Today we’d like to introduce you to Donovan Gates.
Hi Donovan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am an Event DJ and vibe curator. I got my start in college at Oakwood University, at our school skating rink in 2011. I moved into doing skating events in the city of Huntsville at our local skating rink during 2014-2019. I also got reps in doing live music shows and started building my name and brand doing corporate events and weddings. In 2020, I took the opportunity to curate my own event by creating “The Sesswan” with DJ Carl, which is a battle of the bands style event with two dj’s and a band accompanying us to bring the music to life! I then moved into doing being apart of culturally forward events in Huntsville, with other like minded Dj’s like Dj DonJr, Dj Skeme, Dj Carl, DJ DreSmoove, Dj Zach Alan Dj KB, DJ Lisha, DJ Snapshot, DJ NewYork Naj and others. Doing events like Mimosa Fest, which is the Huntsville’s biggest Dj powered Festival. AfroBeats & Vibes, which is an all Caribbean show to bring islands to Huntsville. Being able to dj along side popular Artists like Chrisette Michele and Lloyd are other huge opportunities I’ve been given. My latest contribution to the city and pushing the culture forward is the “Who is the Champion of R&B Series”. Where it started as a one on one battle the grew to two on two, then three on three and so forth until each side had five members and we had an R&B only Dj battle where the Dj’s got in there bags and pulled out all the hits to determine who is truly the champ of R&B! The city showed up and out for this event! I am just getting started and I have much more to offer the city of Huntsville and music in general.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not always. Sometimes you run into people who want to take advantage of your talents and over work you and not pay your properly. Sometimes, in certain environments it’s hard to get consumers to open their musical palates to different genres of music. It’s also challenging to creat energy when consumers are worried about the next person so they more mild mannered and image conscious so they want to look cute rather than get up and dance and sing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My name is DJ DonyeWest.
I specialize in curating events and creating experiences each time I Dj.
I’m most proud of being apart of dope events in the city that pushed the culture forward like Mimosa Fest, InMyFeelz, MeetMeAfter7, SocialCupid Events and NewRules events.
I’m proud of my own events like The Sesswan, AfroBeats & Vibes, and Who is the Champion of R&B Series
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Playing outside with friends and family. Sports or just hanging out.
Burning CD’s and creating my own playlists to drive too.
Going to church and fellowship inn with friends
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @djdonyewest_
- Facebook: DonyeWest Productions
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dnvngates?si=GA4qcODjMkdTkbQJ
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/67Q1X7btY5a8q5aX5g
