Smirnoff Battle of the Beats kicks off in a few days, and the anticipation is building.
The local deejay competition whose preliminary stages began a month ago has seen 20 individuals picked out as the cream of the crop from Kisumu, Mombasa, and Nairobi. The finalists are set to enter the deejay academy, receive mentorship and to battle it out for the top prize.
In a briefing today, Smirnoff unveiled the 20 finalists as well as the accomplished mentors which include the principle mentor DJ Stylez, renowned DJ Pinye, DJ Creme de la Creme, EDM pioneer DJ Suraj, as well as Capital FM’s own experienced DJ Adrian, revolutionary DJ Joe Mfalme and Radio Boss WDJ. Speaking about the exciting new initiative, Head of Mainstream Spirits Executive Anne Joy Muhoro said, “we have embarked on a journey to reinvigorating the market…bringing back the deejay industry back to life.”
Principle Judge and industry heavyweight DJ Stylez also spoke on the important role the Smirnoff Battle of the Beats will play in providing a chance for the 20 finalists privileged to receive tutelage from the mentors. He said, “the art of deejaying is very important to us. When a brand such as Smirnoff rallies behind us; we feel well supported.”
Speaking to The Sauce, DJ Twin one of the 20 finalists expressed his excitement for the many opportunities the Battle of the Beats 12-week program will offer him. A 22-year-old MultiMedia University graduate from Rongai, DJ Twin aka Tom Odwa also commented on the poor representation of women within the deejay industry remarking that stereotypes and misconceptions often deter many from joining the growing industry. In a male-dominated industry, “women are often used, and their skill and art is never the focus.”
The Battle of the Beats is set to officially launch at K1Clubhouse on the 3rd of November 2018.
