JJ “Dejocular” Okonkwo is a Nigerian broadcaster, DJ, producer, and actor with nearly 20 years of experience. He has worked with Cool FM and News Central TV, and starred in Nollywood and Hollywood North productions.
Born in Lagos into a family of singers, JJ was surrounded by music from an early age. “From my father’s records to my brother’s cassette tapes, music shaped my passion,” he says.
In 2023, after moving to Canada, he noticed that most radio stations played mainstream Western music. “I felt disconnected. It did not reflect the multicultural reality of Canadian society. That, to me, was a gap,” JJ recalls.
This gap inspired Inside Afrobeats, a four-part audio series highlighting the history and global influence of Afrobeats. The series airs on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) Radio channels, including Edmonton, Newfoundland, and Vancouver, and is streamed online via cbc.ca/insideafrobeats (Canada only).
“The goal is to amplify Afrobeats. It is about the sound, the stories, and the culture,” JJ explains.
“Afrobeats is identity. It blends with any genre while staying proudly African. The beats bring joy, but the storytelling and punchy lyrics make it truly unique,” he adds.
Through Inside Afrobeats, @jj_dejocular ensures audiences around the world experience the energy, heritage, and pride of African music.
