SNAPPY 7 – DJ Rickie Mfalme: Bring back the old deejaying competition
By HILARY KIMUYUErick Maina, better known as DJ Rickie, was the last winner of the biggest deejaying competition in Kenya before the East African Breweries Limited-sponsored event was discontinued. He spoke to Nairobi News about what he has been up to since then.
1. Growing up – I was born in Nakuru but we moved a lot because my father was a policeman. So I’ve lived in several towns in Kenya. I studied at Chania High School before joining Nairobi Institute of Business Studies where I studied Mass Communication.
2. Why Deejaying – I always wanted to entertain people but I never had the talent to sing. While in high school, I used to admire the DJs who played in jam sessions. I once attended a concert where DJ John of Homeboyz was playing and seeing how he thrilled the crowd was what encouraged me to pursue a career as a DJ. My mum wasn’t so happy when I told her I wanted to be a DJ. She told me to finish school first, but she has been supportive of my career choice so far.
3. What has changed since you won Pilsner Mfalme – I actually participated in the first edition of Pilsner Mfalme but lost in the final which was won by DJ Krowbar. After that I was hesitant to enter the following year but my friends persuaded me to participate so I decided to give it a shot again in 2011. Winning the competition opened doors for me because now I have gigs all over town and I also work for a radio station as the music director.
4. Are you married – Not yet but I have a three year old son called Arrick.
5. Style – I love to wear shirts but I’m not a big fun of t-shirts. I also love African wear especially those with prints on them. I can wear anything that looks good.
6. What’s your genre and your take on Kenyan music – I love African music. I can play anything but there is something about the African beats that just keeps you moving. I believe we can still do better but it needs more creativity. Sauti Sol is pushing the envelope and I believe other musicians can emulate them.
7. Advice to upcoming DJs – You need to know who your target is because you cannot play everything. Skills, attitude and how you package yourself are also important. A good DJ must be able to read the crowd and keep them happy.