A dynamic figure in Lagos’ vibrant music scene, Yosa Nosa has carved a niche for himself as a versatile DJ, producer, and co-founder of the innovative music collective, Space Studio.
Armed with a degree in International Studies from Trinity College, Hartford, and a rich background spanning various roles at prestigious organizations such as Space Recordings, Mavins Records, and CDC Group, Yosa’s journey in music has been one of continuous evolution and self-discovery. His unique sound, influenced by Christian rock, hip-hop, EDM, and house music, reflects a deep connection to his roots and an unyielding passion for innovation.
As a driving force behind Space Studio, Yosa is dedicated to providing a creative haven for artists seeking to explore new musical horizons beyond the mainstream. His commitment to fostering a community of like-minded creatives and his relentless pursuit of musical excellence make him a pivotal figure in shaping the future of Nigerian music.
You’ve been in the music scene for a while now. Was there a pivotal moment which made you realize that this was your true calling?
I don’t know if there’s been one specific pivotal moment. Over the course of many years, it just always made more sense for me to be doing music than any other thing. I started music by leading praise and worship in church when I was younger, but like in every iteration of my life I’ve tried other things and music has always made the most sense.
I began considering doing it professionally in 2022 when I was looking for producers to work on a project. I had a specific sound in mind and there weren’t any producers to achieve that sound. So, I figured that I had to do it myself and that’s when I started taking music and producing professionally.
Your sound is quite distinctive. Who are the artists or genres that have significantly influenced your music style?
I grew up listening to Christian rock. I was surrounded by songs like “Oh lord, you are my God and I’ll ever praise you” which had happy melodies. I also grew up listening to a lot of hip-hop. So the combination of those two has influenced my musical taste. As I got older, I got into more EDM and house music with Martin Garrix and The Chainsmokers. I also began to enjoy future bass and festival trap. Artists like Medicine and Louis the Child as well as EDM, electronic music producers and DJs have influenced my style.
I really love Diplo as well. From the music that he makes to his diversity and sound, down to the way he DJs; he’s kind of one of my biggest inspirations.
Can you describe a typical day in the studio for you?
I try to get there as early as I can, usually around 11:30 a.m. If I’m meeting with someone there, we’ll generally talk for maybe the first 10 to 45 minutes.
My goal here is to ensure that we are on the same page. I’m asking “How are you feeling?”, “Where’s your head at?”, “How is life going?”, “Are you good?”, “What kind of music are you listening to?”, “Who are you inspired by?” etc and then we start working.
This might involve finishing a project that we’ve worked on before or starting something new. We’ll generally do that for several hours and we’ll wrap up around 8 p.m. And if I have another session or somebody else comes in, we’ll do the same exact thing.
Where do you find inspiration for your set mixes when creating a new set? And how do you strike a balance between playing popular tracks and those that hold personal significance for you?
Great question. I research. I try to know what songs are popping. After playing for some time people come up to me with their requests and I get suggestions of songs I should add to my set. Generally, I like to play songs that were hit songs two or five years ago; people still have a strong emotional connection to those songs and it’s likely no other DJ in the night will be playing them.
I enjoy playing tracks that many people might not know but are undeniably infectious. You know those songs that you’ve never heard before but can’t help but groove to because they’re just that good? I like to include those in my sets as well. If there’s a song that most people aren’t familiar with but I believe they should be, whether it’s a new release or a fresh vibe, I’ll make sure to add it. I might also include a song from a friend that fits perfectly with the overall mix.
It’s also helpful to have go-to songs for those moments when the crowd isn’t enjoying what I’m playing. In Lagos, there are tracks you can drop at any time, and they’ll energize the crowd. For example, if you play Rema’s album ‘HEIS’, it will always get the same enthusiastic reaction, no matter when you play it. So, it’s important to have those types of songs in your lineup, too.
Is there a personal story or experience that has significantly influenced your career or approach to DJing?
There’s no specific story per se. Over the years, I realized that I was struggling to find the balance between what I love to play and what the crowd wants. In trying to satisfy the audience, I’d strayed too far away from what I would like to play or what I want to listen and I’d end up leaving the gig feeling unfulfilled.
There are definitely times when I approach a set thinking, “Okay, I really need to grab their attention”. Often, though, those sets don’t go as planned. I can feel like I’ve bombed, and the crowd seems indifferent. Yet, surprisingly, after those performances, I’ll always have two, three, or even four people come up to me or message me later saying, “Wow, that set was amazing! The way you transitioned from that one song to another was insane.” It’s interesting and surprising to hear that feedback because, while most of the crowd may have been disengaged, those few individuals truly appreciated my performance.
Those moments remind me to stay true to my artistic vision. At the end of the day, I can’t please everyone, but what really matters is my own sense of fulfillment. Even if just five people in a crowd of 100 or 500 connect with my music, that feedback is incredibly valuable. Those few fans are likely to share their excitement with others, telling their friends, “You have to check out this DJ; he’s incredible!”
So, I focus on those smaller pockets of genuine connection rather than trying to conform my style to the larger crowd. I’m still aiming for broader appeal, but I see it more as a gradual process—like spoon-feeding my sound until more people start to resonate with it.
How was the creative process for Space studio like for you? Can you walk me through where you think it is going to be like in the next couple of years?
I co-founded Space Studio with my partners, Amy and Abigail. In Lagos, the music scene is highly commercial, with a strong emphasis on pop music and creating hits for playlists. We recognized the need to carve out a niche for a space like ours—a creative haven for artists who want to explore music beyond what’s trending or what might chart.
