He was recently crowned 2016’s, Groove Awards DJ of the Year. Apart from his spinning skills, not much is known about the new king of the gospel decks. The Starehe Boys alumni and owner of an Economics and Statistics degree from the University Of Nairobi sat on a one on one interview with Mukami Kanyi.
Mukami: Why Dj Ruff and not any other name.
Dj Ruff:- My real name is Raphael
Mukami: When and how did u start your career in Deejaying??
Dj Ruff:- In form 3 I came across Virtual DJ 2.0 software in the computer lab, got fascinated by it. When I finished I went to Spinrej DJ academy where I learnt the basics.
Mukami: What prompted
You to pursue Deejaying and not any other career.
Dj Ruff:- Love of music
Mukami: You are the only Gospel Dj and Host at Ghetto Radio, how did you get into the station to start with??
Dj Ruff:- I sent mixes via email for a long time, finally got a call and the rest is history.
Mukami: The Gospel Dj Industry has been dominated by the likes of Dj Moh and Dj Sadic over the past few years, were you surprised being crowned the winner and not the pioneers.
Dj Ruff:- I had at least 70% confidence I’d win. #TeamDJRuff has grown greatly in these last few years
Mukami: What challenges do you face as a gospel DJ.
Dj Ruff:- Maintaining a Godly life despite all temptations of youth
Mukami: Tell us more about your shows at Ghetto Radio, your Groove awards victory.
Dj Ruff:- I have two shows on Ghetto Radio, Gospel Night Live, Saturday night 7-10pm, Ghetto Gospel 7-11am every Sunday. I’ve also been involved in Groove tours across the country.
Mukami: What don’t your fans know about you??
Dj Ruff:– I play FIFA 16 on PS4 a lot with my friends.
Mukami: Are you seeing someone??
Dj Ruff:- Not at the moment
Mukami: What is your take on the local gospel industry especially with Musicians and Preachers.
Dj Ruff:– A few people are doing it just for money and fame, making everyone look bad. There are many genuine musicians and preachers but people only focus on the negative.
Mukami: Did Bahati and Willy Paul deserve being eliminated from this year’s Groove award participation??
Dj Ruff:– Since I’m not aware why they were eliminated, I’m not able to answer that
Mukami: Parting shot??
Ruff:– Repent the end is near!
MUKAMI KANYI