DJ Focus advises that if anyone is to succeed in their careers, they ought to keep a positive attitude so that they can achieve their goals. IGIHE held an exclusive interview with Dj Focus and below are excerpts of the interview…
DJ Focus (real names Gwiza James)
I was born in 1984 in Mombasa/Kenya. We are a family of four children 4. I have a sister and two siblings. one of my brothers, the youngest is a DJ. My father Philip Setakwe died in the liberation war.
I relocated to Kampala/Uganda where I lived with my Uncle in Kasese. I came to Rwanda in July 1994 and resumed my primary education up to 1997 at Camp Kigali.
I practically spent my childhood alone, my mother and siblings lived in Uganda but I chose to come to Rwanda because I had always wanted to live in Rwanda. Iam proud to be Rwandese and having grown in my country.
Since I was young, I developed interest in music. I joined the entertainment industry 2001 and became a DJ in 2003. I started practicing as a DJ in clubs
and bars in Kampala. In 2005, I came back to Rwanda up to date.
What really motivated you that drove you into being a Dj?
Dj Focus: My passion for music is something I was born with, I inherited it from my father.
I like the fact that every day is an experience; problems are in every profession what I do is learn from my mistakes and inconveniences and everyday becomes a better day for me.
For how long will you stay in this profession?
Dj Focus: Music plays a big role in my life, and I am not planning to do anything else outside the music industry. So yeah, I am doing this for a lifetime.
How best would describe yourself?
Dj Focus: Simple, loving and caring
As a Dj, what do you do to keep your fans enjoying?
Dj Focus: A positive attitude helps me. I interact with them and that helps me to know what they want and expect. I know most of the people who go out in Kigali and their tastes as well.
Are you making any successes in your profession?
Dj Focus: so far yes though I still have more to learn, more goals to achieve, keeping my name and dealing well with the fame.
People who want a successful career should exhibit and keep a good reputation everywhere they are, life is all about connections and hard work.
Is it true that women are attracted to Djs?
Dj Focus: People say so but I do not think it is only true for DJs. I believe that a good attitude and how good you are can make you attractive to women.
However, I can explain that Dj’s attract people’s attention by the way we work, the presence of women plays a big role in terms of fun and atmosphere in the club or party.
Do you prepare a playlist of songs in advance?
Dj Focus: I actually don’t prepare the playlist; I don’t find it comfortable and useful because crowds are different from one day to another. My playlist depends on the crowd that I have.
Where will you be in five years?
Dj Focus: I will still be Focus, still in Music but at another level-both local and international levels. Here I mean music and video production. In future, I look to investment in music, clubs and events. I will also start planning to make a family.
Besides K club, where else do you scratch the discs?
Dj Focus: I worked in many different places. I have had stints at parties, clubs and weddings both in Kigali and in Kampala. I worked at Papyrus (2009), in legacy (Mille Collines) then currently at K-Club where for long I have remained because it is exceptional and I dream to keep it going here.
What are your tastes of music?
Dj Focus: I love soul and RnB, though most of my crowds do not really enjoy it (laughs). My favorite soul/RnB artist is Anthony Hamilton.
I practically do not miss any of his songs and albums and he is ever on my playlist.
What do you do in your free time?
Dj Focus: I am a soccer fan. I know it is very rare to see a Dj loving soccer but I really enjoy playing it and I am an Arsenal fan. I also love travelling the World.
Igihe: what is your status?
Dj Focus: I am in a long distance relationship
What is your advice to the youth on their careers?
Dj Focus: They should not take any job or career for granted. Positive attitudes in their careers are the only things to get them where they want to be.
There are many Dj across the country, how do you deal with competition?
Dj Focus: My love for music is not for competition but for entertainment. Competition would give it another meaning.
As a famous person and role model to some, what is your message to your fans?
Dj Focus: I love them; they inspire me for the better. I will keep it coming as long as I am alive. I will keep entertaining them.
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