Many people have enjoyed conventional paths to life while others have also merited from unconventional approaches. DJ Wallpaper, a Ghanaian international DJ is one who belongs to the latter groups.
Known offstage as Bittor Elikem Wonder, DJ Wallpaper’s journey reads like an unexpected playlist. A University of Ghana business graduate who didn’t initially dream of music, he’s now a multi-award-winning DJ contributing his quota to Ghana’s nightlife and music landscape. His sets have backed major artists like KiDi, Kuami Eugene, Olivetheboy, Lasmid and Wendy Shay, showcasing a versatility that’s quickly defining his career.
His technical skills have been highly commended but his intuitive understanding of the musical landscape makes him a true entertainer. His performances are not just about the desks, spins and sounds but about creating experiences that connect cultures and generations.
Whether spinning at local venues or representing Ghana at international festivals like UK’s Ghana Party in A Park, he’s turned an accidental passion into a career that’s quickly becoming legendary in West African music circles.
On our latest edition of #RVUnMute, DJ Wallpaper shares a nuanced perspective on the Ghanaian music scene, his aspirations, and his understanding of the evolving digital landscape of entertainment. From his views on the current “bubbly” Ghanaian sound to his recognition of digital platforms’ transformative potential, he is an entertainer both grounded in his craft and forward-looking in his approach.
RV: Who is DJ Wallpaper and what one word is synonymous to you in the entertainment space?
DJ WALLPAPER: DJ Wallpaper is simply a creative DJ from Ghana and a word associated with my name is “VIBE”.
RV: You’ve headlined some remarkable events in Ghana and abroad. Can you share a standout moment from one of these performances and what it meant for your career?
DJ WALLPAPER: I have had so many standout moments but the most recent one I hold dearly would have to be being billed to perform in the UK for Ghana Party in A Park. This meant alot to me especially knowing my work is attracting attention outside the shores of the country and even my continent.
RV: Ghanaian music is evolving in unique ways. How would you define the current “Ghanaian sound,” and where do you see it heading?
DJ WALLPAPER: The current sound I must say is very bubbly. In a few seconds you are on your feet busting some moves. Its beneficial to nightlife a lot because nightlife mostly is about having fun so with this current sound, it fits the purpose.
RV: The Ghanaian music and entertainment scene has seen shifts over recent years. What changes have you noticed and what would you like to see improve within the industry?
DJ WALLPAPER: One major thing is how digital things have been now. Before artistes and djs or creatives in general just get to earn revenue from performances but now we can put things online and generate revenue from stream. We can promote out craft through social media and dont have to stress a lot. I want more of this and other favorable options.
RV: You’re notably a multi-award winning DJ, what do awards like mean to you, and how do they influence your approach to your craft?
DJ WALLPAPER: I see awards like “Icing on the cake” . The cake of course being the revenue we generate from the craft. Awards are to tell you how well you are performing and how good you are improving. Awards gives some kind of fulfillment. They push me to do more and are also another way to prove you are a “big deal”.
RV: As you expand your reach into Europe, what has surprised you most about how Ghanaian music is received there?
DJ WALLPAPER: Ghanaian music is beautiful. We just lack international marketing and promotion. We just have a few songs from us which are big internationally but I believe we can flood the western world with our sound. We just need good international marketing and investment as well.
RV: From all your accomplishments so far, is there a particular milestone or moment that you consider your biggest success?
DJ WALLPAPER: Errm yeah(gives a smirk). It’s not just one particular thing. Stepping out of your home and being recognized by strangers for what you do, being billed to perform out of your area of dominance, being paid “HANDSOMELY” for your craft , yeah all these count for me.
RV: Festivals play a crucial role in amplifying music and culture. How has performing at major festivals influenced your work and reach as a DJ?
DJ WALLPAPER: Festivals are huge for Djs. They bring tens of thousands or let me say hundreds of thousands of people from different cultures and backgrounds. You get to have a feel of their musical needs and also get to learn from other djs from across the world . You also get to tap into the numbers from the crowd. Gain some fans and following from there.
RV: What is that random fun-fact about DJ Wallpaper that will come as a big surprise to your fans?
DJ WALLPAPER: I wouldn’t say it’s a fun fact but being a DJ wasn’t my childhood dream (laughs). I always wanted to be a businessman. That is actually what I studied in the University (University of Ghana). Djing came along the way as a passion but I am still on the path of achieving my childhood dream.
RV: What’s the next big goal for DJ Wallpaper, both locally and internationally?
DJ WALLPAPER: Locally my next goal is to be the best DJ in my country. International I want to gain more traction and recognition. These are my next step.
By: Jude Tackie
