Department of Programming

DaJuan Carlae Walker, nicknamed Dewie, attended LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts. Dajuan later he began working at the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, (A.S.C.A.P) under the direction and guidance of James “Jimmy” Maynes, who, at the time, was the Director of Membership. Mr. Maynes also served as the manager of R&B singer Case. At that point, Case was working on his second album, and through his affiliation with Mr. Maynes DaJuan played an instrumental role in the marketing and creative aspects of Case’s album, including booking shows. Working with Mr. Maynes allowed DaJuan to discover his love for the business element of the music industry. Ultimately, this experience altered his direction in music, prompting him not only to strive to become a successful songwriter/ producer, but also a music executive.

Dajuan worked on the “Ladies Night Out” tour, in an effort to pursue his dream of becoming a notable music executive. During this time, DaJuan gained exposure to many aspects of the music industry, from touring to management and administration. DaJuan's work on tour didn't go unnoticed. DaJuan landed a job with Def Jam Records, a position within the A&R division of the company, consulting on various R&B albums with artist such as Montell Jordan, Case, Musiq Soul Child, LovHer, Dru Hill, LL Cool J, Ashanti, and many more.

After leaving Def Jam, DaJuan managed Sony Music Group/Epic Record’s recording artist Nazkar. Thereafter, DaJuan started his own entertainment/production company, called Soul Village, with his childhood friend Tone “Cat” Wilson, who at the time was in an R&B group signed to Arista Records. Together, they wrote songs for various artists. DaJuan assumed the role of management along with attorney William Wagstaff, and played an instrumental role in making Tone Cat Wilson a successful international underground neo-soul/R&B solo artist, known as TL Cross.

DaJuan Walker
Director of Programming
dwalker@ualbanysa.org