Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina “DJ TNA” Ayodele.
Hi DJ TNA, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Most people know me as Tina and more recently DJ TNA since I’ve been djing more around the Twin Cities. This is honestly a tough question but I think a lot of small accomplishments and experiences have brought me to where I am today. I’ve always been a musical person and interested in different styles and genres which I can attribute to my parents’ eclectic taste in music. Both of my parents were born in Nigeria but my siblings and I all grew up in Texas. I just remember my dad playing music like Dobie Gray while my mom stuck with more traditional artists like Yinka Ayefele. I loved it all!
I found my preference for dance music (house, funk, etc) earlier on and began exploring djing more during college. We had a club, Campus DJs, that performed at school events and I played at the local bar in town which was the perfect way to gain some experience and play the music I loved with friends. During this time, I saw one of my favorite DJ duos, Disclosure, in concert. They had such a unique sound and their performance motivated me to keep pursuing this, even if I didn’t feel like it would be anything big.
Last year, Dance Agenda, a local collaborative for electronic dance music DJs and producers posted that they were looking for people to play a pool party. I just had to create a mix… which I had actually never done before. After recording it for the 5th time and listening to it over and over, I just submitted it. I got selected to play at the party but the event was canceled because of thunderstorms (wah wah). That one didn’t work out but DA booked me for a few more events including one of my favorite recent sets at the iconic, Saloon, in Minneapolis.
I think the music scene in Minneapolis is underrated but I selfishly enjoy seeing some great DJs in a small, intimate venue. I’ve been meeting a lot of people through attending shows, performing and having a good time with other DJs and people in the community. That’s been an important part in getting where I am today. Supporting local artists, promoters and events.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say it has been smooth but I have learned to be resilient in those situations. Challenges are inevitable; especially breaking into a new business, navigating life during a pandemic and trying to establish yourself. I definitely experienced some of the common growing pains paying for equipment, and time management between djing most weekends and my full-time job but it’s all been worth it. I’m incredibly grateful to have this passion for music and have the means and motivation to fulfill it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Outside of djing, I’m an Education Specialist for a video education website for physicians. I managed our Infectious Disease community including COVID-19 and more recently started working in the Dermatology space. The past couple of years have been hectic but I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to continuously learn about the impact of disease globally and helping to educate our providers and mitigate the spread of misinformation.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’ve lived in Minneapolis since I was 10 so I’ve grown to love it here (although I still complain about the cold). I think we have some amazing people in the community working to bring great music to Minneapolis and curate events that are not only unique but enjoyable and safe.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.djtnamusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deejaytna
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deejaytna
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/deejaytnaa
Image Credits
Connie Mrotek
