If ever there was a group that typified overcoming great odds to establish themselves, it must be Badilika DJs. Started off in 2001 by a couple of young men intent on breaking into the Christian DJ-ing scene, founders DJ Jey and DJ Nevs got going armed only with fierce determination and great passion.
 When they set-up Badilika DJs, not only did they have no equipment and no music, neither one of them had ever DJ-ed before and had none of the required skills. Yet today they have had occasion to ply their trade not only at some of Nairobi's premier gigs, they've also spun at events around the country.
It all started one evening after DJ Jey, real name David Mbiro, was leaving an overnight event at the Nairobi Baptist Church organized by DJ Moz and the DJ Kev. His interest in DJ-ing had by this point reached a pinnacle, and upon going home that evening with good friend Neville Oliech (DJ Nevs), Jey enthusiastically shared his passion for starting out.
Even though DJ Nevs didn't say too much that evening, Jey was pleasantly surprised when his friend called him up. Unbeknown to him, Nevs had the very same desires burning in him, and with no skill and no equipment, the faith venture of Badilika DJs begun.
Early in 2001, they acquired a disc man and a stack of CDs, and got started. Soon afterwards they were part of an annual event called The Ghetto Raisers – an initiative in Mathare Valley that encouraged local talent. First time around DJ Moz participated, though he was unavailable for the next one. To lend credibility to their cause, Badilika were forced to borrow some equipment. As is the experience with many in ministry, the equipment failed them, leaving them with only a disc man and a creative MC to keep them going. Thankfully, those days are now behind them as they have now bought their own equipment.
It has been a long minute since then, and Badilika DJs has risen to become one of the most respected DJ outfits in the country. Now comprising of DJs Jey, Kim and (current Mr. World Kenya) Vic, the unit has been involved in various events, not to mention several album launches and concerts; they have collaborated with churches and ministries for different ministry endeavors; they have also had the opportunity to work with some of the country's top acts, including K-Krew and their stable of artists, even touring with them. In addition, they have hosted visiting groups from the UK, including DJ Fitz and Witness, with whom they were part of concerts at Nairobi Cinema and at the Coast.
In October 2006, the Badilika School of DJ-ing became the first Christian DJ-ing school, and with partnership from K-Krew, Samehewa DJs and others, held classes for over twenty eventual graduands. Although the school did not run any classes in 2007, the success of that initiative has Badilika itching for a long-term school, to be established sometime in 2008.
Graduates Of The Badilika School
And that is just one of the things Badilika will have its hands full with in 2008. The year started on a high after the outfit landed a contract with DSTV's One Gospel channel. Coming on as part of the popular On The Mic show, Badilika DJs, led by front-man Jey, will serve as on-air DJs, co-hosting the show with Kenyan presenter Naomi Theuri. Jey points out that their desire is to see the show grow, showcasing local talent - Nairobi in season 2, countrywide in season 3 and East Africa in season 4. (The show also airs on KBC, Sundays at 4.00pm.)
Apart from these, Badilika is also teaming up with International Christian Center (ICC) for a regular gig to start later in 2008. Based loosely on the now defunct Friday Night Live (also one of their intiatives, way back in 2006), the new show will probably target Sunday afternoons on a regular basis. Outreaches to various secondary schools, especially in the aftermath of post-election violence, is also in the pipeline for them.
In many ways, Badilika DJs continue to impact the Kenyan Gospel scene, and these activities are indications of a patient, hard-working lot getting its much deserved pay-off.
Look out for these DJs!
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» 3 Comments
1"contacts for badilika"
at Wednesday, 21 April 2010 13:05
yo wsup badilika iko na jina everywhere mostly in the gospel industry. but the one thing thats a prob is their contacts they are unreachable no one knows anyone we can contact if you there and you know halla at yo buoy
2Comment
at Saturday, 12 June 2010 07:01
man i love everything about badilika and i wanted to know how mmuch the fee is is coz i want to do dj-ying
3"MR"
at Friday, 25 June 2010 16:42
I really need your contacts guys. You real;ly do a great job. You can as well holla me on 0721234417
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