Kenya's DJ Boboss Creates Unique Music Using Everyday Household Items

Photo : AFP

Kenya's DJ Boboss, also known as Paul Mwangi, has become a sensation thanks to his homemade DJ deck crafted from everyday household items like a spoon, towel hooks, and a plastic cap. At 27, Boboss has built a growing fanbase on the streets of Nairobi and online, captivating audiences with his unique, self-made setup. His ingenuity has earned him the opportunity to perform at major music events such as Uganda’s Nyege Nyege festival and the global music platform Boiler Room.

Despite these high-profile gigs, Boboss’s favorite stage is the streets of Nairobi, where he sets up in busy areas like the central business district. One recent Saturday, amidst the sounds of city life and the hustle of vendors, Boboss drew a crowd within minutes, all eager to capture the magic of his innovative music machine in action. His deck consists of a wooden board painted with spray paint, featuring towel racks, switches, and printed circuits—all connected to an amplifier, speaker, and car battery. He scratches records using a spoon between two towel hooks and uses a plastic bottle cap as his fader. Remarkably, when something goes wrong with his gear, Boboss fixes it on the spot without missing a beat, even stripping wires with his teeth to keep the music flowing.

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Boboss, whose DJ name stands for "Be your own boss," began his journey by repairing radios in his village near Meru, central Kenya. His fascination with electronics started when his father refused to replace a broken radio, prompting Boboss to fix it himself. He eventually moved to Nairobi to pursue his passion for DJing after being inspired by a DJ’s performance in a local bar. Without the money to afford professional DJ equipment, Boboss used his creativity and technical skills to build his own.

His performances in public spaces have gained him recognition, with passersby captivated by his homemade deck. For Boboss, playing on the streets provides a unique connection with the crowd, many of whom have never seen a live DJ performance. He frequently performs in Nairobi’s business district and the city’s largest second-hand market, Gikomba.

Among his supporters is 48-year-old ex-soldier Zachary Mibei, who admires Boboss’s resourcefulness and drive. "He has no formal training, it’s all homemade. He’s showing that he has something special inside him. He’s telling us, ‘I can do it by myself,’" Mibei said.

Though Boboss acknowledges that a more advanced DJ deck might be in his future, he remains loyal to the gear that helped him build his career. "Maybe we could combine both and see what we can create," he said, hinting at continued innovation while staying grounded in his roots.