She is Uganda’s youngest and rising female deejay. Namiiro Kathlynn Ann was part of the Djs who joined the race to become Uganda’s best DJ in 2017 when UG Mix Maestro organized a special contest to recognize and celebrate exceptional local talent in deejaying.
The UG Mix Maestro contest which made tours across the country did its best in trying to discover and recognize talent on top of setting up a foundation to professionalize the Ugandan DJ industry.
Eventually, several DJs were recognized for their contribution in Uganda’s music industry among them, 23-year-old Cathy whom SoftPower News caught up with and decided to take us through her journey briefly.
Who is DJ Cathy?
My real names are Namiiro Kathlynn Ann, a very social and outgoing person with great love for music. I don’t know how well to say it but to me, music is my drug in daily life.
I am a second-year student at Makerere University Business school pursuing a Bachelors of Business Administration.
What took you into music?
I started in 2010 when I had so much love for music. On realizing this, I joined Kampala music school for a short modular training in keyboarding. Slowly by slowly, I was redefining my future in the music world and during my Senior Six vacation, there was nothing much I could do besides music.
I continued with my keyboard alongside an ICT course at Makerere university which actually helped me master most of the deejaying software and it was just a matter of time for me to begin my game.
I became very conversant with my ICT skills with good working knowledge in networking and programming which helped me master further some of the deejaying software.
So, when did you start out as DJ then?
It was in 2015 around September at Club establishment where I used to do my hustle from. My First exposure as a DJ was in 2015 around September at club silk, that’s when I got discovered by Club Establishment next to Guvnor where I worked for six months as I pruned my skills further.
I would play alongside established DJs who helped me out in the game and by the fall of 2016 I was at the peak of the game.
What was you first paid up gig and where was it?
My first official gig was at Establishment Club. Trust me the money was fair though I can not share. However, whatever came in between that time was a good take home. For example, in 2016, I played at the ladies’ affairs at Kyadondo, then moved on to Sheraton and Club Play for the Hallowen among other events and regional tours.
What prompted you into music and specifically Deejaying?
I come from a musical family. They know and love music especially reggae, and because of their support and my passion, it was more of a walk over for me to be where I am today.
Who inspires you?
I was really inspired by a number of international dejaays who have mastered the art – Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, professionally known as DJ Cuppy, from Nigerian, DJ Q-bert ,DJ Snake, DJ Alison wonderland, and DJ Angelo among others.
Are you inclined to any specific music genre while in club?
Not really, I play all genres simply because, I am a mainstream and house DJ. As a DJ, you will always have your best selection based on the crowd but remember some fans will always pop up at the DJ box and place in their request which you have to cue in the system. It’s a good feeling to play all these mixed genres as long as it’s fun and outgoing.
What’s your rating for the Ugandan music industry?
I love the fact that Ugandan music is progressing. Soon, we will be at the level of Nigeria and many other African countries that are minting cash from this art. I think we are on the right path.
If you love music and really want to catch up on the vibes of DJ Cathy, you can catch up with her at Liquid Silk Naalya and Kellagram Silent discoz.
