DJ Big N Bemoans Loss Of Celebrity Status In Digital Era

Disc jockey Nonso Temisan Ajufo, popularly known as DJ Big N, has voiced concerns about the declining exclusivity of fame during a recent appearance on the Echo Room podcast.

He argued that the barrier to becoming a celebrity has drastically lowered, allowing almost anyone to achieve stardom through minimal effort in today’s decentralised digital landscape.



“Fame has been decentralised. The barrier to entry for fame is very low. Before, celebrities were real celebrities. Right now, anybody can become a celebrity.

“I can say stupid shit on the Internet five times. I get verified and I start doing adverts. That’s celebrity,” he said.

Reflecting on the past, DJ Big N highlighted the commanding presence of artists like Phyno and Olamide, who carried a distinct “wow factor” and aura that defined true celebrity status.

He added: “Before, when I’m talking about before you become a celebrity, Phyno, Olamide, there was a wow factor. There was a celebrity.

“There was an aura that they used to command. But now you have to understand that everybody and first of all, everybody’s attention is, everything is decentralized”.



He contrasted this with the current era, where individuals can gain fame by posting controversial or attention-grabbing content online, quickly earning verification and advertisement deals. 

He attributed this shift to the democratisation of attention, where audiences seamlessly switch from global stars like Davido, Rema, Burna Boy, and Wizkid to viral personalities like Cater Efe or Peller.

“So the same person that is listening to Davido, Rema, Burna, Wizkid, can switch to Cater Efe live of Peller,” he concluded.