Dj Kalonje is the stage name of George Waweru, a Kenyan DJ and VJ. He wears many hats: music producer, video director, farmer, parent, and entrepreneur, to name a few.
Between 2006 and 2008, he took it upon himself to study the profession of deejaying through an entertainment business called City Rollers, based in Nairobi.
His nasty mixes, such as Street Locked Mixes, earned him the Chaguo La Teeniez(CHAT) Award in 2010. Since 2010, he has been working in the sector.
Here’s a peek at DJ Kalonje’s biography, the King of Matatu Mixes.
DJ Kalonje age
He was born in Nairobi, Kenya, on January 3, 1987. He is a 36-year-old man.
DJ Kalonje early life
His father died after suffering for a long time from an illness. He described his father as a kind, principled family man who gave him a good upbringing. In a post on Instagram, He had this to say:
“Dear Dad, I just want to thank you for everything, you raised us on one principle, love is the answer. It’s with disbelief and sorry I say goodbye to you. May you rest well. I will take care of Mum for you. Till we meet again,”
DJ Kalonje relationship
When it comes to his personal life, the DJ has always kept a low profile. Kalonje married his true love, Sonnie Kangai, in 2012, and they have two children together.
He got down on one knee to propose to Sonnie, taking his love to a whole new level. ‘She said yes,’ he captioned a photo he uploaded on Instagram while they were on vacation in Dubai.
Unfortunately, the relationship did not last, and he divorced Sonnie Kangai in 2019 after seven years together. He announced the news on Instagram, stating the years they spent together were worthwhile and wishing her happiness.
“I just had one priority in our relationship- YOU. The problem was that we both had the same priority. All I can say is the seven years were worth it. Wish you good luck in all your endeavors. May you find happiness.” he captioned.
DJ Kalonje also stated that after his breakup with Sonnie, he has no plans to be in another relationship.
DJ Kalonje career
Back in 2006, he began his career by selling mixtapes to anyone interested.
DJ Kalonje claims he has been arrested by the city council several times because he was not licensed to distribute mixtapes.
“I would walk around with a black book and write down contacts and as time went by my list grew bigger,” he recalls
He used to charge Sh50 for mixtapes. Those mixtapes quickly made their way into Matatus, establishing him as a legend in the Matatu entertainment industry.
DJ Kalonje gained popularity over time and was able to cross over into the mainstream deejay territory, where he is now regarded as one of the industry’s best.
Even though he has made it, he and the majority of Matatu deejays did not, at the time, receive respect from established deejays.
“I’m a club deejay but my brand was built by Matatus. (Media) deejays do not recognize us as real deejays because they made a name for themselves on television or radio”, he said
“Some even call us street deejays, but that doesn’t bother me. It’s however easy to work with Crème and Mfalme but there’s still a gap. Whatever platform you have, that’s yours and it doesn’t make you any less of a deejay,” added Kalonje.
Kenyan DJ Kalonje, Chipukeezy, and comedian YY made history in 2017 when they became the first Kenyans to be interviewed on the BET Awards Experience.
DJ Kalonje and dancehall musician Konshens played at the Dubai 7s in 2019.
Stardome Entertainment Marketing Manager Brian Livity said in a statement, “We have been consistent in delivering our promise to fans over time. This year we’ll take the bar higher with Konshens.”
Kenya had been represented the year before by Homeboyz Radio, G Money, and ZJ Heno.
DJ Kalonje Awards & Nominations
In his career as a DJ, he has collected the following awards and nominations
2017 – Best DJ in Africa at the AFRIMMA Awards (Nominated).
2017 – Mashujaa Awards.
2011 – Best DJ at the CHAT Awards (Won).
2010 – Best DJ at the CHAT Awards (Won).
2010 – Best VJ at the Nganya Awards (Won).
DJ Kalonje Controversy
A house that belonged to Dj Kalonje’s father was demolished under unclear circumstances. DJ Kalonje’s studio was part of the house brought down by unidentified raiders and millions of shillings were lost.
Following the disputed dismantling of his multi-million shilling investment, he relocated his studio to Pangani.
The perpetrators of the demolition, according to the DJ, were armed with machetes and primitive weapons. They allegedly abused his father, looted his studio equipment, and destroyed his property.
Dj Kalonje met Huddah in a bar during one of his shows, according to reports. One would think that the socialite would at least pay attention to the popular DJ, but the reverse was true.
He only wanted a selfie, but Huddah appeared to be preoccupied with something else and did not give DJ Kalonje a chance.
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DJ Kalonje business
DJ Kalonje runs the Mixmasters DJ Academy in Nairobi’s Pangani neighborhood.
The institution specializes in grooming young, rising, and aspiring local deejays for a Sh30,000 three-month program.
In addition to being a DJ, he is also a farmer.
DJ Kalonje net worth
Because of his dedication, he has been able to play beyond international borders.
When it comes to his appearances, he is not cheap.
Deejay Kalonje, dubbed the “King of Matatu Mixes,” has a quote ranging from Sh250,000 to Sh350,000 for corporate events, Sh100,000 to Sh150,000 for university parties, Sh50,000 to Sh70,000 for club performances within Nairobi, and Sh80,000 and above outside Nairobi, including all other expenditures. It costs $2000 for out-of-country tours, with all other expenses covered.
His exact net worth, however, is unknown.
DJ Kalonje is one of the well-known DJs in the country, and he doesn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon from providing his fans with some upbeat music.