Odiaka Gonzalez has been a fixture in the Bay Area since 2008 as the host of Oakland's legendary Fresh Jamz party.
The monthly throwdown functions as a forum to cultivate community and connection... much like weddings. “I enjoy seeing people have fun and celebrate,” Odiaka says. “I meet with the couple and get to know what their community will enjoy. Then I start putting together the plan of where I want to take the night.” A social worker by day with the Oakland Leaf Foundation, DJ Odiaka employs Serato Scratch Live to craft seamless and creative mixes spanning classic soul to Top 40 and everything in-between (go-to artists include MJ, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce and the latest club bangers). As a host and emcee, his style is humble yet assertive. “I like to let the music do the talking but step up to help lead the night,” he says. “I’m lucky enough to provide the soundtrack.”
“Odi is the best DJ in the world. Hands down. He moved our wedding along perfectly, went above and beyond in finding the obscure songs we had picked, and in a pinch, filled in some music during the ceremony when we had missed a section. I had SOO many friends tell me how great the DJ was. I highly, highly recommend Odi as a DJ. He's classy, reads the crowd well, and sincerely seems to be having fun all the same time. He's amazing.”
