Kevin Muley: 'How I turned around Groove Awards'

Mo Sound and Groove Awards are big brands in the entertainment world. How did you come up with these ideas?

Mo Sound refers to more sound ideas. The company has heavily invested in sound systems. Before Mo Sound, I was a DJ. At one point, I felt that I needed to take a different direction, hence the birth of Groove, which was then dubbed JCs Groove. I learnt everything I could about the events industry. I built relationships that would add value, linking up with Mike Rabar who allowed me to lecture at the Homeboyz DJ School. After a while, I left and started Groove Awards in 2004.

Your company, Mo Sound Events, has worked on some mega deals like Kenya at 50 and World Cup tours. What is the secret to such success?

As the visionary of Mo Sound, I always strive to understand our client’s vision and execute it brilliantly. I never disappoint my clients.

At one point, Groove was suspended for a while before it resurfaced. What prompted that?

Groove Awards was a means of exposing and appreciating those who serve and minister for the Lord. The first year had great response; the second year, however, landed me in a Sh1.5 million debt. Nothing I had planned worked out. I was 23 then.

What happened after that major setback?

I took a break and left for the US where I took time to reflect and reinvent. I got a clear vision and more ideas. I returned home a year later as a businessman.

Did you execute all your ideas when you came back to Kenya?

Not all at once. I was first in shock that the industry had not progressed as I expected. I concentrated on providing sound and visual systems for events. I took up Groove as a side hustle, but it turned out better than most of my ideas. I, therefore, put together a team and started working on it. The ideas we have unveiled to date, including the Groove Camps, Groove Tours, are from what I got when in the US. Groove is now mega.

What challenges did you face starting out?

I found giants in the industry. I had to decide to whether to fight them or raise the bar. I chose the latter and I ensured all events were done excellently. As a result, we grew and are now opening a branch in Rwanda.

Any regrets?

Now that I moved on, I do not have regrets. It is a gut feeling I get. I also hope in God enough to know when seasons are changing then I make the necessary adjustments .

What makes you stand out in this industry?

We have invested in unique elements such as the no-pillar supa dome that is one of its kind in the country and gives an event a different look and feel. We also have faith and do not wait for things to happen. For instance, while we were doing the annual planning last year, we slotted in the Kenya at 50 event as one of our projects. That was before the elections. We went ahead and took measurements of the Kasarani Stadium and Uhuru Gardens. We did not have the job yet, and we did not know how it would turn out, but we put our faith into action.

What do you do to pass time?

I play soccer once in a while. I am also a car enthusiast, so you will find me on some highways enjoying a ride. You are also a family man; tell us about that.

I have two kids: Mumo (means Peace of God) and    (means strength). I believe there is power in naming.

What lessons have you learnt along the way?

Getting into debt taught me that debt is not bad. In addition, learn to address your problems and not run away from them.

What advice would you give to a young person wanting to follow their passion?

Following your passion is not enough. You need to activate and cultivate it before you follow. You also need to meet with the right people.