We all have a favourite playlist, maybe not all of us,on that playlist we at least have a favourite musician, and for every musician we have a song or two that we fancy most, even if you don’t like the musician. Well there is a person missing in the picture, the person who delivers this song/musician to you. Unless you are a music search engine (you know it all and have it before it hits the market), the rest of us rely on a certain person to help us update our playlists. (S)he plays the song for us to listen, if you like it you run to the internet and pirate it or tickle a couple of friends on whatsapp to send it to you and boom! Your playlist has been updated. In this case, its the dj who makes that happen. By dj, i am not only talking about club or party Djs, radio djs are also included.
Here is a list of my top 10 ugandan Djs. They may not be the “in your face” kind, but neither are they the type that you will find on the second page of google. Better still this is my choice, if it is not to your taste just put it into consideration that one man’s Ex can be another man’s next.
10. Karo
Number 10 is a feminine touch in a male dominated profession. She personally changed my view about female djs. I always thought female dj’ing was either for those in the UK and USA or she had to have dreads and wear buggy jeans (Dj Racheal). Always dressed to kill, sometimes revelers may mistakenly direct Karo to the VIP section instead if the Dj’s box. Incase you are asking your self where you last saw her, she was the guest Dj at The radio Shake down. She has also been to other high profile events like The FNL finals and last years Samsung twitter party among other.
9. Alex Ndaula
From the back of the library, a lost classic. Putting alcohol addiction and relationship disputes (attributed to him by the media) aside, this guy has had a great impact on the music industry. With a variety of radio programs to listen to as you drive, or while in taxi on your Chinese phone as you head home from work in the evening, there was a time when the capital sun downer was the unbeatable choice thanx to Dj Alex. He is best know for his old skool mixes as well as trash talking the new skool djs for their “wack” mixes, Although The saturday Dance Force on 91.3 Capital fm is what i mostly remember him for. Omukunzi ng’asunda is the slogan he chants repeatedly while doing his thing. This veteran Dj is the longest serving presenter at Capital fm. So if you are looking for experience, look no further. He has faded with time but as the luganda saying goes “atakulaba y’akugaya”, grandpa remembers Dj Alex’s mixes like it was yesterday and tells the story with an ear to ear kind of smile.
8. Andrea
Allow me take you back to my roots for a little while. I’m talking about Jinja aka the Stone Town. When it comes to the land of potatoes and “rolex,” the game is a one man show run by the one and only Dj Andrea. Any single night i’m in Jinja, this guy is the stress releaver. He will always be available at Queens Palace to suit your mood just as long as you catch him on the right side of the coin. His versatility with all the music genres is what has help him creat a legacy in this almost dull town dominated by tourism and little partying. Different theme nights, different mood, same Dj! Thats how my Jinja homies roll.
7. Baby love
In the seventh spot is our brother from the Northern water tribe. Probably the youngest on the count down, Dj Baby Love is the self proclaimed C.E.O of Young Blood Entertainment. He is the perfect substitute i use every friday i fail to make it to club but in the moods for partying. I just tune in to koona ne NTV despite the fact that of recent his mixes have become predictable ( someone should tell him that). He has been consistent throughout his years at Govnor and with a whole lot of years a head of him, i still have hope in him and expect more.
6. Shiru
He is the Robin Hood of the Industry. He is the Dj of the people by the people for the people, (where people stands for the lovers of kidandali music). This is so because he understands local music better than any other Dj in the game, he then spices it up with a reggaetone touch which throws his audience into a temporary state of insanity. He also mastered the art of reggeaton remixes which at point in time enabled him win over the heart of the common man and hight school students (me inclussive). This explains why and how he has managed to make The Buzz Teeniez Award for Best Teeniez Dj a one man affair. It is also the same reason he won over Mr Kabushenga’s heart to grant him a spot on Bukedde Tv( tivi y’omuntu wawansi).
6. Beekay
Uganda is not only good at exporting talent; (Kassim Ouma, Savio Nsereko,and the witch doctors in South Africa) but also good at importing it. Dj Beekay is a perfect example( Fidempa is another example). This kenyan sensation has maneuvered his way through this densely populated profession which has growing talent day and night. His sweet16 mixes (on 94.8 Xfm) are always on point and will leave you daring his excellency for “another rap.” He recently came into loggerheads with a certain attention seeker who claims Ugandan Dj’s are not doing enough for Ugandan music, but with his (Beekay’s) style of play, this guy’s songs have no place on the playlist. Dj Beekay is one of the few Djs in Uganda that fit in so well with Electronic Dance music (EDM) which gives him, to a certain extent, an upper hand in the industry. When asked if EDM could stand a chance in Uganda,in his words he said “I know it will. It needs time and more support though.”
