By Mou

Feb 15th, 2024

On this installment of "Outside The Mix", we had the honor of conducting an insightful interview with the accomplished DJ Mohogany. Over the course of our engaging 45-minute conversation, we not only delved into Mohogany's life as a DJ but also explored facets of her identity beyond the turntables. Our discussion covered her motivations, the genesis of her DJ journey, and provided insights into her roots and upbringing. Mohogany graciously shared her current musical favorites and offered thought-provoking perspectives on the current state of African music.

Hailing from New York City, DJ Mohograny has earned international acclaim with notable appearances at prestigious events such as Summer Stage and Afronation in Ghana, as well as on PIX 11. Her venture into Djing commenced during the quarantine period, fueled by a profound love for Afrobeats and music. Positioned at the intersection of Afrobeats gaining global recognition, Mohogany seized the opportune moment to immerse herself in the world of Afrobeats DJing.

The moniker "Mohogany" has a distinctive origin - initially considered as a potential stage name during her college days, it evolved into her unique DJ identify. Self described as "The Biggest Jue", a term embodying an independent and strong woman in Liberian culture, Mohogany personifies resilience.

A first-generation American with Liberian roots, Mohogany proudly champions her cultural heritage. Navigating the challenges of meeting her immigrant parents' expectations was no small feat. Initially aspiring to pursue a legal career, Mohogany's revelation about her desire to become a DJ posed communication challenges with her parents. Surprisingly, her mother proved supportive, contributing to the funding of Mohogany's DJ equipment. Conversely, her father initially expressed reservations, deeming the club an unsuitable environment for a woman. Despite this initial resistance, Mohogany unwavering passion for DJing prevailed.

In a remarkable turn of events, DJ Mohogany made the bold decision to transition from a full-time job to a full-time DJ, gracing Afrobeat parties across the bustling landscape of New York City. Her parents, once skeptical, have now become pillars of support, recognizing the strides she has made in her DJ career.

Mohogany's journey is nothing short of inspirational, and her message to those hesitant to pursue their dreams is elegantly simple: "Just do it, like Nike". Encouraging others to dismiss external opinions and embrace their unique paths, she underscores that like is a deeply personal journey, and everyone possesses the angecy to shape their own destiny.