There’s a new DJ on the block, folks.

With over 30,000 likes on TikTok, DJ Temi has grown as a performer through his time at Penn State. From performing at house parties to almost every bar at Penn State, Temi has no plans on slowing down. We sat down with the DMV native to learn more about the mix master.

Onward State: For those folks who have never heard of you, can you tell us more about yourself?

DJ Temi: I’m a grad student right now from the DMV area and I’m studying business architecture. I initially studied business management as an undergrad and decided to stay for another year to get my master’s.

OS: What made you decide you wanted to start DJing?

DJT: It was three years ago during COVID-19 when I saw a friend of mine DJing on his story and I just asked him, like, “How do you do that kind of stuff?” And it seemed interesting, so I decided to pick it up. From there I just practiced every day and would just try to work on my mixes every day, but it was really a joy for me. I really liked the process and it was something to do during that time.

OS: What was it like breaking into the DJ scene at Penn State as a beginner?

DJT: Honestly, it was really hard because most bars have their DJ schedule set a semester in advance and there’s always a long list of people waiting to have an opportunity to perform, so it was really hard. I just started DJing at friends’ birthday parties, which was actually the first event I ever performed at. It was a friend of mine’s 21st and they had known I had been practicing for a while so they were like, “Why don’t you perform at my party?” And I won’t lie, I was nervous at first. From there on though, I just kept DJing at other house parties and eventually worked my way up to frat parties, and now I DJ at a lot of bars downtown. I just had to stay at it and send out mixes to try and get an opportunity, so it doesn’t just happen overnight.

OS: How’d you become known as the Den DJ?

DJT: The Den was honestly the first place to give me a shot. The owner and staff let me DJ for the first time two or so years ago, and it was just such a welcoming environment. I played there for the first time and really vibed with the staff and the owner was super nice, so in an environment like that it just calms your nerves and you can just enjoy making the music. Now, we’ve established a really great relationship and I’m signed up to perform there every Saturday night and it feels like home now. They gave me my first real shot and I’m really grateful for them.

OS: Where are your favorite places to perform?

DJT: I of course love performing at the Den like I said, so that’d be a top place for sure, but I also really like Stage West. They have not only a really sick setup with the lights and stage, but it was just a really great vibe and energy, so that’d also be one of my favorite places.

OS: Where have you performed so far?

DJT: Like I said, I started out doing house parties for a while. Then I did a few frat parties, one at DU (Delta Upsilon), which was sick because they have that whole outdoor area. I also performed at Brothers, Pmans, Stage West, Basement, and of course, the Den. I also am working on performing at other bars in State College in the future, which is currently in the works right now. Aside from State College, I’ve also done shows at home and in my area, which has been cool, but the vibe of State College is just different.

OS: What’s your favorite part of DJing?

DJT: Honestly, the people. Without the people, I would just be performing for myself, and what’s the point of that? I love when I can tell the crowd is into my music, and I’m an open-set DJ, which means I can play anything. Most of the time, I just see what the crowd’s vibing with and I go from there. It’s the one time where I feel like I’m not just playing music, but I’m also providing an experience. People come to bars to have a good time and forget about their worries, so I try my best to just give them a good time and when I know the crowd’s enjoying themselves then it calms me down and we can all just vibe together.

OS: Some people have tried to compare you to DJ Yemi and even gone as far to say you’re copying him. What’s your response to people who might say that?

DJT: I’m so happy you brought this up because there isn’t any bad blood between us. I haven’t heard or had anyone say this directly to me, but I have heard that it’s how some people feel. Honestly, Yemi’s been a big mentor for me, and it’s honestly all love for that guy. He’s really helped me grow a lot as a DJ and he’s helped me realize I could turn this into a full-time career. He and DJ Rictor I really owe a lot to because they’ve both been so influential to my success, so it’s nothing but love for the two of them. People can say what they want, but I honestly just think people think I’m copying him because we’re both Nigerian with similar names who DJ. It’s not like I’m copying him, because he gives me a lot of mentorship and I really listen to his advice.

OS: What advice would you give to people who want to DJ or eventually want to DJ at events in State College?

DJT: You just have to be hungry and not only practice but send out mixes to bars or events in your area. I also don’t think you have to start off super big. Starting at house parties or smaller events would be better because you can actually build upon that, and it’s not so big for your first gig. You have to be hungry though, practicing every day and just trying to get better each day because you have to take every chance you get. When you do get your opportunity, make sure you have demos, pictures, and everything ready to show promoters you’re ready. Ultimately, you just have to be persistent with it and not give up.

OS: As per Onward State tradition, if you could be any dinosaur, which would it be and why?

DJT: I would choose to be a Stegosaurus. Its unique plates and spiked tail highlight how dinosaurs could adapt to their environments with distinctive defensive features. I see myself as someone who embodies that uniqueness and adaptability in my role as a DJ. No matter the type of event or party I’m booked for, I can adjust my style to create an unforgettable experience for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity.