Tag: DNA news

DNA Shares Previous Struggle With Alcoholism

Posted on by Dennis Elnino

Dennis Kaggia, better known by his stage name DNA, found himself at a crossroads in his life, grappling with the consequences of his past choices. The pursuit of success and a fast-paced lifestyle led him down a path of alcoholism, broken relationships, and a sense of emptiness. However, amidst the turmoil, DNA embarked on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, embracing his faith and finding solace in gospel music.

DNA recounted how his desire to achieve financial success quickly led him astray. “I was chasing my dream to be a millionaire quickly,” he confessed. The pressure and demands of his lifestyle took a toll on his personal life, affecting his relationship with his child’s mother and his own sense of well-being.

Facing the consequences of his actions, DNA realized the need for a drastic change. He described his transformation as a process of destruction and rebuilding, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging one’s mistakes and making amends.

“You can be going in the wrong direction, you can be doing the wrong thing,” he explained. “Bado destination yako ikombele yako, but umeanza kupotea, so destroy, rebuild.”

His journey to redemption involved confronting his addiction to alcohol. DNA vividly described the challenges of quitting, highlighting the physical and emotional toll it took on him.

“Getting off the liquor is so hard. Getting off of the liquor is like an exorcism. People who’ve drunk properly can tell you. Kwanza when you get to the 30’s kuendelea,” he shared. “You drink nicely for like 3-4 days, bro getting off the booze, you feel like things are crawling off your skin, you start hallucinating, and alcohol withdrawals are no joke. they are the hardest to get off.”

Despite the challenges, DNA’s faith and determination guided him through this difficult period. He sought refuge in God, turning to Him for strength and guidance.

“I said I need to change my life. What do I do? The thing I knew was God, wacha niokoke,” he recalled. “I told God to remove me from this because this booze is too strong.”

Embracing his faith, DNA made a conscious decision to distance himself from his previous lifestyle. He withdrew from the secular music industry, canceling gigs and severing ties with friends who enabled his destructive habits.

“I had to withdraw from the secular world,” he explained. “I had to cancel all the gigs, even though it cost money and friends. Because my biggest fear was returning to alcohol.”

DNA’s transformation from a troubled artist to a dedicated gospel musician serves as a testament to the power of resilience and redemption. His journey highlights the importance of self-awareness, acknowledging one’s mistakes, and seeking guidance from a higher power.

Rapper DNA Reveals the Truth Behind The Sh30 Million Deal With Mwai Kibaki’s Campaign

Posted on by Dennis Elnino

Kenyan rapper Denis Kaggia, popularly known as DNA, has finally set the record straight regarding the infamous Sh30 million story associated with his involvement in the late Mwai Kibaki’s presidential campaign.

In an interview on the CTA show on November 13, DNA debunked the rumors surrounding the deal, providing clarity on the actual figures and the impact of success on his life.

The ‘Maswali ya polisi’ hitmaker acknowledged the significance of the Kibaki campaign deal, recognizing it as a turning point that could have opened doors to lucrative business opportunities.

DNA revealed that they participated in road shows across Kenya as part of the campaign and received a total payment of Sh7 million.

However, he emphasized that the widely reported figure of Sh30 million allegedly paid to him was inaccurate and misleading.

“I was looking forward to the Kibaki campaign because it was something that could set us up to do a lot of business. So we started doing road shows around Kenya. They paid us Sh7 million, but I only took home Sh2.5 million,” DNA explained.

DNA’s clarification sheds light on the true nature of the deal and challenges the exaggerated claims that have circulated for years. His honesty and willingness to address the rumors demonstrate his commitment to transparency and integrity.

DNA comes out in support of Jua Cali, says Njugush not funny

Posted on by Ozymandias

Kenyan rapper DNA has joined the debate on comedian Njugush’s content, echoing the sentiments of fellow rapper Jua Cali that Njugush’s comedic prowess has diminished over the years.

DNA, whose real name is Dennis Kaggia, said in a video on Instagram that Njugush’s current style of comedy is more of theater as opposed to stand-up comedy. He also pointed out that Njugush’s collaboration with his wife, who is relatively new to the industry, had changed the dynamics of his performances.

