we find you?

At the beach, on a rooftop, fashion thrifting, or looking for local fabrics to make fresh clothes.

What’s a fun fact or hidden talent that has nothing to do with music?

Making clothes and helping people.

What’s a memory you never want to let go of?

Being the greatest DJ in the history of Nigeria.

When do you feel at most peace?

By the ocean alone, in the studio, and on stage.

What are some things you forget but feel better when you are reminded about?

That I’m rich!

What’s something meaningful to you, but not to others?

Great and clear communication.

What personal prison have you built out of fear?

I’m quick to move on from my achievements.

What’s something normal to you that other people find weird?

Being blunt!

If you could compliment yourself, what would you say?

You did it without a mentor. Against all the odds.

From a production perspective, what’s the most expensive mistake you’ve ever made in an effort to put on a kick-ass show?

Compromising my standards.

As someone who deals with technology and computers to write music, has there been a gut-wrenching story where you lost your music or a track you were working on?

Yes, it happens all the time. The last one was in Los Angeles—an Uber drove away with my entire laptop bag.

What makes you cringe when you listen to your early material?

It could be better today.

What do you find yourself obsessing about most in the studio, from every perspective of creating a track?

Finding the soul. Adding the soul. Keeping it simple.

What is your favorite set time and duration?

1 hour 30 minutes is a perfect balance.

If you had the power to erase and abolish one musical genre—which one would you abolish for all eternity?

I would abolish genre itself. Call it all music!