The Journey Behind the Spotlight

DJ Hacord didn’t grow up surrounded by instruments or formal music training. Born Biodun Bilahu, his journey started with a phone and a deep love for sound. At local events in his neighborhood, he played music off his phone, driven by how it made people feel. Inspired after watching a DJ perform at a carnival, he reached out, got trained, and by 2013, he began DJing officially. While studying at LAUTECH, he kept at it—juggling school with bookings and using every opportunity to refine his skills. Though he started with mostly street music, DJ Hacord always knew he wanted more. Over time, he shaped his style to include Afrobeats, R&B, Amapiano, Hip Hop, and EDM. His mixes grew cleaner, more refined, and tuned to fit a broader, global sound. That intentional shift laid the foundation for one of his biggest wins—curating Apple Music’s Africa Now August 2025 DJ Mix. A goal he had quietly pursued since 2023. “Even before I had a way in, I kept saying one day my mix would be there.” The Africa Now mix is pure Afrobeats. Songs he says still move him—both new drops and timeless records. “I picked songs that still make me feel something. That was important to me,” he explains. The playlist reflects his commitment to quality and the time spent behind the scenes sharpening his curation. “Representing Africa makes me feel proud. It shows me all the work hasn’t gone unnoticed.”

Beyond his mixes, DJ Hacord is building a growing catalogue of original music. His collaboration with Skales on Bad Girl marked a turning point, showing how his DJ background could blend seamlessly into his own productions. He’s also released tracks like Wake Me Up featuring Hotkid, continuing to experiment with sound and showcase his versatility. As for what’s next, he plans to drop more original music and continue developing his sound. He isn’t in a rush. “I just want people to feel something when they hear me. That’s what matters.” From playing songs on his phone to being featured on Africa Now, DJ Hacord’s journey is a reminder that growth is a process and he’s just getting started.