From dark to lit: Meet man behind Nakuru’s wildest club lights

In a night club, a good time is almost always credited to the DJ. But behind the scenes at Space Next Door, Brian Muriithi is one of the key players, setting the mood one beam of light at a time.

Interestingly, Muriithi didn’t set out to be a lighting technician.

“I didn’t know much about lighting at first. A DJ friend approached me and asked if I could give it a shot. I had a background in DJing and some understanding of music flow, so it made sense. That’s how it all began,” he recalls.

With a passion for music and an ability to create ambiance, Muriithi quickly grew into his new role. 

"Lighting sets the whole vibe. It can lift energy during a drop or slow things down for a chill moment. People feel the mood shift without realizing it’s the lights doing the work,” he says. 

Despite the artistry involved, he admits the job doesn't always pay fairly. “The work is intense and requires focus, especially when syncing lights with music. But sometimes the pay doesn’t reflect that effort,” Muriithi adds.

According to him, his typical night starts around 9 or 10 p.m. and can stretch until 4 a.m. or later.

So how does he keep his energy levels up through the night?

“I sleep during the day so I’m not too tired. I also stay hydrated and, if needed, take an energy drink. But honestly, the music and crowd vibes keep me going.”

Muriithi finds creative satisfaction in his work, particularly during live sets. “It’s like I’m part of the performance. I love using moving heads and DMX strobes to guide the crowd’s attention whether it’s on the DJ, the dancers, or the buildup before a drop.”

But what are the challenges in this seemingly fun job?

One time the lights froze during a big party. I didn’t panic, just switched to backup lights, and fixed the issue while the crowd kept dancing. Most didn’t even notice.”

Although lighting wasn't part of his original dream, he once envisioned himself as a full-time DJ, but Muriithi has found his place in the entertainment scene.

“Seeing how lights change the atmosphere made me want to learn more. I love being part of something that makes people feel good,” he remarks.

Asked what his most memorable moment has been so far, Muriithi notes, “Once I timed the lights perfectly with a big drop, and the whole crowd went wild. The DJ even gave me a shout out. It felt great.”

Looking ahead, Muriithi sees growth, hoping to be part of bigger shows, concerts, and even festivals.

He envisions managing a full lighting team or running his own setup under his brand.