Interview

What are you currently working on?

A lot of Twitch live streams, LOL. Due to the pandemic, we have all been limited as creatives in what we can plan ahead for. But now that outside is beginning to open up; I am getting ready to get back to in-person DJing, booking day parties, and brunch gigs.

When did you begin your journey to work in music?

Honestly, music has been a part of me from a very young age. My parents exposed me to a lot of different types of music growing up, like 80's soul, blues, a lot of Rhumba, and Kenyan classics. I was that little kid switching out records to keep the music flowing when my parents and relatives hosted parties. It's not a coincidence that I took an interest in DJing because of this influence.

Do you do anything else for work besides music?

I do. I am an electrical engineer and currently work on interior design for retail spaces in the DC area.

Who are your musical influences? (Old and New)

This question is always a really hard one to answer because it is always changing. If I started to name them, we would be here all day. But to name a few, I would say Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, Motown, GrandMaster Flash for the oldies. For new school, I would pick a few producers like Juls, Sarz, Musyoka (Kenya) ... I mean, it's a lot.

Who is a new artist you discovered recently that you want everyone to listen to?

Not a particular artist, but I am really enjoying the new ladies of reggae (Sevana, Lila Ike, Jaz Elise, Koffi, and Naomi) all under Protege. They are really giving reggae a fresh vibe. I am really into the new RnB. A lot of these artists are really bringing RnB back in a 90s way, and I am enjoying that a lot.

How do you find new music?

I spend a lot of time on Spotify and Soundcloud. That is where I discover the majority of my edits/flips, underground artists.

If you had to listen to one song on repeat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Imagine, I cannot pick one. I guess it would be what I am feeling at the exact moment, and we know how often this changes. Hahaha

What's your current DJ setup and why?

My current setup is Rane 12's and Pioneer S11. Why? Ranes are "fake" turntables which bring me close enough to that turntable feel I like. Pioneer mixers are just superior to any other brand. Rane people don't fight me. LOL

What vibe are you going for with this mix?

It's Global Bounce Radio, right? So I wanted to bring music from the motherland Africa but also introduce the different sounds to showcase how diverse and talented the continent is.

What should your fans expect from you next?

My fans should expect to see me serving Fête en Aprème vibes and something really big for Labor Day 2021 in DC. Come visit us in DC. As soon as everything with the pandemic eases up, we will also take Fête back on the road and do a tour (both in the US and internationally).

What advice would you give to aspiring artists/DJs/Producers out there?

My advice to them is to dare to be different and believe in yourself. There is a time for everyone, and it will happen in due time. Do not rush the process.