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Quick Facts
- Real name: Princess Ntuk Williams
- Birthplace: Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
- Based in: Lagos, Nigeria
- Occupation: DJ, performer, cultural curator
- Genres played: Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip-hop, Afro-house
- Career start: 2014, under the mentorship of Deejay Peejay
- Known for: Attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon club DJ-ing
- Notable feat: A 300-hour non-stop DJ marathon completed in March 2026
- Notable collaborations: Magnito, Skales
- Platforms performed on: Big Brother Naija, AFRIMMA Awards
DJ Pretty Play has become one of the most talked-about names in Nigeria’s DJ scene, both for her outspoken views on gender bias in the industry and for a headline-grabbing Guinness World Record attempt. Her story reflects a career built on discipline, endurance, and a willingness to confront the stereotypes women in DJing continue to face.
Who Is DJ Pretty Play?
DJ Pretty Play, born Princess Ntuk Williams, is a Nigerian disc jockey, performer, and cultural curator known for her energetic mix of Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip-hop, and Afro-house. She was born in Akwa Ibom State and raised in Lagos, where she developed the rhythmic instincts that would later define her career behind the turntables.
Beyond her DJ sets, she has become a visible voice on the treatment of women in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, speaking openly about the assumptions and scrutiny female DJs regularly face.
Early Life
DJ Pretty Play’s journey into entertainment began long before she ever touched a turntable. As a child, she performed on theatre stages, dancing and building an instinctive understanding of rhythm and crowd psychology. That early creative foundation shaped the stage presence she later brought to DJing.
Raised in Lagos, she grew up immersed in the city’s vibrant entertainment scene. Her early years as a performer and dancer gave her a natural sense of timing and audience engagement, skills that translated directly into her DJ career once she made the switch.
Career Beginnings
DJ Pretty Play transitioned fully into DJing in 2014, mentored by fellow disc jockey Deejay Peejay. Coming from a dance and performance background rather than a purely technical one, she brought a distinctive energy to her sets that helped set her apart in a competitive scene.
Her dedication and steady growth eventually earned her appearances on major national platforms, including the Big Brother Naija stage. She also performed at the AFRIMMA Awards in the United States, extending her reach beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Building a Career and Collaborations
Over the years, DJ Pretty Play built a reputation for seamless transitions, bold live remixes, and strong audience engagement. Her performances blend genres popular across Nigeria and the wider African continent, keeping her sets relevant to a broad range of listeners.
She has also collaborated with established Nigerian entertainers, including rapper Magnito and singer Skales, further expanding her presence within the country’s wider music industry.
Speaking Out on Gender Stereotypes
DJ Pretty Play has been notably candid about the challenges she faces as a woman working in a male-dominated field. In an interview with HipTV, she described her journey as demanding and, at times, discouraging, noting that female DJs are often judged on their appearance rather than their skill.
She explained that some male counterparts assume female DJs secure bookings because of their looks rather than their competence, a pattern she says leads to frequent sexualization within the industry. On criticism of stage outfits, she noted that performers often adjust their appearance based on audience expectations and industry norms, arguing that every profession carries its own unofficial dress codes shaped more by social pressure than personal preference.
The Guinness World Record Attempt
In 2026, DJ Pretty Play announced her intention to break the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon club DJ-ing session, aiming to become the first female DJ in Nigeria and Africa to hold the title. At the time of her announcement, the record stood at 244 hours and 2 minutes, set by Italian DJ Faber Moreira in May 2024, which had itself broken a previous 200-hour record set by Polish DJ Norberto Loco in 2014.
Her first attempt began on March 3, 2026, at Bay Lounge in Lekki, Lagos, targeting 288 hours. That attempt was discontinued on the third day after a rule violation involving repeated song play within a restricted time frame, a setback that ended the bid under official Guinness World Records guidelines.
The Record-Breaking Marathon
Undeterred by the earlier setback, DJ Pretty Play relaunched her attempt on March 11, 2026, once again at Bay Lounge. This time, she not only reached her 288-hour goal but pushed further, ultimately performing for 300 hours nonstop across 12 consecutive days before concluding on March 23, 2026.
Throughout the marathon, she delivered a continuous mix of Afrobeats, Afrohouse, hip-hop, and Amapiano, sustaining audience engagement across the full duration. Several Nigerian celebrities, including D’banj, Ini Edo, Charles Okocha, Anita Joseph, and Slimcase, visited the venue at different points to show their support.
Health Challenges and Recovery
The physical toll of the marathon became clear soon after its completion. DJ Pretty Play required medical attention for swollen legs, extreme fatigue, and breathing complications, and she needed oxygen support during her recovery. Her team confirmed that her health remained the immediate priority while the record submission awaited official review.
Despite the difficulty of her recovery, associates expressed confidence that she would return to performing once fully recovered, and fans across social media sent messages of support throughout the process.
Why Her Story Matters
DJ Pretty Play’s record attempt and her public comments on gender bias both point to a broader conversation about women’s place in Nigeria’s DJ culture. Industry observers have noted that her marathon attempt carries significance beyond personal achievement, highlighting the growing influence of African female DJs on the global stage.
By combining outspoken advocacy with a physically demanding record bid, she has positioned herself as a visible example of ambition within a field still working to overcome deep-rooted stereotypes about who belongs behind the turntables.
Read More: DJ Boat Biography: Real Name, Age, Career, Mixes and Music Journey
FAQs
What is DJ Pretty Play’s real name?
Her real name is Princess Ntuk Williams.
Where is DJ Pretty Play from?
She was born in Akwa Ibom State and raised in Lagos, Nigeria.
When did DJ Pretty Play start her DJ career?
She began her professional DJ career in 2014 under the mentorship of Deejay Peejay.
What record is DJ Pretty Play attempting to break?
She is attempting to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon club DJ-ing session.
How long did DJ Pretty Play’s DJ marathon last?
She performed for 300 hours nonstop over 12 days, from March 11 to March 23, 2026.
What has DJ Pretty Play said about gender stereotypes in the industry?
She has spoken about female DJs being judged on appearance rather than skill and facing frequent sexualization from some male counterparts.
Conclusion
DJ Pretty Play’s career reflects both artistic endurance and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about gender bias in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. From her early years as a theatre performer to a headline-making 300-hour DJ marathon, her journey continues to challenge assumptions about who can thrive behind the turntables. As her Guinness World Records submission awaits confirmation, DJ Pretty Play’s story stands as a marker of ambition and resilience within Africa’s growing DJ culture.
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