DJ Boboss: Kenya’s self-made musician crafting beats from household items

If you have a passion for music and aspire to create your own mixing deck, look no further than DJ Boboss for inspiration. He proves that you can achieve this with just a few everyday household items, showcasing the power of creativity and resourcefulness in the world of music. All you need is a spoon, towel hooks, a piece from a kettle, and a plastic cap along with the right technical and musical skills.

At the age of 27, DJ Boboss, whose real name is Paul Mwangi, has become a prominent figure in Kenya’s music scene. His unique style and innovative approach have garnered him a dedicated fan base both online and on the streets. This rising star has landed performances at prestigious events, including Uganda’s Nyege Nyege festival and the internationally acclaimed Boiler Room platform.

DJ Boboss is not just making music; he is redefining what it means to be a DJ by demonstrating that creativity and resourcefulness can turn simple materials into a powerful mixing deck.

However, his favourite spot is in Nairobi’s lively business district. On a recent days, he set up his mixing deck among the bustling stalls of miraa (khat) vendors, surrounded by the tempting aroma of grilled corn and the lively sounds of matatus, the colourful minibuses that fill the streets of the Kenyan capital.

Within minutes, a crowd of curious onlookers had gathered, pulling out their phones to capture footage of the incredible setup that churned out reggae hits.

The mixing desk features a spray-painted wooden board adorned with towel racks, switches, and printed circuits all connected by a jumble of cables to an amp, speaker, and car battery.

DJ Boboss scratches tracks using a slider fashioned from a magnetised spoon placed between two towel hooks, while a plastic bottle cap serves as his fader. Fixes are seamlessly integrated into his performance; at one point, he pulls out a screwdriver, strips a wire with his teeth, and makes repairs—all while the music continues to play.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” smiled David Meshack, who works at a nearby electronics store that specialises in professional turntables. “One day, a customer came in with a photo of this setup, asking for something similar, but I had no idea what it was. Now, I see it in action!”

DJ Boboss, whose name stands for “Be Your Own Boss,” started his journey by repairing radios. Recalling his childhood, Boboss said “My dad bought me a radio, but after a while, it stopped working, and he told me he wouldn’t buy another one. I was devastated because I loved music and listening to the radio, so I decided to open it up with a knife,”

Before long, he was fixing electronic devices in his village near Meru in central Kenya. One day, he saw a DJ performing at a bar and felt inspired. He was mesmerised by the way he mixed the music and how the crowd responded to every beat.

He told, he didn’t have the money for professional equipment, but thought he could make his own using what I have available.

After moving to the capital, Mwangi now makes a living as a DJ and occasionally sells custom-made turntables. His favourite performance venues are the streets, especially in the bustling business district or at Gikomba, the largest second-hand clothing market in Kenya. “Street shows have a unique energy; you connect directly with the people. Many have never seen a DJ mix live,” he shared.

Among the onlookers, 48-year-old former soldier Zachary Mibei expressed admiration for how Mwangi inspires young people in Kenya. “He has no formal training; it’s all homemade. He shows that he has talent and is telling us, ‘I can do this on my own.'”

Boboss acknowledges that it might be time for a more advanced turntable with additional features, but he has no intention of parting with the one that brought him fame.

You might also be interested in – Why is Kenya killing a million Indian crows?