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Today, we are diving into the journey and experiences of renowned Bulawayo DJ Kananjo (real name Innocent Mpofu).
Starting off as a sound engineer, the DJ’s break into the nightclub scene was in 2009 after working with legends such as DJ Scooby and meeting up with Babongile Skhonjwa. Since then, he has performed at various prominent venues in Zimbabwe including Cosmopolitan Club, Ivy League, Bar La Bhala, Club 4040, The Lounge and Eden Night Club, among many others.
In 2016, he relocated to Botswana where he served as a sound engineer and resident DJ at Pabloz Executive Lounge until 2021. He is now back in Zimbabwe where he is the resident DJ at Olympus Nightclub and other popular chill spots in Bulawayo.
DJ Prince Eskhosini had a chat with DJ Kananjo to find out more about his journey and experiences in the music industry. Below is the interview.
Q: How did your interest in sound music begin, and what sparked your journey as a DJ?
A. I can say I was more interested in sound than music, hence I was a sound engineer before I became a DJ. My interest in sound and music began in 2005 at Providence Films and Sounds, where I started as a sound engineer and part-time DJ. Working with audio equipment and being immersed in the music scene likely ignited my passion for deejaying.
Q. Can you tell us about your experience at Providence Films and Sounds?
A. My journey at Providence Films and Sounds began while I was helping with sound at the church I attended then, Revival Centre Ministries. Mr Jomo Mhone, the owner of Providence Films, visited the church to provide a quotation for new sound equipment. He then suggested I undergo six months of training in sound engineering, which I eagerly accepted. After completing the training, he offered me the opportunity to finish the full course and three months later, I was employed by the company.
During my time at Providence Films and Sounds, I worked on a wide range of events, from big shows, galas and church conferences to small house parties and weddings. These experiences were the highlights of my time there.
My role as a part-time DJ began out of necessity when other DJs didn’t show up for events like house parties and weddings. I had to fill in, doubling up as both a sound engineer and a DJ. This dual role allowed me to hone my skills and fuelled my passion for deejaying.
Q. What was it like working with legends like DJ Scooby and meeting Babongile Skhonjwa, and how did they influence your career?
A. My journey as a DJ truly took shape in 2009 when I joined Kudu Bar. Collaborating with the Ballers League (a group founded by Babongile Sikhonjwa and the late DJ Gunz in 2004 that was famed for organising shows and hosting parties in Bulawayo alongside DJs Kead Wikead, and Slamma) and working alongside DJs Kead Wikead, Slamma, and the late legend DJ Gunz significantly influenced my career and helped me develop my skills. Babongile, the energetic MC I frequently encountered at events, became a friend through our work together.
After my time at Providence, it was him who introduced me to the Ballers League, helping to further shape my career. DJ Scooby was an inspiration to me. Although I wasn’t initially focused on deejaying, he helped me a lot with the sound engineering side of things.
Q. How did your collaboration with the Ballers League shape your DJ career?
A. When I joined the Ballers League, I hit the ground running. Initially brought in as the team’s sound engineer, I gradually began to DJ here and there. As my confidence grew, I believe the team also began to trust me more. I learnt a great deal from the passion, crowd control, creativity and self-confidence exhibited by all three DJs. Each of them brought a unique skill set to the table, which I deeply appreciated and sought to learn from. I can confidently say that without the Ballers League, I wouldn’t be the DJ I am today. My heartfelt respect goes out to the late DJ Gunz.
Q. Take us through your journey from 2012 to 2019, playing at various clubs like Bar La Bhala, Club 40 40, Ivy League, Jock & Saddle, Eden Night Club, The Lounge, Cosmopolitan and BAC. What were some highlights and challenges during this time?
A. It was a time of learning and hard work. As a DJ, I knew there was much more I needed to master. Each club had its challenges and rewards; sometimes it felt more like a job than simply enjoying deejaying. The highlight of that period was Eden Nightclub, where DJ Slamma and I became resident DJs and revitalised its former glory. After Eden, BAC became significant because it marked a point where I started to establish myself more independently as a DJ.
Q. How did your experience as a sound engineer and resident DJ at Pabloz Executive Lounge in Francistown, Botswana, impact your skills and career?
A. Going to Botswana I would say helped me gain understanding that music unites all cultures. On the DJ side of things, my mind was open to different types of genres or should I say music styles. As a sound engineer, it’s always a nice challenge being in a new environment and finding out what works so you can have that perfect good quality sound all the time.
Q. How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect your work, and what led you to return to Zimbabwe in December 2021?
A. The entertainment industry took the hardest hit during the pandemic, being the first to close and the last to re-open. For a while, I found myself jobless and stranded in a foreign country. Fortunately, my IT qualifications came to the rescue, allowing me to navigate through this challenging period. After enduring the effects of Covid-19, I longed to return home. During this time, I focused on rebuilding myself, much like everyone else affected. I took on roles at various clubs and bars, including returning to Pabloz when it re-opened. Around September to November 2022, I received a call offering me a job back home. It was a perfect opportunity and timing, as I had been missing home after spending many years away.
Q. You are a resident DJ at Cafe Baku, Grey’s Inn and The Olympus Lounge. What’s your experience been like playing at these venues, and what’s next for DJ Kananjo?
A. Coming back home has been a joyous experience for me. Returning to Café Baku and Greys Inn feels familiar, as I had worked there before. However, the real challenge has been at the new Olympus Lounge. Building the club’s clientele from scratch to where it stands now has been a significant endeavour. I’m grateful for the support of the Olympus team; together, we are making steady progress. Looking ahead, my goal for this year is to solidify my presence and establish myself more firmly in the industry. In 2025, I plan to assess my progress and chart the next steps for my career.
Q. How do you see the deejaying scene evolving in Zimbabwe, and what advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs?
A. The rapid evolution of DJ technology is exciting, and I hope all DJs can embrace and enjoy the new advancements in creating music and deejaying. While technology continues to advance, I believe it’s essential for DJs to always learn and master the basics. Regardless of technological changes, these fundamentals remain crucial and timeless in deejaying.
Q. Looking back on your journey, what are some of the most memorable moments or gigs that stand out to you?
A. Every step has felt like an event in itself. From shows and events to galas, DJ battles and playing both locally and internationally, I am grateful to God for blessing me with these experiences. Each moment has shaped me and contributed to my growth as a DJ.
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