My first time: Kenyan celebrities tell it all

 Kenyan celebs Kush Tracy, Gin Ideal, Crème de la Crème and Shaq the yungin.

Deejay Nyc - Radio personality and deejay

First time you got a gig...

It was a holiday and a promoter who had seen my photos on social media offered me a show.  On getting to the venue I was informed that it was a reggae show. I panicked because I only had two reggae songs and I did not know any other reggae song. That was the longest night ever.

First time your parents or friend’s heard your voice on radio...

My parents did not like the idea of me being a DJ, they wanted me to go back to school and get a Masters Degree in Public Health but the day they heard my voice on radio, they called and said that they would support me if deejaying was what I wanted to do.

First time you got a big fat cheque...

I was over the moon, I went for a week’s vacation in Mombasa. The rest is legendary as I came back to Nairobi broke.

First time you kissed...

The first time I kissed a boy I was so paranoid, thought I would get pregnant from the kiss. You know how girls were warned to stay away from boys.

First time you had sex...

It was horrible, pathetic and embarrassing. We both had zero experience. 

First time you abused a substance...

The first time I took a weed cookie I thought I was dying. My heart rate was high, I was sweating and I could feel the world spinning. I called my mum and confessed the sins I had committed. That was the first and last time.

First time you realised you will be a celebrated DJ?

It wasn’t until my first international gig; I was so happy and proud of myself as I boarded that plane.

Shaq the yungin - Media personality and self-proclaimed Nairobi’s youngest sponsor

First time you got trending...

The first time I got trending was after I opened up my YouTube channel. Since I was very close with Huddah Munroe, she would occasionally jump in. One day while we were chilling by the pool recording, she kissed me on the cheek and voila! The video was trending, sparking rumours that Shaq and Huddah are dating...

First time you ever got into a studio...

In 2012 when I was only 16 years old. I was a diehard fan of the Straight Up show on KTN and I would write in and comment daily. One day the hosts invited me as a celebrity guest in the audience. The show was so dope that it earned me an internship instantly. That is when I decided I would stick in showbiz.

First time you got a fat cheque...

There was a major corporate gig targeting the youth. All I can say is it was a six figure and I became a millionaire instantly while still a teenager, at only 19. That will always be a year to remember.

The first time you kissed a girl...

(Laughs) You are talking to a BAD BOY!

First time you had sex...

(Sarcastic laughter) I am keeping my virginity. I urge everyone to stand firm with me till marriage.

First time you smoked weed...

Quotes Simple Boy’s jingle - "youth stay away from drugs". I am a rastaman and advocate for legalisation and decriminalisation of the herb. I smoked my first joint as a teenager. That is a story for another day.

First time you splashed the most money

That was after my first big cheque. I bought myself a car, I paid a couple of my homies debts, invested some of that money too and it started giving back. I was only 19 but it does not matter because I am still stackin’ loot if you know what I mean!

DJ Crème de la Crème - Superstar deejay/astute entrepreneur/music producer

First time you got a deejaying gig...

Wow. Two emotions. I was very excited that my dream was awakening and confused because I had no idea how I was going to handle a party or what music I would play. It is the worst place a deejay can find themselves stuck in.

First time you got to hear a song you had produced play on radio... 

To be honest, that was one of the best moments in my life. I felt like time had stopped and I was the only thing that mattered... that kind of feeling. The song. Living it up my brand tag Creme de la Creme homie at the beginning and when the people around me heard that, we burst into celebration. That is unforgettable.

First time you got a fat cheque...

That was orgasmic. It was fulfilling. I looked at that big cheque and I saw all the troubles on the way cleared. It gives you that feeling of worthiness. 

First time you kissed a girl...

Damn! I think I wet my pants (bursts into laughter). It was just both exciting and life changing, I cannot even describe that emotion. 

First time you had sex...

How do I even start describing that emotion. Words cannot define it, but I was too excited and ended up living the dreaded one minute man reality. It is what it is. Look at me now with my big family.

The first time you smoked weed...

