In a remarkable tale of passion and perseverance, Chibueze Iwuoha, a Marketing Analytics Manager at Guinness Nigeria, successfully carved out a space for himself in the music scene while excelling in his corporate career. His journey from a private music enthusiast to a recognized DJ in Lagos’ entertainment scene is a testament to the power of determination and self-belief.
For years, music had been a central part of Iwuoha’s life, but DJing remained a personal passion he never fully explored. That changed at the beginning of 2024 when his colleagues at Guinness Nigeria encouraged him to take his talent more seriously. Their unwavering support ignited a long-dormant fire, inspiring him to embrace his love for music while continuing to drive impact in the corporate world.
“By day, I was providing insights, solving problems, and driving impact in the workplace. By night and on weekends, I was behind the decks, refining my craft and showing up consistently,” Iwuoha shared.
He began with unpaid gigs, small parties, and brand events, pushing through moments of doubt, late nights, and mistakes along the way. Despite the challenges, his commitment never wavered. With time, his efforts gained traction, and as one opportunity led to another, his DJ career took off.
By the end of the year, Iwuoha had played at Quilox, Lagos’ biggest club, and Obi’s House, the most iconic DJ platform in the city. These milestones underscored his belief that hard work and persistence ultimately attract opportunities.
One of his proudest achievements in 2024 was launching his own event, UTOPIA, on his birthday. A decade-long dream materialized into reality, and in the final quarter of the year alone, he hosted two successful editions of the event.
Reflecting on his journey, Iwuoha emphasized the challenge of balancing career and passion but affirmed that the rewards make the effort worthwhile. “It’s very hard to choose between your dreams and your career, but it’s also very rewarding if you are disciplined, resilient, and consistent enough to make space for both,” he said.
He expressed deep gratitude to his family, colleagues, friends, and supporters who believed in him and played a crucial role in making his dream possible. Looking ahead to 2025, Iwuoha remains committed to his dual path. “I will keep building, keep solving problems, keep showing up, and keep having fun while at it because when passion meets persistence, incredible things happen.”
His story serves as an inspiration to professionals who aspire to pursue their dreams without compromising their careers, proving that with dedication and consistency, it is possible to thrive in both worlds.
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