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In a thrilling showcase of musical talent, Esther Nakhanu Kutolo, professionally known as KeyJayTheDeejay, emerged victorious as the Rift Region winner of the Smirnoff Battle of the Beats DJ competition this past weekend.
Competing against 16 other skilled contestants, KeyJayTheDeejay delivered outstanding performances, securing the prestigious title with her exceptional skills behind the turntables. Notably, Geejoe The Deejay and DJ Blackspin clinched the second and third positions, respectively, in the fiercely contested battle.
The Smirnoff Battle of the Beats DJ competition, a groundbreaking initiative by East African Breweries Limited (EABL), aims to discover and nurture the country’s top-tier DJs. Serving as a vital platform for fostering emerging talent within the DJ community, this competition underscores EABL’s dedication to promoting creativity and innovation in Kenya’s dynamic music industry.
Speaking at the crowning ceremony, Jonathan Ruto, Smirnoff Shopper Manager, expressed excitement about the competition’s success. “The Smirnoff Battle of the Beats DJ competition celebrates talent and creativity, embodying EABL’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s vibrant music culture. We are delighted by the exceptional performances and eagerly anticipate DJ XXX representing the Rift region in the ultimate finals.”
The competition now shifts its focus to the Coast region, where the first round of auditions is scheduled for early June. DJ Insta and DJ Kryptic have already been crowned winners from the Mountain and Lake regions, respectively. The final round will take place in the Nairobi region, culminating in a showdown where all five winners will vie for the ultimate bragging rights later this year.
Aspiring DJs are encouraged to participate by uploading their captivating 2–5-minute performances on Instagram or Facebook, tagging @smirnoffke and using the hashtags #WeDoWe. The competition’s judges will select the top 20 performers to battle it out live on TV.