I was a teenager in high school and someone lured me to it. I became too paranoid with images of the school captain and principal handing us over to the police for a crime. However, I advocate for it’s decriminalisation. It is a good thing when handled correctly and at manageable levels.

First time you went viral

After a sex video leaked and went viral. Sadly for me, it was for the wrong reason and it spread like wildfire. That was the saddest day of my life. However, my mantra in life is we fall down, but he who has the courage to rise up, shake off the dirt and move on to greater things in life, carries the day. Look at me now.

Gin Ideal - Artiste and fashion icon

First time you got in a studio...

The first studio I ever entered was Naiboi’s (pacho records). I used to be so shy that while recording, I never wanted any company. I learnt a lot and as my skills grew, so did the confidence. Needless to say, it is orgasmic especially when you feel like you are reaching more than your goals.

First time you ever heard your song play on radio...

I was in a cab enroute to a recording session and I remember quietly saying to myself, "It is finally working.” I did not even tell the cab guy my song was playing on his stereo or tweet about it. I got numb for a couple of minutes and could not feel my body or limbs. I got to my destination and strolled off quietly - such an unexplainable feeling.

First time you got a big fat cheque...

Oh what a night. It was from a gig in Nakuru where I performed only one song for four minutes. I was paid 40,000 which means I earned 10,000 shillings per minute. I was so proud of myself as a girl who had just kicked off in the entertainment business. That was very motivating.

First time you kissed a girl/boy...

I first kissed a boy when I was in Class Eight. We actually thought it was a kiss but when I think about it now, that inexperienced boy quickly licked my tightly closed lips and my eyes were shut. Such disgust. LOL. 

First time you had sex...

It was a traumatising experience. I had just turned 19 and due to lack of knowledge, I thought I had gotten pregnant despite the fact that the boy had wrapped it up. The following two months were hell on earth. I was so paranoid and would wake up staring at my flat belly. I swore to myself that I would never repeat the act, but here we are now (ha ha!).

First time you abused a substance...

We had gone for a get away with some friends and due to peer pressure, they would pufff and pass this stuff over. I was curious and got tempted to try, little did I know I was supposed to take it easy as a beginner. Long story short when it was time to eat, I got serious munchies and the meat that everyone complained of its toughness was a soft delicacy for me. I actually thought we had ordered for the sweet soft parts of the goat, only to realise that the whole squad was staring in disbelief as I chewed away gluttonously. 

First time your song went viral...

I teared up, I could not hold back my tears. After all the hard work I put in, suddenly I was the new artist to look out for. My tears were because I knew it had been a tough journey to get there... Nothing is more rewarding.

Kush Tracey - Artiste and TV personality

First time you got in a studio...

I was only 18, and I had no idea how things work in the studio. I had never sang in front of people who were literally staring at me, which gave me butterflies. It took a while before I could get it right and be on the beat.

First time you heard your song on the radio...

I screamed in astonishment and was so excited. I had longed for this for so long and I told myself "yaas sasa shows zitajipa" (I will get a lot of gigs). It is not a guarantee to be known just because your song is on radio but I was humbled that a whole station could actually play my song.

First time you got a big cheque...

That was after writing a song for this political party. That was my first biggest and fattest cheque and trust me, I spoiled myself like a barbie.

First kiss...

Yuck! I was naive and it was all from peer pressure and the hype in joining the showbiz industry. I needed to fit in with a section of peers who I surrounded myself with. I thought it was cool because of what the people around me perceived it to be but looking back it should never have happened. It was wrong in all ways. But we all have done things we are not proud of.

First time you had sex...

If I knew what I know today, I would have stuck to staying pure and celibate to this date. But we all learn from past experiences. I do not want those memories.

First time you abused a substance...

Another classic case of giving in to peer pressure. In all honesty, I have never viewed substance abuse as cool. I envied sober people as I had gotten into it while experimenting with my circle.  I should have known better. Anyhows, we live to do better and I treat my past as a lesson. I only hope my story will help someone out there.

First time your song went viral...

Saying I was too excited is an understatement - I felt on top of the world. But who knew that every single thing happens for a reason and has a repercussion?