What is your name?
My name is Moses Owiti but Deejay Sharq is my stage name, aka the Big Fish
Where were you born?
I am a Kenyan born in Yala division, Gem constituency and Siaya County in western Kenya.
What is your family background?
My dad is a polygamist and my mum is the youngest wife, with me as her only child. There are four boys and one girl from another wife. Both my mums are businesswomen and my retired dad is farming in the village.
Which schools did you attend?
I attended Joseph Kange Primary School in Nairobi, class eight in Ochol Primary School in Nyando district, Thurdibuoro High School in Paponditi Nyando district, KIU for Access Programme then I pursued a degree in journalism and communication still at KIU. I graduated in 2009 with an Upper Second degree.
Why did you choose to be a deejay yet there are ‘better’ careers in limelight industry?
I did not choose to be Deejay, I wanted to be a radio presenter and I worked at Hearts FM, KIU radio before it was closed. I went to UBC for a Dance Force show with Bob G and I am still doing the show. Then I ventured into club as opportunities were scarce but I kept on working hard with hope of getting spots and I still chase the dream.
What are the challenges you have encountered in the struggle to be who you are now?
There are so many challenges in the Deejay industry. Ugandan industry is not well structured in terms of recognition and payment compared to my country Kenya; equipment like laptops, Mbs for downloading music from the internet, transport costs, lack of respect for Deejays as most people, especially parents, view us as people who lost focus. We are seen as people who do drugs and sex workers that’s all. This has tarnished our reputation before everyone.
How are you paid?
Poor payments have forced us to work in so many night clubs and bars, TVs and radio stations in order to make ends meet since we are paid according to hours worked.
What have you achieved in this job so far?
I have been able to build a house for my mum in the village, bought my self-equipment and a car; I pay rent and buy other basic needs. Besides that, I have made many friends, visited many countries and districts, got platform to play music for both national and international artistes on the same stage, recognized by different media houses like NBS, Galaxy FM and Life among others. And all this has pushed me to the limelight.
What are your future plans?
In future I want to do big promotional events both locally and internationally and own a big entertainment company. Good enough bar, club and company owners have started recognizing deejays importance so I am sure deejays will get good money just like their colleagues in other countries.
How do you survive those ‘yummy’ club girls?
The girls are yummy and if you do not practice, you may be soon gone. But if you have displine you can conquer the odds. You have to be careful because these days there are parasites. The truth is those babes are daring however much we try to resist. I survive by taking selfies with them only for Facebook likes, you know girls. But other issues, “no way”.
How are you different from other deejays?
By creating my own style of play, understanding more genres, when to play, how to drop and make people dance, the energy I out on set, love and passion drives it all. Creating a fan base on social media; giving out t-shirts, mix tapes and interacting with the fans on daily basis. My attire is blonde hair, my identity and logo and how I behave while on duty by keeping it professional.
Why did you choose to establish yourself as a Deejay in Uganda and not in Kenya?
I chose to stay here because I see potential; there is demand for the game and opportunities are opening up day by day; it has been an untapped industry and not fully explored unlike in my country.
People say you are Deejay Nimrod’s brother, what do you say about it?
Deejay Nimrod is my ‘brother’ from another mother. He has helped me establish a lot; he taught me how to play Ugandan music and how to mix it and through him I became star. That is why I call him brother. He acts like a guardian in Uganda and I owe him a lot. He has been there for me in good and bad times and I salute him. He is the one man I would donate my kidney if in case of need.
What club brought you to the limelight?
Las Vegas that is owned by Charles Muhangi, the former rally driver and owner of Horizon buses. I played there from 2007-2013 then I moved to Club Venom. Being pioneer Deejays gave us a platform because it was the first microbrewery club in Kampala.
You married?
No, but I am dating a beautiful girl though I will not mention her name.
Why do most deejays live reckless lifestyle?
Excitement, exposure, quick money, lots of women who envy them, drugs and alcohol drives them. They do not save or plan for the future since they can make quick money, just in hours.
Which female celebrity do you have a crush on?
If I was to date a Ugandan female artiste, I think I would go for Grace Nakimera because she’s cool.
Why do people call you Big Fish?
Big Fish entertainment is a label where I belong and I have few Deejays in my team.
What is the craziest thing you will never forget in your life?
The day my girlfriend had a fight in club with a fan who had come to the Deejay box to request for a song. She boxed me as well.