“What Njugush is doing now is theater comedy, not stand-up comedy,” DNA said. “He and his wife come up with a skit on how to present it. That’s theater, not standup comedy.”

DNA also questioned how Njugush, with over a decade of experience in the industry, chose to partner with his wife for their comedic ventures.

“Australian fans were mad because they were ready for stand-up comedy, not theater,” the rapper said.

DNA said he has nothing personal against Njugush, but that he believes it is important to acknowledge the changes in his performances.

The debate on Njugush’s content started after he and his wife, Celestine Ndinda, performed in different cities in Australia last weekend. The couple thereafter expressed their gratitude to their fans in the diaspora for attending their sold-out shows.

However, a video clip that seemed to depict Njugush struggling to entertain the audience went viral, resulting in awkward silence. This sparked a heated debate within the entertainment industry, with many coming to Njugush’s defense while blasting Jua Cali for his remarks.

Under mounting pressure from Njugush’s fans, Jua Cali eventually apologized and withdrew his statement.

However, DNA’s comments have now reignited the debate, with some people agreeing with him while others defending Njugush.

It remains to be seen how Njugush will respond to the latest criticism. However, it is clear that his recent performances have not been well-received by everyone.

DNA, watu sio wajinga! Stick to music content, not macro-economics

Posted on by Ozymandias

DNA is a titan within Kenya’s entertainment industry and the search whenever he talks about show business, we all pay attention to what he has to say because he’s speaking from a position of authority.

He has recently taken to podcasting and he’s doing a lot of men-centric content and for some reason ever since he started to go viral he has decided he can also give advice about politics and economics.

Legendary Singer DNA Reacts To The ‘Maandamano’ Protests

But what Bwana DNA seems to forget is that watu sio wajinga bwana! He recently gave his opinion on Monday Monday and said that the spiralling cost of living is due to inflation within the American market.

When the thing about this is that he is only half right. It is true that during the covid-19 lockdowns The U.S.A government began printing more money to give to its citizens as a cushioning. And that the effects of this are still being felt today that too is true.

Should men do a DNA test on their kids?

But what Bwana DNA doesn’t seem to account for is the fact that the Kenyan government has gone on a spending spree hiring more political appointees as a reward for their support, buying luxury cars for the three principles within government and treasury even recently unveiled plans to create a luxury gym.

 

There is also the fact that President Ruto has already shown an appetite for taxation which manufacturers and entrepreneurs pass forward to their clients and customers.

We are tired of DNA’s music comebacks

And this is just a drop in the ocean of why Kenya is in the situation we currently are in. So for DNA to come out and give a one-sided vapid opinion of what is happening is honestly just irritating. We get it he is not too happy about the fact that the mass action Raila Odinga called is affecting Kenyan businesses.

 

But for him to cheapen and simplify the reason behind Kenyans’ frustration at the current status quo and for him to talk down at the people who are putting their lives on the line to try and make Kenya a better place for all it’s not just pompous and irritating but downright disgusting.

 

To add salt to the wound he goes on to talk about the increased cost of energy which is also down to the fact that a lot of subsidies were removed as a term and condition for some of the IMF loans we took. Watu sio wajinga for you to come and talk down to us like we are not just as educated if not more about the current state of affairs and economics on a macro scale.

Bwana DNA stick to your area of expertise for when it comes to shoes you must allow the cobbler the space and opportunity to do his work.

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Legendary Singer DNA Reacts To The ‘Maandamano’ Protests

Posted on by Dennis Elnino

The ongoing protests have roped in a perennial colloquy from netizens and celebrities. The interesting thing is that, most people who are involved aren’t giving a solution or a way of negotiating to end it all.

As a matter of fact, destruction of property was imminent in yesterday’s protests. I mean, who didn’t see it coming? And there’s high possibility that there would be more destruction in the upcoming protests.

Reactions

A couple of celebrities have reacted to the protests and shared their sentiments on what needs to be done. The likes of Huddah Monroe and Eric Omondi, and now DNA. According to Huddah, the protests are doing no one any good and won’t change a thing. She claims the high cost of living is part of the new world order, which is being embraced by The States.

