This archive report was first published on 17 May 2020.
Keeping up with the Jones: High-flying VDj reveals what makes him tick ¶
Published on May 17, 2020, VDj Jones, a high-flying turntablist and music video director, has been making waves in the Kenyan music scene. In an exclusive interview with Pulse, Jones shares his passion for music, his experience playing local gigs, and his plans to take Kenyan music to the international front.
Jones, who graduated from Multimedia University with a degree in journalism, has been in the music industry for a while. He has ventured into music features and production, and has also directed several music videos. When asked what sets him apart from other DJs, Jones replied, 'My passion for music saw me set out to change everything. While I’m always hard at work to elevate in all aspects of my work, I also am in a constant quest to uplift my peers in the industry, be it DJs, video directors or musicians.'
On the disparity between playing locally and overseas, Jones shared, 'In all honesty, I have yet to play overseas. Nonetheless, my experience playing local gigs has been indelible. It entails learning the various demographics and their entertainment demands and serving them.'
When asked about the edge he has as a VDj over a DJ, Jones replied, 'Besides playing gigs, I have ventured out in video directing and production which is a whole other entity. Suffice to say, I have enjoyed every bit of it.'
Regarding the impact of the global pandemic on his work, Jones stated, 'Obviously, the pandemic has gravely hit the entertainment realm as a whole and the DJs are no exception. Given that clubs have had to close down and events are not viable, it is survival for the fittest until this grinds to a halt.'
On the topic of Gengetone, Jones shared, 'Much as Gengetone has been subject to overt scrutiny, we have lots to thank this new musical phenomenon for. Lots of the artistes have turned their lives around, put crime at bay and seen to it that they help those close to them.'
When asked about the Sh100 million government kitty for artistes, Jones replied, 'I have not received any amount of money from the kitty and I have no idea what criteria is being used to pick the ‘artistes’ to pay and the ones not to receive a dime. It is mind-boggling.'
Finally, Jones shared his bucket list, which includes taking Kenyan music to the international front and making the lives of a lot of youth better with the little he has on deck.
