On the occasion of Kenya’s 60th Jamhuri Day celebration at Uhuru Park this Tuesday, spectators had the privilege of witnessing DJ Afro in live action. Offering insights into the evolution of Kenyan entertainment, DJ Afro reflected on the golden era of iconic shows like Tausi, Vitimbi, and Vioja Mahakamani, while also acknowledging the advancements made by digital content creators.
His captivating commentary provided a glimpse into the extensive history and advancements of Kenyan entertainment throughout the years.
DJ Afro’s influence in Kenya’s entertainment landscape is undeniable, with many having experienced the joy of his movie commentaries at some point. As the most celebrated movie commentator in the country, he has amassed a tremendous following. In certain locales, enthusiasts convene, paying a modest fee to collectively enjoy a DJ Afro movie renowned for its engaging and humorous commentary. This distinctive approach has enabled individuals in Kenya and even Tanzania to appreciate the storyline of a movie, even if it’s in a language foreign to them.
Hailing from the small village of Ndundori in Nyandarua, James Muigai adopted DJ Afro as his stage name, which soon became a public persona. As his fame grew, imitators emerged, creating Facebook pages under variations of his name. To distinguish himself, DJ Afro appended additional words to his name, becoming DJ Afro Amigos, also known as Kimoda.
Maintaining a highly private life, DJ Afro has never disclosed details about his family or his educational background in any interviews.
A trailblazer in the field, DJ Afro pioneered the concept of translating movies for a living—a groundbreaking idea at the time. He has dedicated over 14 years to this profession, reaching a milestone in 2016 with a decade of experience. The journey to success was not without its challenges, and DJ Afro fondly recalls the early days when a lack of equipment necessitated live commentary during video shows in Kiserian and Rongai on the outskirts of Nairobi.
Reflecting on those times, he mentioned, “Years back, we could not record a voiceover due to a lack of equipment. I had to provide live commentary during video shows in Kiserian and Rongai on the outskirts of Nairobi. Those shows were highly popular back then.”
Commentating on movies is no simple feat for DJ Afro. “I usually wake up very early in the morning to watch movies. I can watch up to ten movies before deciding which one to work on, based on my intended audience,” he shared.
The witty commentator attributes his success to divine intervention. His distinctive approach to movie commentary has not only entertained but also paved the way for various MC gigs in both Kenya and Tanzania.
