The Top 10 DJs in Kenya

It’s a hard thing to sit and decide who are the best DJs right now – it’s a field that is always changing but, surprisingly, always stays the same.

Make no mistake, this is a tallying of the upcoming ones, not necessarily legends.

Yes, they may be legends in their own fields, but these guys are definitely a little more new school than say, DJ John - who is still relevant and has been spinning, literally, for decades.

The popular vote tends to go a certain way, but does not necessarily mean the popular vote is right.

So who are the best DJs, based not only on popularity, but also on skill?

In a game where equipment costs as much as a house and talent is not just present but vital, these 10 DJs top the 'new school' list for us.

NUMBER 10

At number 10 is DJ Moh of Dohty Family Entertainment.

This young chap is making spectacular strides in the reggae industry.

He's been with Dohty Family as well for a while, but his popularity is increasing in such a way that it is evident that sitting at the feet of masters can make you a master.

NUMBER 9

Here, we have DJ Crème.

This dude’s had a pretty hard year, and in spite of it all, he still comes out smiling.

He is at the top with the crème de la crème (ha!) because of his consistency in the game, the ability to take his work seriously, and, of course, and he’s easy on the eye.

Who doesn’t love a man who loves his family? All great dads get points.

NUMBER 8

DJ Kaytrixx has been jumping through the industry in leaps and bounds, climaxing in the year (this year) he was picked as the DJ on Safaricom Live.

That is no small deal. The dude’s even gotten heftier, so it’s clear he’s living the good life.

His laidback personality (the guy can be surprisingly chill for a DJ) is a contributing factor to his easy ability to switch from one flow of music to another and give the crowd what the crowd wants.

Never a bad thing.

NUMBER 7

DJ Frankie.

Though Frankie calls himself more of an all-around entertainer, his undeniable dancehall deejaying skills cannot be be denied.

He is very, very good at what he does - whether it is spinning on the decks, speaking pidgin while doing it, or flipping it around completely and playing us some hip hop on his show.

NUMBER 6

DJ Slick.

DJ Slickof Ace Cards Entertainment, in our opinion, shines over the rest of his outfit.

Ace Cards Entertainment have skill, but he’s a DJ among DJs.

Slick is good at mixing it right and keeping it tight, as well as keeping the crowd hyped, more often than not with his videos.

On top of all of that skill, he’s a friendly guy on Twitter. What more could you ask for?

NUMBER 5

Widely acclaimed as the first ever DVJ (Disc and Video Jockey) in Kenya, DJ Mobi brought a new flavour to the floor that most people had only seen before on TV.

In fact, the guy was so god, he went off and formed an entire radio station outfit, Monster Radio.

Confidence, pizzazz, and an ear for that good good - that's what gets him on this list.

NUMBER 4

In his interview with The Base, DJ Kafii admitted that he had started on Virtual DJ (as have most DJs).

But because he is so fun, open about it and good at what he does, we won't hold it against him.

Is there anything better than a DJ who really knows their stuff?

The answer is no.

We see only higher heights for Sir Kafington.

NUMBER 3

Now, this chap has won multiple awards for what he does already.

DJ Joe Mfalme is a legend in his own right, and has proved himself repeatedly on the wheels of steel.

The funny thing is, apparently, he can't dance!

He’s great at what he does, and he knows it – but he doesn’t act like he does.

Greats who are humble are few and far between, and we have to give it up to this guy for being the DJ everyone wants to be but being extraordinarily polite about it.

NUMBER 2

DJ Kamjo. One of the simplest impressive things about Kamjo is his passion for music (obviously important, if you are a DJ).

Forget the fact that this guy has original cassettes from way back when (he started spinning on a discman); he has taken the craft to the next level, which is something all artists should emulate.

Turning your craft into enterprise is a step many are not willing to take or don’t know how to, but definitely should.

He does the business, and he is a business man, through his company Discmen Entertainment. Smart and savvy. That’s what’s up.

And now…

*drumroll please*

NUMBER 1

In 1st place we have someone who we are pretty sure you did not see coming.

Most people know this bespectacled bopper as the front man of one of the most famous bands in Kenya (Just A Band), but he is now venturing out into deejaying as well and he is very, very good at it.

You know who we are talking about: Blinky Bill.

His musical genius (which also contributes in a great way to the music Just A Band make), fluidity and versatility make every experience one to remember, whether he is playing at Hip hop Rhapsody or an album launch.

He’s got something for everyone. It’s important to know your stuff, and Blinky’s got it down pat, at his fingertips, in fact.

Though he has only been in the game for a quick minute, what he has shown in terms of his deeper understanding of the relation between the music, the DJ and the crowd makes us think that this is where he should be.

Do you agree with the list? Do you disagree?

Who do you think should have been in it? Any ideas for honorary mentions? Let us know…