Another level of entertainment

DNG, aka Davidson Ngibuini, is determined to set new standards in Kenya’s entertainment industry. He spoke to SHIRLEY GENGA about his achievements

Why did you leave radio?

I left to focus on my art — emceeing and music — and my business, 254 Entertainment.

?What have you been up to since leaving radio?

So much. I have dropped a new jam called Roho Chuma with my crew La Familia. We recently launched Airtel’s Mi Ni 254 Tariff and did many activations and launches. We are currently doing the countrywide campus activations. We have also just completed the BTL (Below the line marketing) Flash mob Campaign for Kenya Dairy Processors Association (KDPA).

?Tell us more about your company…??

254 Entertainment was established in January 2008. We are a one-stop entertainment company/agency. We do event management, experiential marketing, audio-visual production, creative, digital public relations and advertising as well as talent management. Our vision is to be the leading entertainment company in Kenya. We are out to change the way events, marketing and production is done. I want to be remembered as having set new standards in the industry. ?

?Who are some of your clients and what projects have you done so far?

We have direct and agency clients. Direct clients involve the corporate company dealing directly with us. Agency is where a company sub-contracts us on behalf of their corporate client. Some of the clients include Coca-Cola, Peacenet, Oxfam & DFID-Direct, Celtel/Zain,?Groove Party,?Safaricom, Pampers Westgate Mall Launch,?YIKE Business Challenge Gala Nite,?Miss Koch Dinner 2011, European Union Conference, Samsung, LG, KenGen, CCTV, Tusker Harambee Stars, Blackberry/Nordic Vodka All Black Everything Party, Earth Hour 2012 and Airtel (Manchester United EPL Trophy Tour-Direct).

Your company was involved in the Quinton and Andy Cole meet and greet tour. How did that go down?

This was one of the biggest events 254 Entertainment has ever handled. We were invited to pitch against leading event companies in Kenya and won the deal. It was a humbling experience to be in that project and we learnt a lot. I am grateful we got the opportunity to manage the Manchester United EPL Tour Meet & Greet Event.

?Has it been hard to break into the Kenyan entertainment industry?

We are the underdogs and thus breaking through is a challenge. One has to work hard, stay focused, disciplined, determined and be patient. We have learnt a lot in the last five years and God has been faithful and gracious to us. We know it is just a matter of time before we get to the top. In this industry, one’s work sells itself and that is how you get referrals. My network is growing.

Tell us about your rap group La Familia?

It is a brand under the 254 Entertainment Talent Management Department. La Familia was formed last year and comprises MC Samora, 6 Foot and myself. We are a rap trio out to show that people can make it if they believe in themselves. We are tired of seeing young people wasting their lives and opportunities as they wallow in drugs, liquor and other social vices. We are out to inspire youth development and growth in Kenya. ?

Where did you guys meet?

We all live in the same hood — The Durty Durty also known as Ngummo/Kenyatta. We have known each other for a while and each of us was pursuing our solo careers. We used to talk about doing a song together and one day we psyched up each other and did it. The rest is history.

How would you describe your sound?

It is raw, street, real, Kenyan, fresh and swagged out!?

Your latest single, Roho Chuma, is doing well. Tell us about it…

It is a song that exhorts Kenyans to believe in themselves and hold on to their dreams no matter what challenges they face. Watu watie bidii  (people should work hard), hence our chorus Roho chuma, hakuna kurudi nyuma.

Which producers are you working with and are there any collabos?

So far we have worked with V6, formerly of Jomino Entertainment, Ulopa Ngoma and Big Soul of Samawati Studios. As for collabos, we have done a new track with an upcoming group called L M K. The song is called African King and we are planning to shoot the video soon.

?When can we expect an album?

It’s hard to say, especially in this industry where fans do not buy albums. Nevertheless, we will continue dropping songs and videos.

How have you remained relevant in the entertainment industry for close to ten years?

It will be ten years in December. I started music at 16 and since then, I have grown and matured in the glare of the cameras and the public. I have made mistakes, but learnt from them. I am more focused now and I know what I want. Even as I continue to discover myself and grow, I am happy for the progress.

In terms of relevance, it is purely God’s favour. Apart from that, I try to be a game-changer. I am a jack-of-all-trades and a master of them all. I work hard and when I see opportunity, I take it. I am not afraid to try. I am one daring individual.

Are you dating?

Not yet, but I am ready to.

What qualities would attractive you in a woman?

If you asked me this question a few years ago, I would have given you a very different answer. Right now, I am looking for someone attractive, sexy, clean, open, real, understanding, supportive, intelligent, hardworking and God-fearing. I want someone who will not give me a hard time because the game is hard enough. I want a wife, someone who can fit within my walls and I can build my life with.

?A man of many accomplishments like you is sure to get attention from women. Have you had any stalkers?

I have had several. I reported some to the police.

?How do you deal with over-enthusiastic female fans?

I am always on my guard. I am private and I’ve learnt not to trust just anybody. I try to keep a low profile. In events, it sometimes gets crazy even with male fans,?especially when they get drunk?and thus, security detail is compulsory. Even with that, I am always happy to mingle with my fans and interact with them.

How do you keep yourself grounded with all the negative influence in the industry?

I almost lost myself in this game. Thankfully, my support system was firm. As for staying focused, God is the answer. Therefore, even when I do the wrong thing, my conscience will always nudge me. I am glad I still have a personal relationship with God. This will never change. Apart from God, I have my mother who prays for me daily, family and friends who care and a mentor I can call upon anytime for advise.

What do you do for fun when you are not working?

Music is my life, so that is always around me. I read magazines and inspirational content, watch movies, eat out, chill with my friends and travel.

Can we expect you to return to radio any time soon or are you done with it??

I cannot confirm for now...

Any parting short?

Haters are people whose intense love for you is misguided and misdirected.