There is a quiet but persistent narrative within Kenya’s entertainment industry that foreign DJs and other showbiz personalities enjoy preferential treatment over their Kenyan counterparts.
From whispers about industry gatekeepers to allegations of preferential bookings and easier access to influential players, some local entertainers believe that being foreign comes with an added advantage in a market that is fiercely competitive.
However, Okedairo J Mayowa, popularly known in entertainment circles as Sleek Dj MayZ, has a different perspective. The Nigerian-born DJ, who relocated to Nairobi after years of honing his craft in Nigeria and traversing different African countries, believes that while Kenya is undoubtedly welcoming to foreigners, hospitality alone does not guarantee success.
MayZ’ journey into Kenyan showbiz has been one of hard work, adaptation and an unwavering determination to establish a brand in an unfamiliar market.
“I owe my talent to the life and entertainment that I experienced while I was in Nigeria. I grew up in an era when some of the upcoming artistes who are now established included Asake in Lagos Island,” he says, reflecting on the environment that shaped his musical journey.
Upon arriving in Nairobi, he landed an opportunity at the high-end Kiza Lounge as a holding DJ. He occupied that position for two years before eventually earning a promotion to resident DJ. It was an opportunity that came with its own demands.
Kiza's owner, Ali Oumarou, was particularly uncompromising when it came to performance and professionalism.
“Kiza's owner was a no-nonsense boss. He required one to go hard on the decks when it was time for your set or go home,” Mayowa recalls.
That experience would eventually shape his work ethic and understanding of the Kenyan entertainment business. As a newcomer, he quickly realised that talent alone was insufficient. He needed to understand the audience, appreciate local music trends and familiarise himself with Nairobi's nightlife culture.
“I had to study the crowd, the trends and adapt to the nightlife culture,” he explains.
That investment in understanding his market gradually gave birth to his identity as the 'Your Lagos Feeling DJ', a brand that has helped him carve out a niche and become a familiar name in Nairobi's entertainment circles.
But does being a foreigner really make it easier to succeed in Kenya?
MayZ vehemently disagrees with the suggestion that his nationality has been the secret ingredient behind his growing profile.
“I know many industry players attribute the building of a strong brand to me being a foreigner, which apparently gives me an upper hand over local DJs,” he says. “Generally, Kenya is a very friendly country and its citizens are extremely welcoming.”
Indeed, Kenyans have historically been known for their hospitality, friendliness and willingness to accommodate people from different backgrounds. Nairobi, in particular, has grown into a cosmopolitan entertainment hub where different cultures, sounds and creative influences converge. However, being welcomed through the door is one thing; staying relevant and commanding the room is an entirely different proposition.
Not every foreign entertainer who relocates to Kenya makes it. Equally, not every Kenyan entertainer who ventures into another country manages to establish a successful career. A handful of foreign DJs have managed to build impressive brands abroad, but their success should not be mistaken for an easy ride. The entertainment business is unforgiving, regardless of one's passport.
MayZ admits that even his journey has not been without disappointment.
“I have spent nights in clubs and ended up not getting paid. Nothing comes easy,” he says.
His message to Kenyan DJs is therefore simple: stop judging opportunities through the lens of nationality and start competing through professionalism, consistency and ambition.
He challenges local DJs to imagine what it would take to establish themselves in foreign markets such as Nigeria, Egypt or neighbouring Tanzania. They would have to work harder, invest more time, understand different audiences and prove their worth before commanding the same recognition enjoyed by established local entertainers.
Rather than constantly complaining about perceived gatekeepers, MayZ believes upcoming DJs should develop strategies to navigate the industry and turn obstacles into opportunities. Currently, MayZ has collaborated with other DJ's to host a cosmopolitan night known as 'Lagos vibes' at an uptown spot called Bla Bla. 'We have come together with both local entertainers and those playing catchy African vibes. It's a mixture of Local and East African music, Afrobeat, Amapiano and all music across Africa,' he says.
The reality is that Kenyan showbiz has become a high-stakes playing field. DJs must go the extra mile, sharpen their craft, build meaningful industry relationships, embrace professionalism, become more aggressive in pursuing opportunities and target bigger platforms.
They must also stop being judgemental about those who appear to be making progress and instead study what works, improve their offerings and position themselves for bigger opportunities.
Kenya is not necessarily an easy market simply because it is friendly. Its audiences are discerning, its nightlife is competitive and its entertainment players must constantly reinvent themselves to remain relevant.
In many ways, Nairobi is Africa's New York. It attracts talent from across the continent, offers exposure to diverse audiences and presents opportunities for those willing to put in the work. But just like New York, it does not hand success to anyone on a silver platter.
MayZ' story offers an important lesson; foreignness may open conversations, but talent, discipline, adaptability and consistency sustain careers.
And perhaps that is the biggest reality Kenyan DJs must embrace. If you can build a formidable entertainment brand in Kenya, survive its competition, win over its demanding audiences and remain relevant in its ever-changing nightlife scene, you can probably make it anywhere.
