Oontz master Onedown stands out as a Kenyan producer and DJ, specializing in a fusion of deep and Afro House sounds. Leading the helm at Aduma, he recently ventured into the realm of music creation, crafting intricate mixes and collaborating with Anjunadeep in South Africa. His versatility knows no bounds; by day, he’s deeply entrenched in event promotion and label management, seamlessly transitioning to playing electrifying shows by night. Despite these remarkable achievements, he remains a rising star in Kenya’s electronic music scene, humbly assuring us that greater heights are yet to be scaled.

Mark your calendars for May 10th, as Onedown unveils his latest project on the esteemed Mozambique-based label, My Other Side of the Moon. This forthcoming release features the acclaimed Sofiya Nzau, renowned for her global hit “Mwaki.” With such collaborations and a relentless dedication to his craft, Onedown’s trajectory in the music industry promises nothing short of meteoric success.

Beginnings:

My upbringing was immersed in music, particularly gospel tunes that filled my environment. I had a penchant for drumming during those days and often found myself surrounded by people passionate about deejaying. It was an exciting time, especially with the surge of riddims that defined that era. While I initially tried to align with the prevailing musical trends, I inevitably found myself drawn towards house music

Drumming into Deejaying:

His path to the DJ booth began with drumming, an early love that intertwined with the allure of deejaying. “I used to drum back then,” he shared, “and hung around people deeply into deejaying. It was the coolest thing, especially during the era of riddims.” These rhythmic influences laid the groundwork for his deep dive into house music.

A Radio Revelation:

I used to sneak my old Palito radio into school and spend my free time listening to house music shows. I remember confidently telling the DJs that I could do what they were doing, and they challenged me to prove it. That experience became my informal apprenticeship. As I listened to more shows and got my first computer, I started hunting for every house song I could find, downloading them from platforms like Waptrick and building up my own collection

The Birth of a DJ:

My journey into DJing began when I fell in love with the music and wanted to share that passion with others. Back then, it felt like a niche interest because not many people were into house music. I had one friend who shared my enthusiasm, and together we delved into the world of beats and mixes. Interestingly, his father, who was a producer, became my mentor. He taught me the ropes, including how to navigate FL Studio. YouTube tutorials were also a big part of my learning process.

Online and On Air:

Being active on social media, I often came across Earthdances and felt a strong desire to be part of that scene. This passion led me to start creating mixes and sharing them on platforms like Mixcloud. Through this journey, I connected with fellow house music enthusiasts in Nairobi and discovered notable figures like DJ Protege, who had a show called Dance Republic on Capital FM.

One day, while I was at the deck technician’s place, I happened to meet DJ Protege and expressed my admiration for his work. I shared some of my mixes with him, which eventually led to an invitation to be a guest on his show. I owe a lot to him for kickstarting my journey, especially considering we didn’t have a prior connection.

My mixes started gaining attention, and I even secured a residency at an online radio station in the UK called African Move. However, managing the recording of these mixes alongside other commitments became overwhelming.

Unfortunately, Capital FM eventually discontinued their guest DJ program, bringing that chapter to a close.

Embracing the Live Beat:

In 2018, I took a leap and performed my first live set at Alchemist through the contact of a friend. Did it go well? Mostly, except for one person who criticized the music. Yes, we remember that criticism. Interestingly, the same music that person found boring got me a gig in South Africa just two weeks ago.

Around October, we launched Aduma out of the necessity for more house music spaces. Now it’s in its sixth year, hosting events twice a month in Westlands and Kiambu.

One of the challenges I faced with live performances was my proximity to Nairobi, as I owned a real estate firm near Amboseli at the time and had other work commitments. Plus, I’m naturally a bit shy, so standing in front of a crowd and being assertive with unfamiliar music didn’t appeal to me initially. However, I gained confidence after seeing the positive reception to my mixes and decided to take the plunge into live performances.