DNA seems to support Huddah’s sentiments, and claims that they would not change anything in the economy.

The ‘Banjuka’ hitmaker notes that high cost of living is as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic which led the world into inflation saying then that holding protests against the rising cost of living does not make sense currently as it is a global issue not just in Kenya.

10 famous Kenyan personalities who quit drinking alcohol

Posted on by Gloria Katunge

Fame is like a two-sided coin, each side has its implications, some long-term others short-term.

Among its package is a celebrity lifestyle than many are usually not prepared for. Who soon after slide into habits that end up costing them a lifetime.

Alcoholism and drug abuse is one common characteristic that seems to cut across the board, whether female or male.

Not one, not two have opened up about their long battles with alcoholism, that saw them completely ditch the bottle.

Let’s start off;

1. Alex Mwakideu

The Milele FM presenter last month celebrated one year anniversary since quitting alcohol, a step he took in memory of his late mother, after 14 years of indulging in alcoholism.

Radio presenter, Alex Mwakideu with his mom

2. Wilbroda

The celebrated TV star, while marking 10 years of acting in Papa Shirandula in 2017, announced she finally quit drinking that had taken a toll on her.

Actress Wilbroda

3. Frasha

The award-winning rapper, born Francis Amisi expressed deep regret in wasting away 15 years of money in alcohol. After being inspired by this brother to do the ‘90 days without alcohol’ challenge that saw him completely give up the bottle in 2018.

Frasha supports King Kaka in impunity battle 'Wajinga Sisi'
Rapper Frasha

4. Nana Gecaga

President Uhuru’s niece, Nana would finish a crate of beer bottles in a day, in her early youthful life, something that nearly saw her family give up on her after several trips to rehabilitation centers.  She proudly marks 20 years alcohol-free.

Kenyan businesswoman and corporate executive, Nana Gecaga

5. Rapcha the Sayantist

The comedian and Hot 96 presenter long battle with alcoholism had gotten to the point that his kids would wipe vomit from his mouth. For him, quitting alcohol is the best decision he ever made.

Personality Rapcha the Sayantist

6. Natalie Tewa

The curvy travel and lifestyle vlogger, in September 2020 announced she had been 2-months alcohol-free and still is pushing on.

Vlogger, Natalie Tewa

7. Kabi WaJesus

Kabi was a heavy drinker and smoked cigarettes and bhang, things he was exposed to at a young age while living in Kayole, that nearly destroyed his health forcing him to give up the drink. Having given his life to Jesus in 2013, him and his wife have turned to non-alcoholic drinks.

The WaJesus couple

8. Ian Wafula

The BBC journalist on November 1, 2020 announced it had been 6 months free of alcohol and even though utterly clueless, he is loving the journey.

BBC´s Ian Wafula

9. DNA

The rapper, born Dennis Kaggia revealed that after hitting fame, peer pressure and the wrong group of friends, had seen him wreck cars and destroy relationships. But after his daughter was born, a different light was born within him.

Rapper, DNA

10. Jalang’o

The celebrated media personality promised to stop taking alcohol, courtesy of his close friend and colleague Alex Mwakideu on July 15, 2020 as they walk this alcohol-free journey together. Promises are there to be kept.

BFFs Jalang’o and Alex Mwakideu

There you have it!

Kenyan secular artists are getting saved for all the wrong reasons

Posted on by David Kingsley

Every now and then, you’ll hear that a certain secular musician has seen the light and crossed over to the gospel industry. I, however, doubt whether most of them are genuine.

First of all, most of them never have a backstory to their salvation. It’s an impulsive move in most cases. My assumption is that if you decide to get saved, there’s a series of events that led you there. You didn’t just wake up one morning and saw it fit to seek redemption.

Secondly, for most of these musicians, it’s a business move more than anything because you’ll never hear that so and so who is a secular musician saw the light and quit music or became a pastor. They always dash to the gospel industry which is often perceived as more profitable.

DNA’s collabo with Isaac Kahura and Kambua dubbed Mtoto Wa Sonko

You see, Kenya’s gospel industry was much bigger than the secular industry until recently. 5 or so years ago, at a time like now, the biggest hits in Kenya were gospel songs. Bahati, Willy Paul, DK Kwenye Beat, Mercy Masika, Gloria Muliro, etc ruled the airwaves.

