James Muigai, known by his stage name DJ Afro, stands out as the most prominent movie commentator in Kenya. His film voice-overs have reached a vast audience in the country, with some enthusiasts even paying to experience the entertainment he brings through his narrations.
DJ Afro gained widespread recognition, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania, as a go-to source for understanding the flow of movies, even for those who may not comprehend the language. As his popularity soared, imitators emerged, prompting him to adopt the alias DJ Afro AKA Kimoda to distinguish himself from the copycats.
Renowned for his signature ad-libs such as ‘alrrriiiight,’ ‘asante sana,’ and ‘cheki maneno,’ DJ Afro has endeared himself to fans. His distinctive voice, pitch, and energetic narration style set him apart from his peers, solidifying his status as everyone’s favorite in a landscape where many aspire to emulate his success but fall short.
James Muigai commenced his journey in 2006, honing his craft through humorous commentary on videos. Performing at local theaters in Rongai and Kiserian initially, he faced challenges and criticism, leading to his relocation. Undeterred, he moved to Nakuru with nothing but his talent and aspirations. Fortunately, he found support in Nakuru, securing commentating and recording equipment from a newfound friend.
Attributing his success to divine favor, DJ Afro emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God in his endeavors. Reflecting on his early struggles, he recalls the limitations of recording voice-overs a decade ago due to a lack of equipment, necessitating live commentary at popular video shows in Kiserian and Rongai.
Despite initial setbacks and criticism, DJ Afro’s resilience paid off. He now owns a movie shop in Nakuru, where he sells movies, dismissing copyright concerns by asserting that actors and producers should acknowledge him for boosting their fame.
In 2018, DJ Afro faced controversy when the Kenya Films Classification Board (KFCB) suspended his films due to objectionable language. After admitting to his errors and clarifying that some replicated works were falsely attributed to him, discussions with KFCB led to the ban being lifted, allowing his films to be aired on TV once again.
In 2021, the online community, then known as Kenyans on Twitter (KOX), rallied behind DJ Afro, urging Netflix to feature him in movie voiceovers for the Kenyan market. This call came after Netflix inadvertently hired an impersonator. Responding to public demand, Netflix contracted DJ Afro to voice the trailer for the movie “Thunder Force” in Kenya, marking a triumphant moment in his career.
