Over the many years, Kenya’s entertainment scene has produced multiple talents cutting across various disciplines, and in the course of time, a majority have endeared themselves into the hearts of their fans for being the best at what they do.
James Mungai, popularly known by his fans both locally and internationally as DJ Afro Amigos aka Kimoda, is one of the most popular and household names in the entertainment industry in the country.
Arguably, a majority of Kenyans from all parts of the country have come across or watched movies commentated by the gifted entertainer.
His creativity has seen him command a huge audience from even beyond the country, including Tanzania, Uganda, congo, rwanda among others.
DJ Afro began his career in 2006 and has continued to entertain Kenyans by providing quality and hilarious commentary to thousands of movies.
The entertainer started off his career commentating movies in local theatres in Kiserian and Rongai
However, his journey at the beginning was full of challenges, and was eventually forced to relocate after a section of people criticised his work.
“Ten years ago, we could not record a voice-over due to a lack of equipment. I had to commentate live in a video show in Kiserian and Rongai on the outskirts of Nairobi. These shows were very popular then,” he told the Daily Nation at that time.
DJ Afro moved to Nakuru with nothing but his talent and passion. Luckily, he met a friend who helped him out with the equipment to start commentating and recording movies again.
After a year worth of savings, he managed to buy his own equipment.
During an interview on Citizen TV dated 2016, DJ Afro credited his success to God, that before he began his journey and as he continues to make a living out of it, he always puts God first.
“If you want to succeed as an artist, put God first. It’s not that I’m very hardworking, but it is because of God’s favour that I am succeeding.
“Secondly, you have to be very creative. You have to be more creative with each day. So you have to study the movie, and find a way to make it even interesting,” DJ Afro said at that time.
He further dissclosed that he owns a shop in Nakuru Town from where he sells his movies.
When questioned about the issue of copyrights, the entertainer clarified he is not worried about it, arguing that instead, the actors and producers of the movies should reward him for making them famous in African countries.
He stated that some actors in foreign films have become popular among Kenyans due to his commentary on movies.
“If you look at some of these movies, they are done in foreign languages and in most times, people don’t even understand what is going on. This is where I come in, and make the movie interesting for everyone,” he said.
In 2018, he caught the attention of the Kenya Films and Classification Board (KFCB). Then CEO, Ezekiel Mutua raised concerns with the explicit language used in some of his movies.
While the matter was being looked into, his movies were suspended with Gikuyu TV being ordered not to air while the investigation continued.
DJ Afro conceded to the mistake and noted that some of the movies being circulated at the time were some of his past works that have been reproduced by others. The ban was lifted after discussions with the board and his movies now air at Mzalendo Tv, which according to reports, the station is said to be his.
In October 2021, Kenyans took to social media to call out global streaming network Netflix after the company featured a commentary in one of their promotion.
Netflix launched Netflix Kenya mid 2021 in a bid to grow its base in the country.
Reacting to the promo, kenyans ridiculed the company for hiring a wannabe DJ Afro instead of contacting DJ Afro himself.
Following the outcry, Netflix sought out the celebrated movie entertainer and has since commentated on the official trailer of the movie, ‘Thunder Force’.
As Kenya celebrated on the 12th, 2023, Dj Afro was among those who performed, the dj stole the show during the Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.
DJ Afro, the most famous movie commentator in Kenya, headlined the first performance in front of President William Ruto and other dignitaries.
With his well-known voice, diction, and tonal variation, DJ Afro narrated the evolution of Kenyan comedy and screenplay.
He appreciated several comedians who had graced the event giving each a few seconds to showcase their talents taking Kenyans on a journey of Kenyan comedy.
Among ancient shows mentioned by DJ Afro included Vituko, tahamaki, Je Huu ni Ungwana and Tausi. Rukia who played as a lead actress in the show was present to entertain Kenyans during the Jamhuri Celebrations.
Modern shows recognised by DJ included Churchill Show, Mshamba, Mother-in-Law and Inspector Mwala among others.
Other artists who played different roles in the mentioned shows joined DJ Afro on stage to entertain Kenyans.
His performance earned him praise on various social media platforms. Kenyans hailed him for remaining relevant for over a decade in the entertainment industry.
“Seeing Dj Afro being recognized and given an opportunity to entertain us was recommendable,” another social media user wrote.
“Finally, Dj Afro has been recognised nationally. This guy made our teen and youthful life easy,” one social media user commented.
Despite his State performance, DJ Afro has managed to keep his life away from the media. His life is only described by his career achievement where he established himself by translating movies and different shows.
Rumors here and there has it, is a married man with children, but no one has ever seen them and if they do, they don’t have enough proof or have their photos.
