DJ Josh, real name Joshua Makale, is one of the biggest names that grace the local Gospel scene, and rightly so, as the man has many feathers donning his cap. He is not only an accomplished solo artist with an album and a mixtape to his credit, but he is also reputable Gospel DJ.

Black Fingers, the first ever Gospel mixtape by a Kenyan DJ was the initial landmark for DJ Josh. He was also the first Gospel DJ in the country to release an album, Yesu Kristo, that featured production from Mike Olome of Sakata Music, Robert “RKay” Kamanzi’s ShammahBoy Music as well as Tim “Ennovator” Rimbui. The confident and imposing DJ may answer to many names. However, it is the role he played as one the pioneer Gospel entertainers in Kenya, which makes his name more resounding in the hearts of Gospel music fans In Kenya.

Born and bred in Nairobi‘s Huruma Estate, DJ Josh’s spiritual path switched from his background Islamic faith to Christianity whilst studying at the NPC Academy. And even though this change appalled his Muslim parents, family and friends, nothing would have made the young and avid Josh to denounce his new found faith; not even constant visits by Sheiks to his home. His decision was something that everybody had to live with; Josh was a Christian for good.

DJ Josh’s passion for music blossomed when he was at Parkview High School. Nonetheless, it was after completion of his secondary education that he finally tried his hand at Gospel music. Teaming up with friedns, he formed the hardcore rap group called Cypher Taifa. His stint at the group did not last long as most of the group members, who included Mwafrika.com columnist John Kigada set out to pursue their studies and other interests.

Once Cypher Taifa ceased to exist, DJ Josh moved to End Zone Entertainment, ushering in a relationship with leading Gospel spin master DJ Kev. The two worked together at fine tuning Josh’s DJ-ing skills. End Zone Entertainment changed its name to Mo Sound Entertainment, an outfit credited with the concept of charging for Christian concerts. Their most memorable tasks were the Groove Awards and the famous JC's Groove, both now defunct.

DJ Josh formed his own outfit, the El Shaddai Movement, in 2003. The group organized various concerts across the country which incorporated leading Gospel artist and DJs. Dubbed the first ever live reggae concert, the Gospel Reggae Baptism Live held in April 2007, is amongst their more successful events.

And even though Josh is fairly well known within the industry, his path has not been without hurdles. It was his stint with DJ Kev that gave him hands on contact with DJ and sound gear, and this helped him develop his skills. Yet he had no equipment of his own, and making it extremely difficult for him to launch out on his own. It was equally frustrating when he started hosting gigs: Gospel fans, used to free concerts, were unwilling to start forking out for shows that cost money to organize.

Television dance Dance-O-Mania is one that this famed disc jockey would like to forget in a rush. His participation in this secular entertainment jig show drew a lot of bad-mouthing and negative publicity, even bringing his standing as a Gospel DJ into question. However, he says he has put this behind him:

We are humans who are prone to defects. But isn't Christianity all about sinners who are constantly being rejuvenated?, he says.

DJ Josh and the El Shaddai Movement are currently involved in organizing both Gospel and corporate gigs. They are already planning to venture into production for electronic media through their off shoot company, Trinity Entertainment. With a planned launch of the company and its website, things are looking rather rosy for the Movement. As successful entrepreneurs, they have managed to remain viable in an industry increasingly being flocked by numerous artists and DJs.

If he has his way, there's no doubt that DJ Josh will continue to hugely impact the Gospel scene in Kenya for many years to come, and only time will tell how high he can go!

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