Kenyans in Dubai Turn Passion for Music into Lucrative Careers as DJs

For Kennedy Thoya, known as DJ Mneddy, his journey to becoming a successful DJ in Dubai began in Mombasa, where his father owned a sound system. He studied customer service and front office operations at Utalii College in 2007 but had to venture into various jobs, including selling insurance and working as a receptionist. In 2011, he moved to Dubai as a security guard, earning less than he did in Kenya. However, his passion for music kept him going, and he eventually got his big break as a DJ.

Kennedy's breakthrough came when a promoter gave him his first gig in Dubai, and he took to it like a fish to water. He started earning a decent income, and his passion for music soon turned into a lucrative career. He resigned from his 9-to-5 job in 2017 to pursue DJing full-time and signed a contract with Kiz club in October of the same year. The job opened doors for him, and he began performing at high-profile events and collaborating with international artists.

Today, Kennedy is one of the most sought-after DJs in Dubai, earning between Sh70,000 and Sh80,000 per hour. He has also become a manager and CEO of All Africa Festival, which showcases African artists beneath Dubai's Burj Khalifa. His story is an inspiration to many Kenyans who have a passion for music but are hesitant to pursue it as a career. Kennedy's success has also created opportunities for other Kenyan DJs to make a name for themselves in Dubai.

Timothy Tsuma Jotto, known as DJ Raey D'Katalyst, is another Kenyan DJ who has made a name for himself in Dubai. His journey to becoming a DJ was not straightforward, as his family had initially disapproved of his career choice. However, he pursued music on the side while working as a security guard in Dubai. He eventually secured a residency at Savannah Club in Mombasa and began taking on side gigs at corporate events.

Timothy's big break came when he landed a job with a company selling DJ equipment, but he admits that he did not sell much. Instead, he spent his days playing with the machines and honing his skills. He eventually landed a job at a British club, but it closed after a year. Undeterred, he continued to build his career as a freelance DJ and eventually set up his own sound equipment rental business, Katalyst Sounds.

Timothy's business has taken off, and he now rents out speakers, lighting equipment, and tents to clients in Dubai and Kenya. He has also ventured into Dubai desert events, attracting guests from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and the UK. His earnings have increased significantly, and he is now a successful entrepreneur and DJ.

The stories of Kennedy and Timothy are a testament to the fact that with passion and hard work, anyone can turn their dreams into a reality. They have proven that it is possible to make a living from one's passion, and their success has inspired many others to follow in their footsteps. As the demand for talented DJs continues to grow, it is likely that we will see more Kenyans making a name for themselves in the industry.

Key points

• Kennedy Thoya and Timothy Tsuma Jotto have turned their passion for music into lucrative careers as DJs in Dubai, earning up to Sh200,000 in hours.
• The two DJs have inspired many Kenyans to pursue their passion for music, despite the challenges they faced in their journey to success.
• Kennedy and Timothy's success has created opportunities for other Kenyan DJs to make a name for themselves in Dubai and beyond.