James Muigai, widely known as DJ Afro, has etched his name as the foremost movie commentator in Kenya, captivating audiences with his unique style and humorous voice. His movies have become a cultural phenomenon, drawing crowds in various locations where enthusiasts gather to enjoy the cinematic experience enhanced by DJ Afro’s lively commentary.
The Man Behind the Mic
Realizing the impact of his stage name, DJ Afro decided to distinguish himself from imitators. His full moniker became DJ Afro Amigos AKA Kimoda. Born James Muigai, he has kept his personal life fiercely private, refraining from sharing details about his family or his educational background.
DJ Afro Career
DJ Afro’s journey to fame was not without hurdles. Over 14 years in the industry, he celebrated a decade in 2016. His initial foray into movie commentary involved live shows in Kiserian and Rongai, on the outskirts of Nairobi. Facing challenges, including accusations of dishonesty that led to a drying up of gigs, he eventually moved to Nakuru, armed only with talent and passion.
Also Read: Who Is Terence Creative? Career, Businesses, Wife, And More
“I had nothing apart from my talent and passion. This friend offered me a recording and a TV set at a small fee,” DJ Afro shared about his early days in Nakuru. After saving up for a year, he bought his equipment, a testament to his determination.
Commentating on movies is no small feat for DJ Afro. His day often starts early, watching numerous films before selecting one based on the intended audience. He revealed that he sometimes enters the studio at 6 in the morning, only leaving at midnight after completing a single movie.
Crediting his success to God, DJ Afro’s witty commentary has not only made him a household name but also secured him MC gigs in both Kenya and Tanzania. While most stations initially rejected his movie broadcasts, Gikuyu TV embraced his work, bringing his entertaining films to a broader audience.
In 2016, DJ Afro marked a decade as a movie commentator with a celebratory event at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, expressing gratitude for his journey’s success. The celebration featured various musicians from Kenya and Tanzania.
DJ Afro Controversies
Despite his accomplishments, DJ Afro faces challenges, particularly piracy. After investing time in creating a movie, he sells it at shs60 per recording, only for pirates to reproduce and sell it for shs5, significantly impacting his returns. However, he maintains a positive outlook, acknowledging that his work provides a livelihood for others.
In 2018, DJ Afro encountered scrutiny from the Kenya Films and Classification Board (KFCB) over the use of crude language in his movies. After a temporary suspension, discussions with the board led to the ban being lifted, allowing his movies to continue airing on Gikuyu TV.
