How actor-turned-DJ found his place under the show biz sun

Jimmy Nocon

The chance to earn more was what drove TV and commercial actor Jimmy Nocon to focus on becoming a professional DJ (disc jockey), a field he was sure he could “excel at, with only a few competitors.”

Jimmy entered show biz via the reality show “Protégé” on GMA 7, which eventually led to several projects and programs as a guest. “But mostly, I was cast as the friend of the main lead or as one of the villains,” he pointed out.

He said he had “wanted something more,” and became serious about being a DJ. “It began with small gigs in different clubs and led to a number of corporate events, then to numerous private bookings. I was eventually discovered by ABS-CBN. I became part of ‘ASAP’ and got to perform alongside famous Kapamilya artists. I signed a contract with Star Magic in February 2022,” he told Inquirer Entertainment.

Jimmy appeared in Kapamilya events such as the Star Magic Prom, Star Magic Hot Summer 2023, Star Magic All-Star Games and even Sarah Geronimo’s 20th anniversary concert at Araneta Coliseum.

Proving them wrong

Jimmy first became interested in deejaying after attending an event at the World Trade Center in Pasay City when he was 19. “My mother saw a DJ booth and asked me to pose there so she could take a picture of me,” Jimmy recalled, “Once on the stage, people thought I was the DJ for the day and were waiting for me to play some music. That’s when I told myself, ‘This may be something I could pursue.’ Eventually, my parents bought me my first-ever DJ equipment as a gift. Soon, I was already making and editing music on my own.”

His parents initially thought deejaying was just Jimmy’s hobby. So they were no longer supportive when he decided to pursue it as a career. “They couldn’t see a stable future for me being a DJ… I actually worked in our family business, but it wasn’t really for me. I decided to commit to deejaying and eventually proved them wrong,” he said.

Put on hold

Just like most industry people, the series of pandemic lockdowns since 2020 made the situation tough for DJ Jimmy. “This occupation is all about parties and social gatherings, so it was a struggle for me when these events were disallowed. It was like my life was put on hold. Most of the time, I was just inside my room trying to edit music and looking for ways to earn from it,” he recalled.

“Before long, I noticed people were gaining popularity through social media. People adapted to technology and were getting paid for it, so I joined the bandwagon by converting my room into a studio and found gigs online where I played music through Zoom. That time, I did livestreams of deejaying and other types of content that might be helpful in gaining viewers. Normally, I would need a hype man while spinning, but due to the circumstances, I learned to do it myself,” he said.

Consequently, social media became a bridge for Jimmy to reach more people. “It was literally a rise-to-the-challenge moment for me. I used the pandemic to obtain more followers, promote my work, enhance my capabilities and continue my passion, all while earning money. I was able to discover my strengths and weaknesses as a DJ,” he said.

While he said he faced more problems when the situation started returning to normal, “they only made me stronger.”

“Now, my dreams are now within my reach. My theater training when I was younger also helped me get used to facing big crowds. One important factor that I incorporate into my performances is the interaction with my audience or listeners. This became one of my trademarks,” said Jimmy.

He also said the hardest thing about his work is not having enough time to be with his family. “You have to work during Christmas, New Year’s countdown and other celebrations. Thankfully, my family is supportive. I still have a long way to go. I still dream of bigger things and of accomplishing more. I’ve traveled around the country because of my work. My aim today is to be able to represent the country internationally, to share the kind of music we have here with everyone all over the world.” INQ