A few days ago, a popular radio presenter ignited fresh debate within Kenya’s entertainment industry.
Speaking on Instagram, she did not mince her words, she said someone was “lying to the city aunties ati they can Dj???”
Her comments targeted the growing act of social media personalities calling themselves DJs, arguing that genuine DJing requires skill, timing and technical expertise, not just flashy videos or Instagram reels.
Debates about DJ skills, including the quality of mixes and live performances, have surfaced periodically among audiences time and again.
A majority of netizens note that the conversation surrounding female DJs in Kenya extends far beyond social media talks.
It begins long before the first track hits the turntable, encompassing image, branding and public perception alongside musical talent.
Their presence, style and online persona form part of the package. Promotional materials, Instagram stories and event flyers frequently emphasise visual appeal alongside technical skill, particularly for women in the industry.
“Image is part of entertainment and people sometimes focus on what they see before they experience the performance. But true impact comes from skill and musical understanding. My response to the stereotype is let’s finding the right balance, looking good should never outweigh or replace delivering quality. Audiences are becoming more aware of the skill behind deejaying so this stereotype won’t hold for long,” says DJ Redbone.
DJ Pikachu says, “I have felt judged on several accounts before playing my set. What makes me feel that way is how male DJs are treated once they set foot in a club, you can see it in how they are received by the club hosts and even served by the waitress. Sometimes the crowd comes with requests more than they would for a male DJ. It’s like they don’t trust you to do your job properly.”
A male DJ can perform in a T-shirt and sneakers, make a flawless mix, and be praised for his craft. A female DJ in identical attire may face comments about her outfit rather than her skill.
Female DJs often navigate higher expectations and harsher criticism. Pikachu adds, “ we need to show that it is more than just the makeup, the hair and the fancy clothes. Most people think female DJs get gigs because of their appearance, but we are equally talented. The looks are an extra addition.”
Yet, even as social media amplifies the scrutiny, it also provides a platform for female DJs to showcase their talent and reach wider audiences.
“Social media has really played a big role in marketing and making the female DJ industry recognised. YouTube mixes, Instagram posts, TikTok—they’ve done well for us. Though at times, we face challenges with promoters or club owners who think it’s easy to sexualise us, not knowing most of us have our principles and it’s strictly business,” says DJ Coco
The reality is that female DJs often find themselves balancing artistry with perception. DJ Veryl points out the pressure to conform to industry expectations.
“Many club promoters and managers look more into your appearance to attract clients. I have been told repeatedly to dress like a top female DJ to get booked more. Dressing that way often means exposing your body. No one cares about the mix, they look at your followers.”
She adds, “It’s not fair because not every female is comfortable selling sex, whether through songs or the way they dress. Appearance and colour of skin really stress the entertainment industry as a whole.”
Promoters face a difficult balancing act. Ticket sales and social media reach influence their choices, which can inadvertently reinforce stereotypes.
Event organiser Leakey Odera earlier explained, “We live in a society where if a female DJ shows up pregnant or is engaged to someone less popular, she risks losing numbers from her fanbase. Besides, ladies in the club prefer the male DJs better.”
Despite these challenges, audiences are slowly adjusting. Many club-goers appreciate female DJs for their talent and showmanship.
Even within the wider Kenyan DJ scene, there are industry-wide challenges. Fans frequently call out repetitive playlists and predictable sets that prioritise familiarity over creativity, issues not confined to gender. However, female DJs often feel the pressure more.
For those brave enough to enter the male-dominated nightlife scene, the rewards come with sacrifices. Long, late hours can strain personal relationships, and societal judgment often extends into private life.
Yet, the growing cohort of women in DJ booths signals a cultural shift. Gender equality and changing social attitudes are allowing more young people to pursue unconventional paths without stigma.
“Sometimes you feel like the crowd needs to control your playlist more than they would for a male DJ. They don’t always trust your ability. That’s the challenge, but we push through. It’s about proving our craft every single set,” says DJ Pikachu.
On the other hand, DJ Coco insists that, “I think currently some promoters have really embraced female DJs too, especially those who know what they’re doing. I am good at my work, so I never miss three to four events every week. Entertainment requires a lot of input, especially how you present yourself. Looks and skill go hand in hand; that’s why people trust me in my field.”
But she also maintains that, “at times we get challenges of few promoters and some club owners who sometimes think it is easy sexualise us not knowing most of us have their principles and it strictly business.”
But the pressure keeps increasing and one might lose the bigger picture while running for immediate validation. “The pressure is why many females use bleaching or other methods to increase bookings. If you are light enough and dress a certain way, you are booked more. But confidence matters, and if someone lacks it, the system can crush them. We are judged not just on skill but on skin colour, clothing choices, and even social media presence,” says Veryl.
This has led to some DJs contend with the notion that a successful set can be attributed to looks rather than the hours of practice and dedication behind the scenes.
Yet, this crop of DJs refuses to be defined solely by appearance. They work long hours, study mixing techniques, understand crowd dynamics and curate playlists that suit diverse audiences. Each performance is an opportunity to assert skill, creativity and musical judgment.
“It’s not just about playing tracks. You need to read the crowd, maintain energy, and make transitions seamless. Those are the things that build your reputation, not just social media posts. If you are consistent, people notice and trust your craft,” DJ Coco say.
The wider industry acknowledges the progress. Clubs are increasingly willing to host female DJs for headline nights, and promoters recognise that talent draws crowds beyond aesthetics.
However, cultural biases linger. Women navigating relationships, family expectations and societal assumptions face additional hurdles compared to their male peers.
DJ Veryl highlights this struggle, “you are expected to perform perfectly on stage and maintain a public image that appeals to clients and fans. At the same time, you have to navigate private life challenges because some people assume the nightlife industry is ‘toxic.’ It’s unfair, but it is part of the journey.”
For the next generation of DJs, the message is clear: expertise, dedication and professionalism remain the ultimate currency.
As Kenyan clubs and festivals increasingly feature female DJs, audiences are treated to a richer, more diverse music scene.
DJ Coco reflects, “We want to be recognised for our skill, our creativity, our ability to move a crowd. Social media helps, but it’s just one tool. Consistency on stage is what truly earns respect.”
DJ Pikachu sums up the whole notion, “being a female DJ means you have to work twice as hard to earn the same respect. People may doubt you because of your appearance, but proving yourself consistently changes perceptions. Every set, every mix is an opportunity to demonstrate that we belong just as much on the decks as anyone else.”
DJ Veryl adds, “The industry isn’t perfect, but we are paving the way for fairness. We need audiences and promoters to see past skin colour, looks or online followers, and focus on skill, creativity and professionalism. That is what should define success in this field.”