Starting from the bottom and rising to become one of the biggest names in the industry, VDJ Jones has had his fair share of struggle and is not ashamed to relive the moments.
The DJ fell in love with music while pursuing a communications degree at Multimedia University. But being the firstborn and the only boy in a family of three children, he had to set a good example for his siblings and hold off his dream until he completed university.
“It was not easy because I had done Form Four and wanted to be a DJ. My dad mara ya kwanza hakuwa anataka kuskia so I joined Multi Media University. After campus, I just wanted to be in the entertainment industry so ata sikurudia certificate, iko tu huko shule,” he said in an interview on Walk The Talk show.
“My first DJ set nilipata in 2010 after kumaliza Form Four; my dad ndio alinibuyia my first set. The same person mwenye hakuwa anataka ni DJ, alinibuyia headphones and a hard disc as a present. Alikuwa amenichallenge nikipass exams nitapata the set,” explained Jones.
Professional DJ
With university done and his father a bit more open to the DJ idea but unwilling to finance his passion, the ball was left in the young DJ’s court to earn a living and sustain himself.
“I started playing professionally in 2015 and it feels nice. My first job nilikuwa na earn Sh150 a night. It’s been a tough journey so saizi vile zinaopen up mimi ninafurahia.”
After sleepless nights and consistency, things look up for Jones and he is currently among the most sought after DJs in the country.
The entertainer who also doubles up as a musician prides himself as one of the founding fathers of the famous Gengetone music group, Boondocks.
According to Jones, for him, nurturing and supporting young talent equates to giving back to the society for the continuous support accorded to him.
To aspiring DJs, “When it comes to your career, you have to know why you are here. If you want fame you will get it, if you want money you will get it, if you want women you will get them, so you have to know what you want.
“I knew what I wanted that’s why I’m here, through hard work and determination.”
Walk The Talk show airs on BTV every Monday at 8:30 p.m.
