DJ Plato: Balancing the hustle—events and Decks

Nakuru’s vibrant creative scene is steadily producing new talent, and among those carving a unique path is Aziz Mola commonly known as DJ Plato, a rising Afro house DJ whose journey into music has been shaped by both passion and practicality.

‎‎Mola, who describes himself as a creative at heart, says his interest in music has always been a part of him. However, his transition into DJing was sparked by a mix of curiosity and business sense, as he is one of the curators for Naxouse. 

‎“You can’t always keep paying DJs for events, especially when you need several of them. I thought, why not learn the skill myself? Though I had started while on campus using my phone” he explains.

‎Starting as an event organizer, Mola saw DJing as an extension of his work within the entertainment space. He notes that being surrounded by creatives played a significant role in nurturing his craft. 

‎“DJing is about depth in music. People come for the kind of sound you curate, and I’ve always had a taste for unique music,” he adds.

‎‎Specializing in Afro house, Mola highlights the importance of reading the audience and maintaining a consistent tempo, a hallmark of electronic music. While he admits he is still refining his ability to navigate different musical styles, he credits constant practice and seizing every opportunity to perform as key to his growth.

‎‎Like many self-taught DJs, Mola has faced notable challenges. Access to professional equipment remains a major hurdle, particularly in Nakuru where high-end DJ decks are not widely available. 

‎“Most of the Afro house scene relies on advanced equipment, not laptops. Getting access to that has been a challenge,” he says, noting that he often had to hire gear or learn through exposure at events.

‎‎Limited performance opportunities in Nakuru also posed a barrier, though the situation is gradually improving as more events emerge. Mola has since expanded his reach, performing in cities like Nairobi and Eldoret, experiences he says have significantly boosted his exposure.

‎‎Beyond DJing, Mola balances a career in public relations and communication alongside managing Naxouse, an events and creative platform he co-founded. He believes DJing has strengthened his network, allowing him to connect more deeply with other artists and industry players.

‎‎Looking ahead, Mola hopes to perform at major events across Kenya and eventually tour East Africa. He is also passionate about giving back by creating opportunities for upcoming DJs. 

‎“I want to bridge the gap, especially in access to equipment and exposure,” he says.

‎‎He further envisions the development of dedicated Afro house venues in Nakuru, spaces designed for intimate, high-quality music experiences. “We need environments built for the culture, where creatives can truly express themselves,” he notes.

‎‎For Mola, DJing remains both a passion and a journey of exploration. “It’s something I love doing. I just want to keep pushing and see how far it takes me.”