DJ Afro shares his secret to succeeding in entertaining Kenyans for years
Kenya’s entertainment industry has generated a variety of talents throughout the years, spanning many different fields. Over time, the bulk of these individuals have won the hearts of their followers by excelling in their respective fields.
James Mungai, well known as DJ Afro Amigos or Kimoda to his followers both domestically and abroad, is one of the most well-known and influential figures in the nation’s entertainment sector.
Most Kenyans in all regions of the country have either heard of or seen movies with commentary from the talented performer.
His singular gift has allowed him to captivate a sizable audience from all over the world, including Tanzania.
Since starting his career in 2006, DJ Afro has been giving witty and high-caliber commentary to movies to amuse Kenyans.
The performer began his career by providing movie commentary in Rongai and Kiserian neighborhood theaters.
Unfortunately, his voyage was first hampered by numerous difficulties, and he ultimately had to move when some people criticized his efforts.
“Ten years ago, we could not record a voice-over due to a lack of equipment. I had to commentate live in a video show in Kiserian and Rongai on the outskirts of Nairobi. These shows were very popular then,” he said in a past interview.
The only thing DJ Afro brought to Nakuru was his ability and drive. He was fortunate to meet a friend who provided him with the tools he needed to begin reviewing and recording movies.
After saving for a year, he was able to purchase his own equipment.
In a 2016 interview with Citizen TV, DJ Afro attributed his success to God, saying that he always puts God first before starting his journey and continuing to make a career from it.
“If you want to succeed as an artist, put God first. It’s not that I’m very hardworking, but it is because of God’s favour that I am succeeding.
“Secondly, you have to very creative. You have to be more creative with each day. So you have to study the movie, and find a way to make it interesting,” DJ Afro stated.
He further revealed that he owns a shop in Nakuru Town from where he sells his movies.
When questioned about the issue of copyrights, the witty entertainer stated that he is not worried about it, arguing that instead, the actors and producers of the movies should reward him for making them famous.
He reiterated that some actors in foreign films have become popular among Kenyans due to his commentary on movies.
“If you look at some of these movies, they are done in foreign languages and in most times, people don’t even understand what is going on. This is where I come in, and make the movie interesting for everyone,” he said.
In 2018, he caught the attention of the Kenya Films and Classification Board (KFCB). Then CEO, Ezekiel Mutua raised concerns with the explicit language used in some of his movies.
While the matter was being looked into, his movies were suspended with Gikuyu TV being ordered not to air them.
DJ Afro conceded to the mistake and noted that some of the movies being circulated at the time were some of his past works that have been reproduced by others. The ban was lifted after discussions with the board and his movies still air on Gikuyu TV.
In October 2021, Kenyans took to social media to call out global streaming network Netflix after the company featured a commentary in one of their promos.
Netflix launched Netflix Kenya mid this year in a bid to grow its base in the country.
Reacting to the promo, netizens ridiculed the company for hiring a wannabe DJ Afro instead of contracting DJ Afro himself.
Following the outcry, Netflix sought out the celebrated movie entertainer and has since commentated on the official trailer of the movie, Thunder Force.
