Dj Andy ruling the beats in matatus

  Dj Andy's playlists popular in matatus

P: When did you break into the spinning business? A: I started professionally in June 2010 after joining the Homeboyz Academy for a two-month course. I was top of the class and someone at the academy was impressed by my skills, and got me a place to play towards the end of 2009, but I started playing for that club in January, doing it for four months until it became hard.

P: What do you mean by hard? A: I wanted to do radio because I feared crowds.

P: Is that what led you to radio? A: Yes. Although I am used to it (crowds) now because of the big shows I do. After I left that club, I heard that Homeboyz Radio (HBR) was looking for a DJ, so I made a demo and they took me in June 2010.

P: You seem to be very close to DJ Hassan, was he your connection to radio? A: Hassan is my mentor and he has helped me a lot and I’m very grateful to him. I did a demo and gave it to him, he liked it and I got a call afterwards so I got the job on merit because I had what they were looking for. I never knew him before, just used to see him but had never met him.

P: What else do you do besides House Party on HBR? A: I do Jam Session, which was my first radio show and it has been three years now. I also play on KBC’s Homegrown show on Sundays and have other side hustles as well, though am fully employed at HBR. I also help out in the Homeboyz DJ academy.

P: Did you face any opposition in your career choice? A: My mum was very supportive from the beginning, but my dad was hesitant but he is OK now though he asks when I’ll go back to school. I dropped out of school, but I plan on getting my things in order.

P: So you are living your career dream? A: Most definitely. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here.

P: How do you handle female attention? A: The attention comes with the job, but when I am working, I am working.

P: And your girl, how does she handle it? A: I am glad she understands and supports me. There are times it can be challenging, but I stick to my boundaries out there. I dedicate my free time to her and when am with her, it’s her time, nothing else.

P: In all honesty does deejaying really pay? A: Absolutely. I make a comfortable living from doing what I love. Besides radio, I do random club shows. I mostly do gigs like the TPF show that just ended and corporate events that pay really well.

P: Some DJs spend their cash on partying, alcohol and women. Can you relate? A: Yes this happens a lot but personally, I don’t drink so I use my money wisely, or so I hope.

P: Do you feel pressure to maintain your game? A: The industry is growing because there’s a lot of skill around, but I don’t compare myself to others. I compete with myself, so I just want to play better than I did the last time.

P: What makes you unique? A: I connect with my fans and I listen to my playlists before I play. I am also lucky because guys like my playlists so my mixes have circulated a lot, especially in javs (matatus). The house music I play on Saturdays is also very popular because of the music selection and fans love it.

P: Where do you see yourself in five years? A: I would like to start my own entertainment company and mentor some upcoming DJ’s.