At Space Studio, we encourage artists to express themselves freely. Whether you feel like producing an alt-rock track, a hyper-pop anthem, or an EDM banger, we’re here for it. Instead of asking, “What’s popular right now?” and trying to replicate chart-topping hits, we focus on allowing artists the freedom to create what resonates with them. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where emerging and established musicians can develop their unique sound without being influenced by external pressures.
Over the past two years, we’ve collaborated with a remarkable group of talented artists that I’m truly excited about. I’m sure Drummr is familiar with many of them, including Rigo, Tura, Abigail, Bray, Guapo, Drey, and Ekene. We’ve also worked with various artists, organizing shows to help them refine their stage performances and test new songs while fostering a sense of community around their art.
Beyond just making music, our focus is on building a supportive community. We provide a space for these artists to discuss their experiences and challenges, as young creatives in Lagos navigating the pressures of family expectations and financial concerns. Many artists feel the struggle of trying to stay true to themselves while producing music that may not align with what is commercially viable.
Often, artists create in isolation, but our space allows them to connect with like-minded individuals. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the future of Space Studio and the potential for new music. The Nigerian music scene is evolving beyond traditional genres like Afrobeats, Afro-pop, and Amapiano, with diverse sounds starting to emerge. The house music scene is thriving right now, and I believe indie music will also gain momentum in the next year or so.
We’re poised to see outstanding indie tracks from artists who are independent not just in terms of their label status but also in their unique sonic aesthetics and creative approaches. A wealth of exceptional music is on the horizon, and through Space Studio, I aim to build a platform that supports these artists and nurtures our community.
Has your style and technique evolved since you started DJing?
Has my style changed? I’m not sure it has, at least not on a philosophical level. I’ve always aimed to create a unique set that stands out, especially when there are ten DJs performing on the same night. My goal is to ensure my set is distinct while still delivering a high-energy experience. Over the years, I’ve focused on blending different genres, such as house, Afrobeat, Zanku vibes, and hip-hop, all within a one- or two-hour set.
While my core philosophy remains consistent, the locations where I perform have certainly evolved. A set at Trinity College, where I attended university in the U.S., will be very different from a set in London, which might lean heavily into trap music. Similarly, a performance in Lagos could vary widely; for instance, I might play a house rave one day and then switch to a completely different vibe with Vogue Boys on the same night.
When someone approaches me to book a gig, my first question is always about the vibe they’re looking for. Some clients might request house music, but when I arrive, I find that the crowd is really in the mood for Zanku or Shaku Shaku. Ultimately, it’s about gauging and meeting the needs of the room.
How do you navigate the pressure to constantly innovate in a rapidly changing music industry?
DJing and making music are definitely different pursuits. As a DJ, I strive to create a unique experience for myself. I have a friend named Woody who plays guitar and bass; he’s an incredible musician and music director. Once, while we were in the studio, he mentioned that he plays to impress his own mind. That concept has stuck with me for the past three years, and it’s exactly what I aim for in my DJ sets.
I know I could easily play crowd favourites like Tshwala Bam and Shalliipopi or even just put Rema’s album on repeat, and most people would be satisfied. But instead, I want to challenge myself and my audience. I find it thrilling to experiment with unexpected combinations, like mixing a Rema song with a Katy Perry track. If I can pull that off without the crowd questioning, “Why is this happening?” and instead seeing them enjoy it, that’s exciting for me.
Innovation is key, especially since there are so many DJs in Lagos. I think what sets me apart is a combination of skill, taste, and curation. I’m always working to refine my taste so that my selections are fresh and impactful. While there’s pressure to stand out, much of it comes from within myself rather than from external sources.
If you could collaborate with any DJ or artist, who would it be and why?
Right now, my dream collaboration as a DJ focused on dance music would be with Diplo. I’ve been a fan of his for over 12 or 13 years, and he’s always been someone I look up to. I really admire Diplo because he’s so curious and open-minded about music and sounds. His ability to create commercial hits that still feel authentic is something I aspire to achieve as well. I want to produce big, commercially successful tracks while still capturing the essence of a singer-songwriter’s touch. So, for both production and DJing, Diplo is definitely at the top of my list.
If you could convey one message to the world, what would it be and why?
One important message I’d like to share with the world is to take the time to look within yourself. The treasures you’re seeking—happiness, wisdom, and insight—are already within you. Often, we believe we need to learn new skills or meet the right people to find our path, but the answers are actually inside us. While this inward journey can be challenging, it’s also the most fulfilling. I think everyone should spend time in quiet reflection and seek the answers they’re looking for within themselves.
Where do you think you would have found yourself if you weren’t a DJ or involved in music?
Hey! Honestly, if I weren’t doing music, I’d just feel sad. There was a time when I thought about stepping away from music to pursue something more serious, and it really made me unhappy. Music is the one thing that brings meaning to my life.
However, looking ahead, I do have other aspirations. I want to write, build furniture, and design homes and cars, even doorways. In the future, my focus might expand beyond music to include media, marketing, and news. But for now, I’m all about music.
What matters to you most and why?
What matters most to me right now is my peace of mind. I’m very intentional about who and what I allow in my life and how my environment feels. I have a strong desire to be in control of my surroundings, which helps me maintain my peace. However, I also recognize that this need for control can have its downsides. I’m working on being more open and letting go a bit, allowing myself to enjoy life more. At this stage in my life, my peace is paramount, and I make a conscious effort to avoid drama, as people can often be quite dramatic. So, maintaining my peace is my top priority right now.
