Kenyans in Dubai turn DJ side hustle into big money

Kenyans in Dubai Turn DJ Side Hustle into Big Money

For some Kenyans living abroad, finding a better life means taking opportunities wherever they come. But for four Kenyans in Dubai, a passion for music has grown into a profitable career, proving that an ordinary job does not have to define someone's future.

Their stories, featured by the Daily Nation on November 13, 2026, show how Kenyans in Dubai have turned DJing from a side hustle into a major source of income.

One of them is Kennedy Thoya, popularly known as DJ Mneddy. Before becoming a recognised DJ in Dubai's nightlife scene, he worked in customer service at a car rental company. His journey was not straightforward. He had previously worked as a security guard in Qatar, earning about KSh12,000 for half a month.

His interest in music started much earlier in Mombasa, where his father owned a sound system. Although he initially treated DJing as a hobby, opportunities gradually opened up. Today, he earns between KSh70,000 and KSh80,000 for a one-hour DJ performance. His international performance rate is about KSh259,000.

Another inspiring story is that of Timothy Tsuma Jotto, popularly known as DJ Raey D'Katalyst. He arrived in Dubai as a security guard, earning a basic salary of KSh42,000 and an allowance of about KSh12,000.

However, he never abandoned his passion for music. After several challenges, including unpaid performances and losing opportunities when a club closed, he continued building his skills and professional connections.

He eventually established Katalyst Sounds, a business that provides sound equipment and event services. His earnings have grown significantly. He revealed that his minimum charge is KSh53,000, while a five-hour New Year's Eve booking is worth KSh212,000.

Clinton Machuga, popularly called DJ Gashu, also took a different route into the entertainment industry. Before becoming a full-time DJ, he worked at research firm Nielsen, drove for Uber and later became a sales assistant at a toy company in Dubai.

His first paid DJ performance came in July 2021. After losing his sales job several years later, he decided to pursue music full-time. He now charges between KSh24,000 and KSh70,000 per performance, depending on the event and client.

Meanwhile, Samuel Kamaitha, known as DJ SammyK, has chosen to balance two careers. He works as a systems consultant while performing at events and clubs during his free time.

He charges approximately KSh24,000 for a two-hour performance and says the going rate for DJs in Dubai is around KSh53,000.

*## The Bigger African Diaspora Hustle

These experiences highlight an important part of the African diaspora story: success abroad does not always come through traditional employment.

Many Africans travel overseas hoping to secure stable jobs, support their families and improve their financial situations. However, some discover opportunities outside the careers they initially pursued.

For these Kenyan DJs, music became a way to build professional networks, earn additional income and establish businesses.

Their journeys also reveal that success requires more than talent. Networking, consistency, patience and the ability to recognise opportunities have played important roles in their progress.

There are also lessons about the challenges of working in the entertainment industry. Unpaid performances, competition, unstable contracts and the pressure of balancing family responsibilities remain part of the experience.

One important lesson from their stories is the need for proper agreements before accepting performances. Building a reputation is valuable, but protecting one's earnings is equally important.

Ultimately, the DJ hustle story of these Kenyans in Dubai demonstrates how passion can become an economic opportunity. What started as an interest in music has developed into a rewarding profession for people who once depended on regular jobs.

For other Africans living abroad, their experiences offer an encouraging reminder that sometimes the opportunity to build a better future comes from a talent they already possess.