Cynthia Thanda

Music denotes the culture of a people. It would therefore be remiss of any well-meaning publication that chronicles a country’s cultural evolution to ignore this aspect. For that mere reason, The Pan Afrikanist visited award-winning Deejay, DJ Kenn to interview him about the role he plays in the local music industry.

Mpho Otladisang, aka ‘DJ Kenn’ is a Botswana-based multi-genre DJ and the epitome of a perfectionist crowd-pulling creative. He is a very versatile DJ but has chosen to segment his market and brand himself as a Hip Hop DJ.

DJ Kenn describes himself as a fun-loving person. And indeed his beautiful energy was reflected during our conversation as he excitedly talked about his passion.

His interest in music started at home when he was watching his cousin playing at kiddies’ parties. In 2008 he decided to test the waters and pursue the art of mixing, using a laptop for a start.

In late 2010 DJ Kenn was introduced to Raymond Thabo Tebele, who is a member of Beat Freaks entertainment. They immediately hit it off and decided to work together.

Their merger allowed DJ Kenn to transition from being a laptop DJ to using the industry-standard CD players since the equipment was now readily available to him.

Beat Freaks nurtured and raised him into what he is today. Once he had mastered the craft and passion, he officially joined the crew.

After some time, he left the crew and decided to pursue his own dreams at his own pace.

DJ Kenn definitely knows how to put a full plate on his table as he has had the honour of sharing the stage with renowned African big names such as Dr. Malinga, Prince Kaybee, Vee Mampeezy, African Roots, Charma Girl, Chrispin the Drummer, Dj Sly, La Timmy, NT Base, and DJ Kuch, to mention a few

From March 2015 until November 2018, he worked as a resident DJ at Pavilion Restaurant. And from 2015 until 2017, he was part of the radio show; The Easy Drive on RB2 hosted by DJ Sly every Monday at 3 pm.

He is currently with YaronaFM. You can tune in at 1100hrs every Monday for Lerato Modiega on YBrunch to awaken your mood with him.

Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, DJ Kenn can’t fully be a king of his jungle as gigs have been halted.

DJ Kenn has performed at major events that include;

-Gaabo Motho Music Festival (Moshupa) in 2015 and 2016
-Tonota Remmogo Festival in 2016 and 2017
-Desert Music Festival (Jwaneng) in 2016
-Gone Kwa Music festival (Molepolole) in 2016
-Togetherness Music Festival in 2015 and 2016
-Redds Sunday Sessions in 2017
-Monate Ko Moching Festival (Maun) in 2016
-Naaq Musiq Festival (Maun) in 2017
-Bobirwa Festival Punch in 2017
-GaMaila Festive Meltdown in 2017

“The experience at festivals is just something you cannot replicate. It is the best feeling. Imagine playing a song for more than 15 000 people and when you cut the song you hear about 8000 people shouting at the top of their voices, singing along with you. I like mass audiences and corporates”, a nostalgic DJ Kenn admitted.

His charges vary depending on the event. Before a gig, DJ Kenn has a spontaneous and creative way of preparation. All he does is download new music and get the feel of it. Social media, radio, and newspaper articles are some of the platforms DJ Kenn uses to engage his audience.

The fun part about being a Deejay is the VIP treatment and hospitality accorded him whenever he is booked. He also enjoys the respect and appreciation he receives.

Having fans and people enjoying his passion as much as he does makes him so happy and the connection that comes along with meeting people gives him the thrills.

In terms of staying relevant with the latest music trends, DJ Kenn subscribes to websites and buys especially international music.

As for local music, he is friends with most Batswana musicians, and every time they release a song, they email it to him as well to review.

One of the challenges DJ Kenn has experienced is promoters not paying him and failing to honour agreements.

DJ Kenn doesn’t believe in quarrels and as such he is very selective about whom he works with.

Among his achievements, DJ Kenn bagged the DJ of the Year for Chilu and Crew Award in 2014 as well as the 5^th Annual Serowe Battle of DJs Award in 2014.

He is looking forward to achieving more as he has been nominated for the YAMAs (YaronaFM Music Awards) for 2021 and the voting lines close on 6^th September.

He has two nominations; one for a song he did last year called Bassline (The Remix) with Leano M featuring Bobby Majest. The other nomination is for the Best Dj category. To vote for him, one just sends the codes BC02 and BDJ05 to 16106.

One of his music productions – DJ Kenn-Going Up featuring BanT, Melo, and Surry Sosa is available on all digital platforms. He has three singles out so far – DJ Kenn X Leano M-Bassline (Remix) ft bobby Majest; Dj Kenn- No Chance ft Kali Mija.

DJ Kenn is also a businessman who runs two companies. One is for sound and the other for government tendering purposes. His relaxation time includes watching movies spending time with family and friends as well as adventure camping and quad bikes.

If you feel like booking a DJ, don’t hesitate to contact;

7533 1660
P O Box 10096, Gaborone,Village Post
Email; djkennbookings@gmail.com

He is also available on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook as djkennbw