Stacey Wanjiru aka DJ Yung K only female deejay in last year’s Smirnoff Battle

Faith Kyoumukama How did you find your foot in the art of deejaying and what were your early passions and influences? I professionally started to deejay in 2017 at my aunt’s club, but I’ve always been on it ever since high school in 2014. My biggest influence was my love for music and I have always wanted to share good music and good vibes with people. So, I found deejaying was the best way I could do it since I couldn’t sing or rap. How was it being the only female deejay at the Battle of the Beats competition? It was interesting. I never expected to be the only female DJ in the competition, but I’m glad I got the opportunity to represent women in the industry. The Smirnoff Battle of the Beats Academy opened my eyes not just as a DJ, but also as a woman. It encouraged me to follow my dream of deejaying to the very end. Do you feel your time at the academy played a big role in your road to success? Many people would think so, but I personally believe otherwise. I trust that my skills and determination to succeed propelled me through the competition. But I am grateful to the academy because I learned a lot of things and the experiences were great. How has been the journey so far? In this industry, just like any other, respect and reputation are crucial to getting regular and consistent gigs. In the beginning, it was hard for me since I had none of these crucial traits. Then came the Battle of the Beats that gave me the necessary platform for people to listen to me. Then my skill does the rest. How is the progress almost a year after leaving the academy? It has been a rollercoaster ride and I have enjoyed every minute of it. At the academy, I learned from the best deejays in the country and that gave me the confidence to sharpen my skills and got me roaring to go ruffle the industry. Everyone has their individual way of doing things. How do you usually prepare for your sets? Deejaying is never just one thing. The mood and vibes around me will determine what I need to do. I just go with the flow and let things pan out. As a DJ, you have to understand the audience you are entertaining and know how to package the content. It is some of these aspects that make or break you. What do you consider the incisive moments in your artistic career? I must say getting to the Smirnoff Battle of the Beats Academy was a milestone moment for me. In a way, it was pretty much the beginning of everything. But I look forward to more fulfilling experiences. Where do you usually draw your inspiration? Life experiences. I value every single moment in life and that’s where I get my inspiration. I have learned to always remain positive because I believe there is satisfaction in positive energy. Who do you look up to in the music industry? No one really. I love and I am a big fan of a few people in the deejaying industry, but I can’t say I look up to anyone in particular. Maybe I am my own icon. What are your career goals and aspirations? My goal is to make my own music and spread love and peace through it. I also want to create something that will give hope to any young creative struggling to get off the ground and an opportunity to share with the world through art. I feel like we have lost purpose in the way we’ve been doing things; it’s become more about the money and so many artificial things that diminish why we live life and make art.

Stacey Wanjiru aka DJ Yung K only female deejay in last year’s Smirnoff Battle

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Stacey Wanjiru aka DJ Yung K only female deejay in last year’s Smirnoff Battle

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