Soul Yin, the Nigerian DJ and music pioneer, has been turning heads globally with her unmatched talent and dedication to her craft. Known for setting the Guinness World Record for the “Longest DJ Set,” her journey is one of breaking barriers, inspiring women and redefining the role of female DJs, especially within the African music landscape.
When Soul Yin set out to take on the world record challenge, she wasn’t just looking to push her own limits—she was determined to make history as the first Black female DJ to achieve such a feat. What followed was a marathon of preparation, dedication, and overcoming self-doubt, ultimately resulting in a landmark achievement that has forever altered how DJs, especially female DJs, are perceived in the industry.
But Soul Yin’s story is about championing representation and creating spaces where female DJs are no longer seen as an afterthought. With her iconic “Soul Jollof” events, she’s made waves across West Africa, collaborating with major artists like Camidoh, Bayanni, and LAX. Her work continues to inspire and build momentum, both in Nigeria and on the global stage, as she prepares to expand internationally.
In this interview on #RVUnMute, Soul Yin reflects on the journey that has shaped her as an artist and the exciting future ahead.
Soul Yin for Revolve Muzic
RV: You hold the Guinness World Record for the “Longest DJ set”. What inspired you to take on such a challenge, and what was the experience like?
Soul Yin: So I realized that there was no black female in the history of the world record, and I just wanted to do something that would represent us. And, you know, I like I like a challenge. Yeah. A week to the time, I was afraid. I had cold feet.
RV: How did you prepare mentally and physically for the marathon set? Were there any moments where you felt like giving up?
Soul Yin: I felt like it wasn’t achievable. But before that, I was running for at least four hours. I changed my diet to be a pescatarian. I was taking extra measures to ensure I was extremely fit for this.
RV: How did achieving this record affect your career and the perception of DJs in Nigeria and beyond?
Soul Yin: Honestly, it impacted my pay, recognition, and treatment.
RV: As a DJ and a vital contributor to the music space across the continent, how has the space evolved over the years?
Soul Yin: We’re in an era where people are paying attention to the female DJs now because they’ve seen that it’s not just about, like, you know, putting DJs in a corner somewhere. We’re more respected. You know? We headline shows now, like artists, and this is inspiring. I’m just always thankful for the opportunity.
RV: What’s the most memorable crowd reaction you’ve ever received while performing?
Soul Yin: I’ve had so many crowd reactions. I don’t know if there’s anyone in particular, but there have been excellent moments. But the last one I remember is probably the one from the Soulja Love pop-up. That was a great crowd, and they were pleased and lovely.
RV: Soul Jollof has become a movement. What inspired its creation, and what’s the vision behind it?
Soul Yin: I was in my car, and once, I was inspired to do something representing West Africa, where I’m from, and, you know, heal you.
RV: You’ve featured artists like Camidoh, Bayanni, and LAX. How do you select the artists and personalities for Soul Jollof events?
Soul Yin: Many artists have reached out to us to be featured in it, so I’m thankful for that. I’m always excited at every phase. Right now, I’m excited because we are currently in Ghana. Last year, we were in Lagos. So, yes, nice to see.
RV: What has been the most exciting moment of Soul Jollof so far? Are there any plans to expand it to other regions?
Soul Yin: I think the vibe and reaction during the playing sessions are just priceless. You experience in real-time how music connects and resonates with different groups of people. There are a few plans in the pipeline, by the way, and with time, we’ll see them come to fruition.
RV: You’ve embarked on a West African tour and are set to expand internationally. What has been the biggest lesson from performing in different countries?
Soul Yin: To be honest, I will say patience. I’ve learned to be more patient. I just learned patience, and that’s what I tell people.
