THE ROAD TO BEING A PRO DJ 

DJs are storytellers, using beats and melodies to take listeners on a journey. Whether at a club, festival, or private event, a DJ’s job is to read the crowd and keep the energy alive. Starting out as a DJ doesn’t always follow a structured path ,it can begin as a simple passion, like recording mixes for fun and sharing them online. What starts as a hobby can quickly turn into a craft, especially when met with positive feedback, a willingness to learn, and the courage to take on new opportunities. 

DJs are storytellers, using beats and melodies to take listeners on a journey. Whether at a club, festival, or private event, a DJ’s job is to read the crowd and keep the energy alive. Starting out as a DJ doesn’t always follow a structured path ,it can begin as a simple passion, like recording mixes for fun and sharing them online. What starts as a hobby can quickly turn into a craft, especially when met with positive feedback, a willingness to learn, and the courage to take on new opportunities. 

Whether you’re drawn to house, hip-hop, or techno, the journey starts with mastering the basics: beatmatching, mixing, and song transitions. Invest in essential gear like a controller, laptop, and quality headphones. Learning software like Serato or Virtual DJ is key to building smooth transitions and unique sets. DJ Moze, one of Uganda’s most experienced and respected DJs, advises, “Consistency and humility will take you far. Stay true to your craft, and don’t rush the process.”

Connect with other DJs and learn from their experiences. Sean Preezy points out that “Rwanda and Uganda have more female DJs compared to Kenya, showing how the industry is evolving and becoming more inclusive.He furthermore urges Kenyan ladies to step up and tap into this lucrative market .” DJ Vee, one of Uganda’s first female DJs, adds, “Break stereotypes and push boundaries because passion has no gender.” Recommended DJs to follow for inspiration include Dj Vx Faisal, Selector Jay, Etania , Eyo Mackus , Dj Harold, Dj Hady , Dj Beats , Aludah , City Girl , 5starVenom deejay and Dj Dread Lazer .
Sometimes, all it takes is stepping up for that first gig to turn passion into a career.