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Say Daniel Lanco Musemi and few are likely to know who you're talking about - even if you were to add that he's Kenya's longest serving Gospel radio DJ. But mention DJ Sparrxx and many faces are bound to light up in recognition of this Family FM spin master. The witty and passionate DJ is most definitely among the few who have made a tangible difference in the Gospel entertainment scene in Kenya.
 This is not surprising, considering that way back in high school, DJ Sparrxx was already charging his schoolmates for roughly made demo-tapes and was also the chief source of musical news – never mind that access to the internet was a ‘once in a blue moon’ event! But the man whose skills we now know and appreciate so well has had a turbulent journey getting here.
The last born in a family of four, Sparrxx has seen more than his share of troubles – rebellious in his youth, things came to a head when he was expelled from the first high school he went to after just one year. He was later transferred to Nairobi School, where he finally finished his studies. Back home, things were not any easier. His parents’ separation threatened to tear apart their family, and major financial difficulties set in. Sparrxx concedes that it took God for him to keep his head up. He sadly recounts how difficult and challenging it was to grow up in such a turbulent environment. It was during this time that he turned his life to Christ.
The story behind this is as odd as most things that have happened in his life. He tells how one Friday evening, he did not have enough money to get to a rave. A pal of his (who was saved) suggested that they should go to a Christian ‘gig’ that was happening that night. He agreed, only to find out that the ‘gig’ was actually a kesha! Considering he hadn’t been to church in ages, it was quite a culture shock.That night at Nairobi Chapel five years ago changed his life. “I remember thinking, these guys are so happy…can’t compare it with what I’d see at raves. And I prayed and told God, I want what they have…”, he nostalgically recounts. Since then, it’s been a challenging walk of getting closer to God; and to his other passion – music!
While most of us have many difficult questions to ask in the moments following salvation, his was just whether there would be good Christian music to listen to. Luckily, his pal (later to be the much famed DJ Fresh) had quite a stock and introduced him to positive music that he admits has been a big influence in his life. It was also DJ Fresh who cultivated Sparrxx’ interest in mixing – they would listen to Kubamba (and DJ Kev) together and then attempt their own mixes. They got seriously into it when Fresh bought DJ-ing software, and it became a running competition between the two just to see who could do better mixes.
 However, lack of equipment quickly relegated DJ-ing to the back burner in his life. Any chances to perform at gigs were passed up because of this, and many were the times he had to stop and ask whether DJ-ing was really what he was meant to do. But in 2003, all that changed when he was called to Family FM and despite his lack of exposure, given a shot at being the station’s in-house DJ.
His stint at the TBN stable has brought with it its share of challenges and triumphs. Notably, Sparrxx was responsible for bringing the first wholly youth oriented Saturday night show to Family FM. He speaks fondly of Kuwa Tofauti and its more recent cousin, Living It Up, pointing out that finally, he’s on a platform where his mixes are really appreciated. For DJ Sparrxx, it has been a long learning experience being involved with a full blast youth show and managing to keep it real and on air. He believes that the show has forcefully and effectively provoked thought and discussion among youth, and that there’s yet more to be done.
He hopes that as time goes by, there will be more liberty to address even more non-traditional areas of Christian life on radio. It may be asking too much, but this passionate DJ is not shying away from adding more responsibilities to his plate – one that is already brimming, if his task list at Family FM is anything to go by.
Yet despite all this, DJ Sparrxx says that his DJ-ing journey is just beginning. He is in the process of shaping his vision in as far as this is concerned, and is among other things, considering a partnership for ministry with a local church. “This is not a career, it’s a ministry”, he says of his work. Moreover, he’s looking ahead to owning his own radio station some day!
We have no doubt that Sparrxx will yet have his way – for if there is one thing that is immediately noticeable about this official DJ for “Gas Station”, it’s his stubbornness. His willingness to stay committed to a cause until he has what he wants. His final word is from Exodus 15:2. “This scripture remind me everyday why I do what I do. Is everything I’m about bringing praise to Him?” he explains.
We had to ask one more question: why the name Sparrxx? “It takes only a spark to light a fire” he swiftly responds. He is most definitely sparking off fires from his turntable, and we can’t wait to see just how big it’s gonna be!
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