Disc jockey Michael Ndung’u aka DJ Fully Focus is taking the world by storm with his skills on the turntable.
After more than 10 years struggling to make a name in the competitive music world in the United States, the Kenyan-born DJ now knows what it takes to be the best in the field.
The DJ was recently in Kigali as part of his ongoing ‘Motivation World Tour’ and gave an insight into his life and disc jockeying.
“I never went to any formal school to become a DJ but now I know what it takes to be the best international DJ,” he told Rwanda Today. “It is all about taking time to prepare for the society you meet and understanding what that society expects of you as their DJ.”
Success did not however come without hard work, DJ Fully Focus recalled, saying he made his debut in little functions that were ignored by his then seniors.
After learning the ropes, he joined international concerts graced by stars such as Akon, Lil Wayne, R. Kelly, Meagan Good, Terrence J, Wale, Birdman, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, G-Unit, Mya, Ray J, Joe, DJ Khaled, Beres Hammond, Morgan Heritage, Young Jeezy, Ludacris, D’Banj, 2Face and Wizkid.

Learnt disc jockeying at 13
Born and raised in Nairobi, DJ Fully Focus developed a passion for music and the art of disc jockeying at the tender age of 13 while attending his first live music event. He was thrilled as DJ Gusto entertained the crowd with two turntables and a microphone.
From that day, DJ Fully Focus says, he knew he was destined for a deejaying career.
“I also used to see DJs doing it and really loved to see how they were mixing songs one after another,” he said, adding that at one time he even worked with a friend who had music equipment in order to learn the trade.
In May 1998, DJ Fully Focus and his family relocated to the US in search of greener pastures.
“It was the faith, determination and strength of my mother, who was a single parent, that kept the household together,” he said.

Studied several genres of music
Since her teaching job did not fetch enough income to take care of the family, his mother was forced to look for a part-time job, which inspired him to work hard.
He began honing his skills and carefully studied several genres of music, including hip-hop, reggae, dancehall, Afrobeat and rock.
The challenges firmly behind him, DJ Fully Focus says his major aim is to provide the best entertainment solution and set standards wherever he goes. His current tour has taken him to the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
The world tour stretched from the Persian Gulf in Dubai across the seas to Europe, in Amsterdam, as a guest DJ for Afrodance. He also featured in the Netherlands largest weekly hip-hop event, Encore, before proceeding to Belgium for the Dancehall party and finally to London.

Closed year in Rwanda
The Africa tour saw him land in Kenya and then close the year in Rwanda for the biggest New Year’s party, ‘Happy People’, in Kigali.
Though it was his first time in Rwanda, DJ Fully Focus mingled with local artistes such as Knowles, Urban Boyz and King James.
“I know many musicians around, not by face, but because I normally play their music back in America,” DJ Fully Focus said. “King James’s track called Palapala is my favourite when I am playing songs from Rwanda.

“Thanks to the Internet, which has made everything accessible.”