Bringing two very different sounds to the stage is British Caribbean, Underground Specialist DJ and Percussionist, Kai The Guy who is a 26-year-old Disc Jockey that’s supported the likes of Dennis Ferrer and the Mambo Brothers.
One side of DJ Kai’s repertoire is the ‘electronic side’ in which he explores with the likes of House, Garage, Break Beat, and Jungle, whilst his other ‘live side’ brings with it Funk, Soul, Disco, Reggae, Motown, Afro Beat and music from around the world which are incorporated into Kai’s live percussion performances.
We caught up with DJ Kai, who is originally from Maidstone but has lived in Herne Bay for the last two years, to find out a little bit more about his career and advice for those budding young DJ’s and musicians.
DJ, Percussionist, Hype Man, and owner of a painting and decorating business, Kai has his hands full most of the time, be it with a drumstick or paintbrush, and splits his time playing in nightclubs/bars and outdoor festivals with more quaint local gigs at pubs, bistros, gastros and intimate bars, as well as working as a Radio DJ on various online radio stations.
Speaking about some of his experiences within the music industry, like performing early in his career in front of 300 people, Kai tells us: “I’ve been support for Dennis Ferrer, Mambo Brothers, and have performed alongside DJ Luck & MC Neat, DJ Fen & MC DT to name a few.
“I’ve had residencies with The Garagehouse where I current host a monthly show, Just Vibes Radio, Founded_, The Garden Project and played with likes of The Petty Thieves, Clea Llewellyn and jammed with Gregg Kofi Brown from Osibisa.”
What advice would you give DJ’s and musicians just starting out in their field?
“Stay in your own lane, follow your heart, dreams and gut feelings. Try not to compare yourself to other artists and to always believe in yourself even if others don’t. Stay true to yourself as everyone’s uniquely talented in their own way which is what enables that diversity within the music industry.”