For many journalism graduates from the Ghana Institute of Journalism—now the University of Media, Arts and Communication, the goal is to build a career in the media industry as professional journalists.
However, Sylvester Alexis Sam chose a different path, deciding to pursue his passion as a full-time DJ after completing his studies at the institute.
According to Sylvester Alexis Sam popularly known as Djslybeatz, he had a passion for djing but his strong childhood dream of becoming a journalist pushed him to enroll at the Ghana Institute of Journalism.
“I had the passion for djing even before GIJ but growing up i wanted to be a journalist so i decided to enroll at the Ghana Institute of Journalism because i really wanted to go there.”
“But somewhere along the line, the passion for djing became higher. I fell in love with DJ Black. Anytime I watch Ghana music I watch, I go crazy. I’m like, wow, how does a DJ move people with his voice and the way he plays?” Djslybeatz said.
He added that he rediscovered his passion while in school and quickly became the official DJ for all campus events after his colleagues recognized his talent and skills on the turntables.
“So it started like that came to GIJ bedroom, bedroom, and I was giving a platform one day at a point I became the face of DJing on campus. If you go to an event on campus and djslybeatz is not there, people would want to leave.”
“Then I transitioned to radio XFM and then I was given an opportunity at Republic bar through a very good good friend and a brother of mine MCLLBJ and i haven’t looked back again,” he said.
DJ Slybeatz further stated that he has no regrets about studying journalism or pursuing his passion for DJing, as it has been a life-changing journey for him.
“I couldn’t go back to pursue journalism after school because i completely fell in love with playing music to entertain people. Now I’m the resident DJ for a lot of bars and lounges such as Republic bar, Alleybar, front back, Sandbox beach club and many more. This year alone i have played shows in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda I don’t regret studying journalism and i don’t regret being a DJ because it has changed my life.”
