SĒN Baltimore Magazine - Nightlife, Local Music, Events and Podcasts

Illustration by Gene Espy

POJI — the name is an aggregate of DJ Pope and DJ Oji — has been keeping house music alive since the early 90s. Their styles are similar, yet unique, and complement one another down to every beat. But how did a dude from Chicago and another from New York team up and meet in our very own Baltimore?

Pope and Oji first met while attending Morgan State University. Initially it was their similar passion for music, and a mutual need to express themselves artistically, that led to the creation of their team. However, it was only after encountering the politics and stress of the mainstream music industry that these musicians felt it would be more productive to start their own record label, POJI  Records. This new label would serve as a resource for other emerging artists and producers, in hopes that they would not have to suffer the same tribulations DJs Pope and Oji had endured.

Over the past 14 years, POJI Records has  produced over twenty 12”s. These include a three-volume compilation cleverly titled “Baltimore House-ing Authority,” and several tracks featuring the harmonic talents of the Thievery Corporation, Esteban, Tramaine Hawkins and Stephanie Cook. 

It is impossible to know what this assiduous dyad will come out with in the future. But, whatever it is, it is sure to “be all about the music.”