User:Jimi Akinniyi
Jimi D Baldheaded Guy
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Olujimi Akinniyi, known professionally as Jimi D. Baldheaded Guy, is a DJ, journalist, and promoter of African music and cinema. He is widely recognised for his contributions to the global popularisation of African culture through music, journalism, and digital media.
Background
[edit]Jimi D. Baldheaded Guy was born and raised in the Fulham area of London, UK, to Joseph Oluyemi and Oluremi Akinniyi. He began his primary education at Honeywell Infant and Junior School in the UK before moving to Lagos, Nigeria. In Lagos, he continued his primary education at Mainland Preparatory Primary School in Surulere and later attended Lagos State Government College Ikorodu for his secondary education.
Jimi obtained a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic (now Moshood Abiola Polytechnic) for higher education in Nigeria. He subsequently returned to the UK to further his studies, earning a bachelor's degree in Culture & Communication Studies from the then-London Guildhall University (now London Metropolitan University).
Career
[edit]Journalism and Photography
[edit]Jimi began his career in 1996 as a showbiz journalist and photographer for Ovation Magazine, a prominent African celebrity publication. This role marked his entry into the entertainment industry, where he gained exposure to African culture and its creative industries.
Live Music Production
[edit]Following his journalism career, Jimi transitioned into live music production. In the UK, he co-produced concerts for notable African artists such as Lagbaja, Paul Play, K1, and King Sunny Ade, helping to bring African music to wider audiences in the diaspora.
Radio Broadcasting
[edit]In addition to music production, Jimi briefly worked in radio broadcasting as a producer and presenter on community radio, further diversifying his contributions to promoting African culture.
Deejaying
[edit]Jimi began his career as a DJ in 1999, inspired by a mission to bridge the gap in representation of African music within the UK’s urban music scene. Through his platform, 'Afrigroove on the Dancefloor,' he introduced audiences to contemporary African genres like Hiplife, Naijapop, Ndombolo, Bongo and Kwaito—sounds that would eventually evolve into the globally celebrated Afrobeats. With a blend of regular DJ gigs, concert promotions, and journalistic pursuits, Akinniyi established himself as a trailblazer in championing African contemporary music in the UK.
Broadcast Journalism
[edit]In 2012, Jimi expanded his journalistic pursuits by joining TVC News, where he worked as an Entertainment News Editor and later as an Output Producer for the news operations team.
Nollywood Engagement
[edit]Through his journalism career, Jimi cultivated a deep interest and passion for the burgeoning Nigerian Home Video Industry, which eventually evolved into Nollywood. As a UK representative for various actors and industry personalities, he established valuable connections within the sector. Later, he served as a contract producer for Nollywood Movies, a dedicated movie channel on the Sky platform in the UK, further solidifying his ties to the African film industry and its global reach.
Screennolly
[edit]In 2020, Jimi founded Screennolly, a digital platform dedicated to promoting Nollywood and African cinema globally. Under his leadership, the platform and its associated social media accounts have become one of the leading UK-based platforms for reporting on Nollywood and its contributions to global cinema.
Legacy
[edit]Through his work as a DJ, journalist, and media producer, Jimi has been instrumental in elevating the global profile of African music and movies. His pioneering efforts in contemporary African music and his advocacy for African cinema have left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.