Babz: Behind the Decks and the Lens

Babz didn’t set out to be a DJ. He wasn’t chasing a photography career either. But sometimes things click when you're just trying to make something happen. What started as a way to keep college parties alive turned into a creative path that blends music, culture, and visuals.

Now based in LA, Babz is building something of his own. Equal parts sound and image, shaped by the cities he's lived in and the cultures that raised him. Whether he's behind the decks or behind the lens, his work is fast, vibrant, and always moving.

The Accidental DJ

“I got into DJing because I started a fraternity in college,” Babz laughs. “We wanted to make our parties fun so I joined the DJ club to find someone to play music. I ended up learning how to DJ myself.”

What started as a way to keep the party going quickly turned into something more. Once he moved to LA everything changed. “That’s when I fell in love with global sounds and Amapiano,” he says. His taste widened and so did his sound.

“My sound reflects the cultures I’ve been around,” he explains. “I started with house music because it reminds me of the UK. But now I’m really leaning into my African roots. My style has African elements and moves fast with punchy log drums.”

You can hear the influence in his sets. Artists like Rema, Spinall, and Masego are in the mix. But he’s also tuned into LA’s underground energy. He shouts out creatives like Dr Chaii, Bantu, The Pangea Collective, and No Nazar who all blend global sounds with that LA flair.

Breaking Out of the Shell

This summer Babz is leveling up.

“I’m working on releasing my debut EP. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” he says. “It’s me finally stepping out and becoming an artist.”

You can tell he means it. There’s a calm confidence in the way he talks about this new chapter. It’s not just about putting out music. It’s personal. A self-portrait in sound shaped by his background the cities he’s lived in and everything he’s picked up along the way.

Still Babz keeps it honest. DJing might look easy from the outside but there’s a lot more to it. “It’s easy to learn the basics,” he says. “But it’s hard to master. To make it as a DJ you have to be an amazing marketer.”

He’s not wrong. These days skill only gets you halfway. The rest is how well you can show people who you are.

Through the Lens

Babz doesn’t just make music. He sees stories too.

Before all the DJ stuff he used to model for his friends. One day when someone refused to take photos of him he decided to learn how to shoot himself. “I had a decent camera and when one of my friends wouldn’t take photos of me I just started watching YouTube tutorials.”

That moment kicked off something new. He started shooting portraits mostly street fashion bold colors and urban backdrops. “I really love street fashion. A lot of my early work was colorful portraits in the city.”

Now Babz has moved into event photography. He captures people mid movement laughing dancing performing. The energy is raw but intentional. “For me it’s all about getting the colors right and painting a picture,” he says. “I’m always drawn to the chaos of the city.”

That chaos isn’t messy to him. It’s what gives his photos life. Neon signs crowded sidewalks motion blur. His shots freeze just enough time to make you feel something. They’re gritty beautiful and honest.

And sometimes he gets to capture people he really admires. “Recently I took photos of my favorite producer Spinall. It felt so good to shoot someone I’ve been a fan of for so long.”

Even with moments like that Babz stays grounded. He believes in documenting everyday beauty.

“Always carry your camera,” he says. “Take pictures of your friends. You really have the power to make someone feel beautiful.”

Follow Babz

IG: @babzaf

Website: babzafolabi.myportfolio.com

Off Record Magazine

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