Smeez and D3an have carved a distinctive niche as a trailblazing DJ and producer duo in a musical landscape teeming with evolving sounds and hybrid genres. What started as a casual exchange in Instagram DMs quickly blossomed into a creative powerhouse, with the duo defying the conventional boundaries of Nigeria’s music scene. In just two years, Smeez and D3an have become a dynamic force, creating a sound that blends the global essence of electronic music with the unmistakable heartbeat of Afro house. Their partnership, a perfect blend of Smeez’s Lagos energy and D3an’s Port Harcourt background, has proven to be a heaven-like creative synergy.
Both members bring diverse influences to the table, drawing from different corners of the globe to enrich their sound. For Smeez, the impact of Major League DJs and Western music production methods ignited his creative curiosity, while hours of self-study through YouTube tutorials sharpened his skills. D3an, on the other hand, taps into the European dance scene, pulling inspiration from icons like Avicii, Daft Punk, and the Swedish House Mafia. This fusion of backgrounds and tastes has birthed a peculiar sound, setting the duo apart in an increasingly crowded field. They aren’t just recreating sounds but building a genre where Nigerian rhythms and electronic beats coalesce into something new, vibrant, and wholly their own.
A key element distinguishing Smeez and D3an is their seamless integration of Nigerian music elements into their electronic productions. Their ability to fuse the emotive energy of Nigerian vocals with the pulsating beats of house music has proven to be a game-changer. “We basically just incorporate Nigerian elements in our music, you hear this mostly from the vocals,” D3an explains, highlighting their careful craftsmanship. This artistic balance has resonated deeply with audiences, and their breakout moments—like D3an’s remix of Alpha P’s “Paloma” and Smeez’s production of L.A.X’s “Faster“—cemented their place in the industry as genre-blending innovators.
Smeez and D3an’s live performances only enhance their reputation, where their instincts for what crowds want to hear take center stage. Whether spinning at popular Lagos nightspots like Obi’s House or expanding their reach to audiences in Ghana, their sets are a testament to their creativity and understanding of dance culture. Their commitment to amapiano, the South African genre that has taken Nigeria by storm, showcases their adaptability and foresight. Yet, behind their effortless ability to read the room and blend beats is a core philosophy driven by love for the art form, as much as it is by their playful mentions of “money, passion, and women” as inspirations.
What’s even more impressive is their approach to collaboration. Smeez and D3an’s creative process is fluid, with no fixed roles or boundaries. Both artists contribute equally to production and DJing, allowing their joint efforts to thrive in the spirit of collective innovation. This collaborative synergy is evident in their extensive catalogue of projects, from their work on Niniola’s album “Press Play” to the recent release of “Sabali”, featuring Ema Onigah and Dandizzy.
As they look to the future, Smeez and D3an remain unapologetically ambitious. Their hunger for success isn’t just about chart-topping hits—it’s about making a lasting impact on the Nigerian music industry. With a global vision and local roots, the duo is set on expanding their influence and pushing boundaries.
