By Lee Osbourne
Uganda’s entertainment industry has grown and the competition has also become stiff, not only among the musicians but also among the disc jockeys. The current crème de la crème of Uganda’s DJ fraternity have stepped the game and some of them work as a group like Platinum DJs, Ultimate DJs and House of DJs, while others are solo acts. Its not easy to gauge the best DJ in Uganda since people have different tastes but of course a great DJ knows how to blend music that has evolved over the years and current music. Here we bring you some of the deejays that are rocking when it comes to live mixes.
1. DJ Shiru: Real name Kiberu Shiru popularly known as 256 Spin Doctor is one of the most popular Ugandan DJs of the 21st century. He started his career at the age of 17 years taking on from his brother a famous DJ Rota and was one of the first disc jockeys to play music for international artists in Uganda. He has also produced collabos with local musicians, nominated and won several prestigious awards.
2. DJ Andy Skillz: He is one of the youngest DJs and has the ability to blend all music genres and is praised everywhere he goes for keeping crowds entertained. He plays on several European, Indian and corporate parties something that has helped him to acquire a huge fan base in the city. Andy is also a music promoter and has helped most artistes to get gigs for performing at different parties in the diaspora. He promoted Bollywood nite at Club Cyclone and has been praised by Indians for his mixing skills that attracted Sudhir to sign him. Currently, he is the official Dj of St. Lawrence Schools, Kololo Gardens, Soul Disco, Centenary Bank, and Speke Hotel.
3. Dj Aludah: Real name James Aludah Mugume started deejaying alongside his brother John Kizza a.k.a John Smart at Najjanakumbi based Sax Hotel. He later went Kenya for about 5 months and moved back to Uganda to start professional deejaying in 2009. Aludah got his break-through at a Dj showcase when he won Pilsner’s Spin Master something that earned him publicity and recognition. He was later named among Africa’s leading deejays by Channel O TV and currently, he plays for Radio City FM and Club Amnesia. DJ Aludah is a fun loving young guy and loves entertaining his fans on two turntables and a mixer.
4. Mister Deejay: He is known as the fast talking disc jockey. Mister DeeJay was listed among the top ten on-Air African radio presenters by Channel O TV and has also been to big stages like deejaying in the big brother house among others. Besides deejaying, he has one of the best podcasts on his website that one can keep stalking. Mister Deejay is good at turntables and uses Serato scratch live applications, currently he plays at Root256 and hosts a catchy show on Radio City.
5.DJ Roger and DJ Slick Stuart: These two young DJs have changed the game by forming a first DJ duo in Uganda. Dj Roger real name Kitaka Rogers popularly known as DJ Roja started his entertainment profession at Skylark pub, later joined Club Rouge as a resident Disc Joker in 2010. He got his breakthrough in 2013 when he was nominated in Best Teeniez Wickedest DJ category in Buzz Teenies Awards. His counterpart Slick Stuart real name Stuart Kavuma, started professional deejaying in 2011 after he was inspired by his dad who owned disco. Dj Slick Stuart and Dj Roger are among the popular DJs in Uganda due to their creativity when it comes to entertaining their followers with live mixes blending all music genres. The duo held a successful live mixtape party in September, the same month DJ Roger was awarded as the Best DJ in Uganda Entertainment awards. They have played on several big events such as Kadanke, Buzz Events, Krackers, Smirnoff, Nile Breweries, Pepsi and the sky is the limit for the two.
6. DJ Mark: He is among the youngest DJs in Uganda. Dj Mark used to play at former Staek Out Kampala and last year was nominated in Best Teeniez Wickedest DJ category in Buzz Teenies Awards [BTA]. Currently he plays at NBS TV Hit Maker live show every Saturday morning. He has a huge fan base due to his feel of live mixes.
7. DJ Karo: She is a young female turntable goddess, well known as Friday playlist guru. Every Friday, she releases ballistic mix guaranteed to kick start your weekend and she has played on several high profile events including The radio Shake down, last year’s Samsung Twitter party and The FNL finals among others.
8. DJ Bryan: Music has been part of him since he was three years. He started deejaying in school and his passion kept on growing over years. DJ Bryan plays for NTV and Club Guvnor.
9. DJ Nimrod: He is a renowned DJ and trained relationship counselor. DJ Nimrod has vast experience as a both a Club and radio DJ and has played on several events entertaining his fans. Currently, he plays at Club Amnesia and Galaxy FM.
10. DJ BabyLove: He is C.E.O of Young Blood Entertainment, Marketing and Promotions Director for Inspire your Dream Talent show. He is good when it comes to live video mixing, plays at Club Guvnor and NTV.
11. DJ Cisse: He is one of the youngest DJs that know like Old school music and even dance-hall. Dj Cisse is good at live mixes and is former Dj at Iguana bar.
12. DJ Pofia: She is signed to Roy Taban Implex Media & Events Company. She plays at Trends Lounge, K-Club, Club Cyclone and Club Amnesia. She studies Mass Communication at Kampala University.
Other young talented DJs that are creative at their game include: Dj Joe, Cizza, Shark, Bryan Ting Dis and many others.