Live crowds can be tricky; you come prepared to showcase new songs, but sometimes the audience wants familiar tunes. DJs often dig deep to introduce lesser-known artists, but the crowd often prefers sing-along tracks. Finding the right balance between introducing new sounds and meeting the audience’s expectations is key, what you’re looking for for familiarity is a jukebox.

A Visionary Venture:

In 2020, the onset of COVID-19 became a pivotal point for me to fully immerse myself in music. As my real estate business faced challenges and eventually faltered, I made the decision to relocate to Nairobi to avoid quarantine restrictions in my previous location. This period coincided with the rise of amapiano, a genre that was gaining significant traction in the music industry. I also became involved with the SIX AM team during this time, adding another layer to my musical journey.

The birth of Aduma heralded a new era in Onedown’s journey. “Later around October is when we started Aduma,” he shared, detailing the genesis of a space dedicated to house music. This visionary endeavour, now in its sixth year, stands as a testament to his dedication to fostering the electronic music community.

Challenges in the Industry:

One of the challenges I’ve encountered is the fluctuating crowd sizes at events. While I’ve performed for crowds of up to 5000 people, the dynamic in Nairobi’s house music scene often results in multiple events being spread out, leading to smaller crowds at individual gatherings. This presents a unique challenge in creating an immersive experience for listeners.

Another hurdle lies in the production aspects of electronic music events. The technical expertise required for lighting and stage setup isn’t always fully realized, impacting the overall experience for the audience. It’s frustrating when DJs find themselves needing to direct the crew instead of focusing solely on their performance. I believe there’s a need for more comprehensive training within the companies supplying event equipment to ensure a seamless and engaging atmosphere.

In Kenya, the DJ profession faces undervaluation, with only a few managing to sustain themselves solely through their craft. This undervaluation is perpetuated by gatekeeping tendencies and a lack of unity within the industry. Collaborative efforts and a more supportive ecosystem could lead to greater success and recognition for all involved.

The Inspiration Within:

One of my biggest inspirations is Franky Wah, hailing from the UK. What captivates me about his work is his ability to seamlessly blend European and African sounds, creating a unique sound. He holds a residency in Ibiza and runs his own label, all of which inspired me.

In terms of business inspiration, I look up to Anjunadeep, the label that also took me to South Africa. Their meticulous attention to detail and their commitment to their distinct sound have allowed them to build a global brand solely on deep house music. Witnessing their efficiency and success has motivated me to venture into organizing my own events and establishing my record label. Their journey serves as a testament to the power of dedication and passion in the music industry.

Aspirations:

My current goal is to expand globally through extensive touring, which is why I’m dedicating a significant amount of time to producing music. Building a recognizable musical identity is crucial for any touring DJ, and I’m focused on creating hits that resonate with audiences worldwide. So far, I’ve had the opportunity to perform at festivals in South Africa and Uganda, and I’m determined to keep pushing forward.

One of my most memorable experiences was playing at Anjunadeep shows. The atmosphere and energy were electrifying, reminiscent of the excitement many of us have for events like Tomorrowland. Being part of such prestigious shows felt like a divine opportunity, as if everything aligned perfectly for me. In 2022, I had the privilege of performing in Uganda, an experience that stands out for me. The crowd’s energy was infectious, culminating in everyone forming a dance circle and dancing together — one of those unforgettable moments that remind me why I love what I do.

Parting Advice:

Based on my experience, here’s some advice I’d share:

Firstly, perfect your craft. Mastery comes from knowing every aspect of what you do, especially if your aim is to reach stardom. Stay in touch with the latest trends and techniques to keep evolving.

Secondly, focus on branding. Your sound should be distinct and recognizable, making it easy for people to identify your music anywhere. This branding is crucial for booking gigs, as it sets you apart and grows your fanbase.

Maintaining a strong work ethic and discipline is also key. The music industry can be intense, with temptations like alcohol and drugs. Stay focused on your work, as consistency and dedication are what propel you forward in this dynamic field.

Most of all, love what you do, if you don’t love it, it might not be for you.

Photos courtesy of OneDown’s team.