The global DJ education initiative, Start From Scratch, has concluded a groundbreaking first year in Lagos, powered by a partnership between HOMECOMING and technology leader AlphaTheta. The programme's debut on the African continent was met with overwhelming demand, creating a new model for accessible music education and paving the way for a significantly larger rollout in 2026.
Unprecedented Demand in Lagos Sets New Blueprint
Marking its first African stop after touring cultural hubs like London, Berlin, Paris, and Amsterdam, Start From Scratch launched in Lagos in September 2025. The inaugural class was fully booked immediately, with every subsequent session through the end of the year also oversubscribed. This explosive response highlighted a massive, untapped appetite for formal DJ training in Nigeria's bustling commercial capital.
The workshops, hosted at the newly opened HOMECOMING space and utilizing AlphaTheta's industry-leading DJ gear, are designed for absolute beginners. The curriculum moves from foundational skills like beatmatching to advanced concepts of sonic storytelling and developing a unique artistic identity.
A Mentor Lineup Shaping Africa's Sound
A key driver of the programme's success was its powerful roster of homegrown mentors. These instructors, who represent the innovation and diversity of modern African music, included:
- Dope Caesar
- Weareallchemicals
- Honeeay
- The collectives Dencity, Floss, and Femme Africa
Their guidance fostered an environment of openness and community, allowing aspiring DJs to learn directly from the artists actively shaping the continent's musical future. This local expertise, combined with HOMECOMING's global network of mentors like Major League DJz and DJ Spinall, created a uniquely potent learning experience.
Building a Legacy: More Than Just Workshops
The impact in Lagos transcends a simple series of classes. It represents the first phase of a long-term investment in Africa's DJ culture, creative infrastructure, and talent ecosystem. With AlphaTheta's sustained support, Start From Scratch is evolving into a vital platform that opens doors, builds professional skills, and creates clear pathways for new voices to emerge.
Buoyed by the resounding success of the 2025 Lagos edition, HOMECOMING and AlphaTheta are now actively developing an expanded programme for 2026. The plans include reaching more cities across the continent, increasing the number of sessions, and deepening the educational content. This expansion aims to harness the momentum generated in Lagos, ensuring that access and opportunity for the next generation of African DJs continue to grow exponentially.