If you remember, most secular artists got saved and switched to the gospel industry around this time. Interestingly, the secular industry started improving and somewhere along the way it overtook the gospel industry. But that’s a story for another day.

For a long time, the gospel industry was bigger because it had structures that were working. Simply put, it was more organized. That’s why award ceremonies such as Groove Awards are still relevant to date.

Sponsors could trust event organizers with funds. Artists also had faith in event organizers unlike the secular industry where you were likely to be swindled. And no, I don’t imply that people have never been conned in the gospel industry, the probability is just low.

At the end of the day, most artists got paid for their work. Then there’s the obvious fact that gigs were more because the gospel industry was bigger at the time. The likes of Bahati or Willy Paul had a show almost every weekend. This seems to have enticed their secular counterparts so much so that they decided to seek salvation.

Willy Paul performing before a huge crowd

Lastly, when you cross over to the gospel industry you are likely to grow your fan base. Think of it like this, gospel music cuts across demographics. Your song will definitely reach more people if you throw in the words ‘Jesus’ and ‘Bible’, so why not?

A gospel artist can also perform at both secular and gospel gigs whereas a secular artist is limited to secular gigs.

These are just some of the reasons why I feel that most secular artists were getting saved for all the wrong reasons. This theory is backed by the fact that most secular musicians who crossed over to the gospel side did not even last for long.

The gospel industry has an unwritten code of conduct, i.e. you are expected to behave in a certain way. When you switch to gospel you are expected to stop some things that you had gotten used to like partying. Some of them find it hard so the quit and go back to doing secular music.

DNG quit gospel music after he was photographed drinking on several occasions

What do you think? Leave a comment below.

Kenyan musicians whose songs all sound the same and what they need to do

Posted on by David Kingsley

There are some Kenyan musicians who sound the same on almost every song they release. Sometimes it’s so hard to tell whether you’ve listened to the song before or if it’s new.

In most cases, this affects artists who sing. Other music genres, for instance Hip Hop, is all about the flow, rhymes and the beat. As such, it’s hard to find two songs that sound the same unless all the aforementioned things are the same.

Several local musicians have been on the spot before for sounding the same on almost all their songs. I’m sure some of them are not even aware of this because let’s be honest, an artist is not the best judge of their own music.

Before he ventured into politics and took a backseat in making music, Jaguar, was often accused of copy pasting his songs. There was a common joke in the entertainment circles that he kept releasing the same song with different titles.

In his defense, Jaguar explained that his songs sound the same because they were done by the same person. He missed the point but that’s a story for another day.

Other local musicians who sound the same in every subsequent release are Nadia Mukami, Arrow Bwoy, DNA, Dufla, just to name a few.

The only Kenyan musician who has managed to get away with sounding the same is Jua Cali. He has been sounding the same way since he debuted in the local entertainment industry but most music fans don’t seem to mind.

Jua Cali

There’s no denying that all these musicians are talented. However, I’m sure most music fans would appreciate if they can tell their songs apart.

And no, I didn’t say they should swap their voices with other artists. Far from it. Instead, they should look for ways of adding flavour to their songs so that there is a clear distinction with every subsequent release.

So the question is, what should these musicians do? In my opinion one of the solutions to this is working with different music producers. Every producer has a unique style. As such, if the artists will be able to incorporate different elements into their music with every subsequent release.

The other solution is doing more collabos. This often works. Working with another artist will definitely vary thier songs. For instance, the could do a collabo with a rapper which will help break the monotony.

Lastly, they could explore other music genres. I’m sure many music fans appreciate versatile artists. By trying out other genres, they will be proving that they can think outside the box.

What are your thoughts on this? Leave a comment below.

 

And the drama continues! DJ Pinye responds to DNA’s diss track

Posted on by Martin Oduor

Veteran mix master DJ Pinye ruffled many people’s feathers when he revealed that he deliberately refused to play songs from some artistes.

The 48-year-old said some artistes dropped mediocre songs and as such wouldn’t bother playing the songs. He mentioned Khaligraph Jones and DNA among artistes he had blacklisted.