5. Apeman.
The self proclaimed Silver Back has over the years proven himself a masterpiece Dj in the hip hop genre. His skill were also appreciated by the USA based Haitian star Wyclef Jean on his visit to Uganda. He has also share the decks with America Dj Benny D. His great connection with the crowd and gradual interaction with the audience is what makes him good at his job despite the fact his genre is not Uganda’s favourite. In my opinion i think his skills are on the reasons why club l’boujoulase managed to survive longer than predicted. His track, Ug stand up, on the other hand is something that should have never happened. Nonetheless well tried jungle boy.
4. Crim
Talking of imported talent, in the 4th spot is another imported and equally talented Dj. He is a legal migrant who has found peace in a rather rowdy city. He is arguably the most interactive Dj although some times he goes beyond the desired limit which at one time got him into a verbal exchange with a random fan (@Bkyeyune) on twitter. He bacame a talk of the town after he was booked for the saturday variety mix at legends bar. I sometimes think he delivers more than he earns. His skill on the 1s n 2s have also won him a place on Uganda’s radio of wannabes 100.9 The Hot 100 alongside the captain himself Dennis Musanje aka Capt. DMS and has since then changed his username to mr 3s and 4s.
3. Mister Deejay
I call him the Nerd of the industry, may be because of his spects. With his ability to smoothly transits from dj’ing to radio presenting to tv hosting do you stil have any questions why he is on the list? thought so. His coming onto the entertainment scene refurbished radio dj’ing and has seen radio operators shift from just normal radio presenter to professional djs for live mixes and on the other hand it left a few wannabes racing to upgrade their skills or else lose their jobs. With a catchy/ freaky radio ad you surely wouldn’t wish to to miss a second of any of his mixtape or live mixes on the currently Uganda’s most wanted show SNMS on the youth’s favourite 97.0 Radiocity. Beside dj’ing i enjoy his podcasts and spend half of my monthly data stalking his website for any new blog or podcast.(too bad he hung up the boot as far podcast are concerned). He to has been to big stages like dj’ing in the big brother house among others. His shows are catchy and usually end before you are ready. When asked a bout EDM he said, “EDM has a limited, but dedicated audience in Uganda. I cannot see downtown people embracing it, but in certain sections of society (especially those who tend keep a longing eye on things happening abroad) it has been embraced.” Which is absolutely true!
2. Aludah
Dubbed Sir Aludah by his loyal fans, Dj Aludah is the best Battle dj in Uganda’s diaspora. After winning back to back championships, the oganisers were left with no choice but to make him a consultant after nicknaming him The turntable terrorist. If you let him introduce himself, you might think he is sounding a drum for himself but once you listen to any of his mixtapes you will realise the drum was not loud enough. He is one reason i’m planning to buy Dstv. Besides premier league, i getting tired of visiting the neighbours every time channel O’s bessment show is on air. Yes! He runs it. He too is one of the other dj’s tha make 97.0 Radiocity the youth’s favourite. He runs the show everyfriday night.
1. Bush Baby.
This may come as a surprise to you all but before you say aaaahhhh…or nkt! Take a chill pill. His skills on the decks as well as the diversity and versatility in the entertainment industry is what makes him my number one choice. Singer, producer, beat maker, radio presenter, tv host and manager are his other professions besides dj’ing. Michael owor famously known as Dj Bush Baby first made his major appearance on the Tanzanian based 99.0 East Africa radio where despite being miles away from home, he stayed true and loyal to the home made music presenting a show called Uganda central alongsideSteve kafaya. Memories are refreshed every time i listen to songs likeBeera n’abo and genda okole both by Moris Kiirya because he is the guy who introduce me that kind of music. Being less appreciated in tanzania he moved his duty back to Kampala start with jaw dropping tv show XXL. His skills are now being put to proper use on Urban tv & 94.8 Xfm.
Source: Em Sixtin
