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Challenges faced by female DJs

News
 A collage of DJ Nyc, DJ Pierra and DJ Malaika.

They are seen as bold, tough and go-getters. The courageous enough females who take to the podium and entertain an expectant audience.

These are the ladies who dare to venture into a traditionally male-dominated entertainment scene, keeping revellers entertained with their mixes into the wee hours of the morning.

Yet when it comes to personal matters, most of them are misunderstood and judged harshly by society, their partners too, because of the odd hours they put in their work.

Years back, very few women dared tread that path, but with gender equality being reinforced in modern society, more youth are becoming liberal in making life decisions.

According to pundits, revellers are warming up to female DJs playing in entertainment spots, but their colleagues and would-be suitors look upon them as having ventured into a volatile path.

“As female DJs, we face more challenges in our career journey as opposed to our male counterparts, who are able to get away with a lot. Our relationships are challenged because the entertainment industry is feared to be toxic,” says DJ Malaika.

“We live in a society where if a female DJ shows up pregnant or is engaged to someone less popular, she risks losing numbers from her fanbase,” says event organiser Leakey Odera. “Besides, ladies in the club prefer the male DJ’s better.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dj Malaika (@djmalaika)

Showbiz guru Bevon Situma says that it is rare to spot a DJ power couple.

“The fact that they are in the same industry makes it hard. Both can see what happens in the industry. Few of those who start relationships keep it private,” he says. 

Mike Cerezo, a producer, says that in an industry where gigs are hard to come by, female entertainers who excel are looked down upon as sex objects. 

“They are constantly subjected to advances and face accusations of playing quid pro quo with their masters to secure gigs. Such allegations often take a toll on their personal life, affecting most of their relationships,” says Cerezo.

Matters of parenting, such as maternal leave also affect the calendars of most entertainers. A comeback is met with challenges, sometimes they find new business establishments have come up.

However, female entertainers will have none of this, insisting that they have come of age to stand up against anyone who comes in their way.

“DJ Pierra Makena is a great example. She branded herself as a fashionable mum and made a big come back after she gave birth. We are in a new era where the girl child can stand and speak for herself and do what she wants independently.

“Initially, ladies would be looked down upon as vulnerable, naive and inexperienced. This stereotyping in the showbiz industry must come to a stop,” says Wangui B Nga’ngá, aspiring Nairobi Woman Representative.

And we are starting to see more women DJs headline themed nights and performances.

“With the entrance of more female investors in the game, we will soon eradicate this attitude. Let it be known what a man can do, a woman can do better,” says events organiser Sherrie Waiyaki.

“We are no longer working on the short end. We are on a level playing field and it is time men understand deejaying is a career like any other, it puts food on the table.”

DJ Mayz from Kulture Lounge says female DJ’s need to speak out more on the challenges they face.

“The more they do that, the better professional platforms they create. Once professional, anyone will want to date them,” she says.

Today, top female DJs are winning over revellers with every spin they make. Among the most notable and appealing female DJs with a high gig count at top clubs and corporate gigs include DJ Pierra, DJ Redbone, DJ Malaika, DJ Lisney, DJ Mellow, DJ Nyce and DJ Dee.

They have all had to overcome career challenges to get the success they now enjoy. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dj Nyc Kenya (@djnyckenya)

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