Party isn’t a party without DJ Afshon

If you listen to Radio 10, then you must know him. DJ Afshon (real names Wallace Ngige) a 24 year old disc jockey from Kenya for the last one year has managed to establish himself on the Kigali entertainment scene. The New Times’ Bryan Kimenyi caught up with him and had a little chat about his work and life.TNT: So how did your career begin? DJ Afshon: From my earlier days, I’ve always had an ear for music. Together with a friend of mine who is also a well known DJ in Nairobi, we started a DJ academy and that was when my passion for it was cemented. TNT: What does the name Afshon mean?DJ Afshon: (he laughs) It simply means “African Swag”TNT: What do you think about the Rwandan party scene?DJ Afshon: Currently it’s just okay though it has a lot of potential for growth; I have come to realise that people here party in groups. Organisers should host events that accommodate everybody.TNT: What do you think about the music industry in Rwanda?DJ Afshon: Though I’ve been told it has improved, it still has a long way to go especially because of the language barrier but we are slowly getting there. I would advice artists to try incorporating other regionally known languages or doing collaborations with other artists to enable them to move to the next level.TNT: Why did you decide to live in Rwanda?DJ Afshon: Rwanda is a very beautiful country that has many opportunities especially in the field of entertainment. I want to be a part of it.TNT: What’s your opinion about local deejays and what advice would you give them?DJ Afshon: Being a disc jokey is a skill that will always be improved so stop being comfortable and think outside the box - be open minded and creative. Always be willing to learn more and brand yourself an international deejay. TNT: What is the best thing about being a DJ?DJ Afshon: I like to practice mixing and when I play at gigs, I get to know a lot of people which is fun. Also, our job some times requires us to travel and in most cases, we get to learn many things from different places and people. And the pay is not that bad. TNT: Do you play local music?DJ Afshon: A lot of it. I like melodies though I keep it East African to strike a balance. TNT: What are your current bookings?DJ Afshon: I have 3 radio shows on radio10, Afshon at 3 which airs every day at 3pm, I have a gig at Club 10 every Friday from 9pm till late and also the Top 10 International Countdown every Saturday from 2pm to 3pm. However I also do other private events and parties. TNT: Any thing else you’re doing? DJ Afshon: Yeah, I have a new website, www.kigaliparties.com for the Rwandan people where they can interact and hire me where needed, download all my mixes and get to know which parties are happening where and when.TNT: What do you do when you are not working?DJ Afshon: I am a very reserved person so I’m usually watching movies or chilling with friends. I am also the production manager for radio10 and TV10 so that is where you’ll most probably find me during the day.TNT: What advice would you give to the upcoming deejays?DJ Afshon: Don’t think local, always be professional and open minded to avoid limiting your skill.

Leisure

Party isn’t a party without DJ Afshon