When did you decide to pursue a deejaying career & how did you get started?
I was in my second year at my IT job in 2014 and I was getting a lot of deejaying jobs. Compared to the money I was getting from deejaying, the pay from the day job was really low. So since I had gotten my 2 years of experience on my cv, I decided to go all-in on the deejaying just in case it didn’t work out, I would have that at least. But it worked out.
What were your earlier passions?
Serious IT guy. I loved everything to do with computers. That’s how I started playing around with deejay software curiously. Also, I’ve always been a gamer.
When did you break it your parents that you were a DJ & what was their reaction?
My dad, from the beginning, knew I loved music and so did he (he was a guitarist). My mum, on the other hand, had found out about it when I was in University. I told her it wasn’t that serious which it wasn’t, but after I finished I told her that it was something that could get me side money like a side business and she accepted it as my grind eventually because I was doing so well. Parents want the best for you so it makes sense that they would be skeptical when you tell them you’re taking on a path like a deejaying career. But if you show them that you’re 100% in and there are results to show, they’ll come around.
How has your deejaying journey been so far? (What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?)
Like any other business or career in different stages you are at, you are likely to have different challenges. 5 years ago, I can tell you that finding work was my biggest challenge. A year ago, since the KasBaby brand grew, my biggest challenge was selecting what my brand should be associated with in regards to brands or places I work. And now, of course in the pandemic, everyone!! Every single person has been affected by this pandemic, some worse than others and for deejays, it is really bad. Some are lucky to find work but others aren’t. This is my biggest challenge now.
What would you term as the most defining moment of your career?
I believe it was one 7 or 8 years ago. I just bought speakers for my room in Tech park UCU and decided to mix music really loud testing how the speakers worked. The whole hostel came around and asked me to turn it up even louder. That’s when I realized I was great at it and that was the first time I played for a crowd.
In a national address on March 18th, 2020, the president ordered the closure of all concentration points including bars and night clubs where you normally play. How has this affected you personally?
It affected me GREATLY. I was a busy person before the pandemic hit, working at least 5 nights a week, had contracts that were active that had to be put on hold. So I was greatly affected because the curfew and lockdown which we needed to flatten the curve put all nightlife Deejays out of work.
What income-producing work have you been doing since then?
Mostly ‘scientific’ weddings, online parties, and getaways.
Did you contemplate a career switch back to what you studied?
I didn’t because as I said I gave myself to this career 100%. I will never regret that move. I’m a deejay first.
What has life in lockdown been like for you? Run us through your typical day.
Pretty basic. Staying home unless I absolutely need to leave. I do movies, music, and PlayStation! That’s what it’s been unless I have work away from home.
When it comes to preparing for a set, where do you draw your inspiration?
It depends. It could be one song that inspires a whole set. It could be a theme. It could be a crowd. Or even a specific person. It’s nothing specific. That’s how I try to keep things fresh.
Any criteria on how you choose the jobs you do?
First, is the crowd something I can work with? Secondly, does it complement the KasBaby brand? Finally and obviously, is the bag secure?
What is the biggest stage you’ve performed at?
That would have to be the Wizkid concert. Opening for your favorite African artiste and getting to kill it in front of thousands. It hit different!
How does one become a professional deejay like DJ KasBaby?
Love for music, hard work, practice, great fans (Shoutouts to the KasArmy; I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them), supportive family and but not least, God!
How do deejays make their money? On average what’s there to make a month? If you had to advise a young Dj KasBaby then, what would you tell them about learning how to be a DJ?
Most Deejays make money per job earned. Some have residences where they earn salaries. But if you make a name for yourself, you can also have endorsement deals. So it’s not just one way. A young KasBaby was scared about the path he was taking. I’d tell him to relax, trust himself and trust God! The time you’re putting in will pay off.
What do you think needs to be done for the deejaying profession to make it better?
Just for professional deejays to be taken more seriously. It’s a growing industry and it deserves more respect.
Who are your top 10 rated DJs in Uganda?
That’s too many I’ll give you five and in no specific order. They are: Selector Jay, Slick Stuart & Roja, DJ Bryan, Sir Aludah, and DJ Ssese.
Lastly- what lessons have you learned from covid-19 that he will use to reshape his business?
Saving will save your life! Since I had something to fall back on I have not struggled as much in a period I have barely worked. Thankful that my mother instilled in me a saving culture.
Thanks for having me.