When did you start DJing and what and/or who were your early influences?

This came into 2 phases. Late 1999-2000 in Kinshasa (home town) was the starting point of it all. As I was always hanging out with musicians, I eventually started getting asked to play at parties although my musical selection were mostly Congolese classics and few limited African tunes.

The second part was 4 years ago. I wasn’t very happy about the variety of music at kizomba parties/festivals as I thought it wasn’t a reflection on what I knew as afro/African/palops parties. If you claim to provide an African/palops experience then it has to be fully done. I wanted to add my little spice to the recipe. My early DJ influence in kizomba world would probably be DJ Cashmoney, DJ To’ Costa, DJ Pat and all the other DJs who have paved the way for us to emerge.

What are your pre-set rituals or what you do to prepare for your set?

I always spend an hour on decks a day before the event making sure my laptop is fully functional as a way to avoid any unwanted surprise. I don’t prepare any set. I just turn up; play music I believe fits the vision of the party, adjusting where needed or based on the floor response etc. They’ve been moments where I’ve introduced songs that people didn’t think they will like but ended up falling in love with.

What’s been the best event that you’ve ever played in and why?

Everywhere I have been has been pretty special for me because of the response I get from the participants. I wouldn’t choose one over the others because they are all special and best in my heart.

What advice would you give to upcoming DJ’s?

If you want to be the best, learn from the best. Watch them and add your own spice. There is no point wanting to be a DJ if you don’t believe you will add anything to the scene. Also don’t panic if/when the floor is empty. Just learn how to get them back on the dance floor

Outside of music, what else do you do to relax, hobbies & interests?

Music is a massive part of my life and everything I do outside say DJing still has an element of music in it. I’m currently focusing all my energy on this new gigantic project “SMTF” which consists on raising enough money to build an orphanage back home in Kinshasa where everything started. In that city alone, you would find over 130,000 kids sleeping on the streets. Half of that number is made of girls. My little contribution is getting some of them (very little) off the streets with the help of fellow dancers without feeling the pressure of a donation. If you turn up at my events, you are helping make that vision real.