Derek Moses, widely recognized as DJ Hol Up, is an accomplished international DJ, cultural curator, and burgeoning entrepreneur who has played a pivotal role in catapulting Afrobeats and Amapiano onto the global stage. Based in New York City, DJ Hol Up embodies the vibrant nexus where African rhythms meet global audiences, driven by a mission to "push African culture forward" and bridge the diaspora through his electrifying music and meticulously crafted events.A Communications graduate from the University at Albany, Moses initially embraced DJing as a hobby, a passion ignited by his older brother. The trajectory of his career significantly shifted following the viral success of his first Afrobeats mix on SoundCloud, which garnered millions of streams and solidified his burgeoning reputation. This early success catalyzed his professional pursuit of DJing, transforming a personal interest into a formidable international brand.DJ Hol Up's prolific output is characterized by his signature DJ mixes, which span an impressive range from high-energy party anthems to his popular "Chill Afrobeats" series, designed for a more relaxed listening experience. His "Afrobeats Update" mixes, consistently released monthly, serve as essential compilations of the latest and most impactful tracks in the genre, accumulating over 70 million streams across various platforms including YouTube, SoundCloud, and Boomplay Music. He is also adept at creating dynamic mashups and remixes, seamlessly blending Afrobeats with genres like R&B, Hip Hop, and Amapiano, further demonstrating his innovative approach to music production.Beyond his digital presence, DJ Hol Up is a seasoned live performer, bringing his unique sound to sold-out venues and major festivals worldwide, from London and Ibiza to Accra and Miami. He is the visionary behind two highly successful NYC event series: "Gbedu Galore" and "Afrobeats + Amapiano (A+A)." These events are not merely parties but cultural pillars, providing vibrant spaces for fans to immerse themselves in the rich sounds of African music, often selling out and generating considerable buzz within the city's nightlife. His entrepreneurial spirit extends to merchandise, including limited edition "Naija Mix Tees," and collaborations on original singles with artists like Minz, Phizbarz, Howdidjesse, and Sivonyia, showcasing his versatility as an artist and producer.Recognized for his significant contributions to the music industry, DJ Hol Up is a distinguished Grammy Voting Member, a testament to his influence and dedication. In this role, he actively champions the impact of DJs and seeks to ensure their rightful recognition within the broader music landscape. His professional experience also includes a tenure as an Afrobeats Curator for Triller, further cementing his status as an industry authority.DJ Hol Up is continually expanding his influence, engaging readily with his community through social media, live interactions at events, and by incorporating fan-favorite tracks into his mixes. He actively seeks strategic brand partnerships, having previously collaborated with notable entities such as Puma (for the Puma x Davido launch), Belaire, Avion Tequila, Audiomack, and Africa Haus. With plans to release an EP featuring emerging Afrobeats talents, DJ Hol Up remains a dynamic force, committed to elevating African music and culture on a global scale.