“There are artists whose music I did not play back in the days, including Khaligraph and DNA, but their careers have grown… I cannot play Lamba Lolo or New Position. DJs shouldn’t play mediocre music,” said DJ Pinye in an interview with NRG radio.

Diss track

DJ Pinye

DNA quickly dropped a diss track aimed at the veteran mix master following his remarks. DJ Pinye has since responded to DNA’s diss track.

Pinye however refuses to be embroiled in a beef with DNA, he says that he is too old to be bothered by artistes throwing tantrums.

“Good for him. He released a diss track but he even doesn’t know what I said. Whatever he was told that I said is not true. But all the same I’m good. Am too old to be bothered by such. This is not the first time anyway. As a matter of fact I have seen most of these artiste grow,” said DJ Pinye.

 

 

‘You are a dream breaker and you killed Elani’ DNA disses Pinye in new song after he called him “Mediocre”

Posted on by Pauline Syombua

Rapper DNA has fired more shots at veteran DJ Pinye who revealed that he didn’t play some Kenyan songs because the artists are mediocre.

In an interview with NRG, DJ Pinye said that artists like Ethic, Khaligraph Jones and DNA never got airplay from him because their music was substandard. The statement has angered many artists who have now turned the heat on him.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrFzBCxHAKt/

Dream killer

DNA has just released a diss track called “Kapinye” exposing him for being a “dream killer”.  On Instagram, the “Banjuka” artist has posted several statement dissing the DJ for not playing Kenyan music.

“Wah.Boss,you are 48.Do you know at your age, that you can be Lamba Lolo’s father-damn,even Khali’s father,but instead of encouraging them,you are trying to break them down?Hawa wasee wa Lamba Lolo ni wasee wa mtaa vi serious-would you prefer that they were robbing supermakets and getting killed by cops than doing music?Uko serious,ata kidogo?My song that you refused to play- Banjuka- is Kenya’s biggest pop hit EVER,period.A few months after you turned me down,me and my guys walked into Ogilvy and licensed the song for 100,000$. Yes.A hundred thousand dollars.For a “mediocre” song.And that was just the first deal.On God.I am so happy that you turned me down,because I was forced to learn marketing,and went on to have many,many hits.Without YOU.” he said in one post. 

Listen to the song below:

https://youtu.be/ZmEQ1Vibx9I

Nyakundi VS Akothee flaming beef forces singer DNA to cancel his music release

Posted on by Pauline Syombua

The on going beef between Akothee and controversial blogger Cyprian Nyakundi has made Kenyans drop whatever they were doing and just watch as the two tear each other apart.

The beef started after the blogger called Akothee an “old and spent cartridge” while asking Victoria Kimani to avoid hanging with her, get a man and start a family.

Pause

The two have gone on and one mocking each on social media as fans watched in amazement.

Rapper DNA was planning a comeback in the music industry but had to pause his move because of the fight.

He took to social media to share that the beef was so interesting that he had to push the release of his new music song to first follow what Akothee and Nyakundi will say to each other.

“I was thinking of releasing a new song today but this Cyprian Nyakundi Vs Akothee beef is too interesting, Acha kipindi  ipungue steam kidogo ….Waiter lete popcorn” wrote DNA.

Rest with the angels! Rapper DNA’s son finally laid to rest

Posted on by Pauline Syombua

Dennis Waweru Kagia popularly known as DNA and his family finally laid their son to rest yesterday as revealed.

The couple together with their family and friends gathered on 5th April to give their son his final send off. According to reports, the young Jamaal; a grade three student at Kitengela International school, met his untimely death after drowning in the school’s swimming pool.

Also read: Sad! Singer DNA loses 9-year-old son after drowning in school’s swimming pool

He was however pronounced dead after arriving at the Nairobi Women’s hospital in Lang’ata; where he was rushed to for treatment.

Funeral plans

Having come from a Christian and Muslim family, the late Jamal respect was accorded to both families. A tribute service was held at the Montezuma Chapel at 9.30am before heading to South C Mosque for final rights.

The 9 year old was later laid to rest at Langata cemetery.