DK Kwenye beat: I am not Illuminati
DK Kwenye Beat whose revolutionary fusion of ‘Semben’ and ‘Kapuka’ genres of music has won him many fans and awards and have ensured that his music gets massive airplay on radio and TV stations across the gospel and secular divide making him a most versatile artiste. PHOTO/HUGHOLIN KIMARO
What you need to know:
- His first pay check for some work he had done for Hey Z helped him record his first video for the song ‘Naangalia Juu’ which won him a Groove award for the New Artist of the Year 2011.
- DK also denies living a double life following a drastic increase in his weight. He attributes his ballooning weight on too much meat and little exercise that saw his weight shoot to 120kg but he has began taking his health more seriously.
The name David Kilonzo may not ring any bells or attract any attention. However, his alias DK Kwenye Beat is a household name.
Having featured in the big concerts and tours across the country and the region, he is beloved for his unique take on gospel music.
His revolutionary fusion of ‘Semben’ and ‘Kapuka’ genres of music has won him many fans and awards and have ensured that his music gets massive airplay on radio and TV stations across the gospel and secular divide making him a most versatile artiste.
The 'Furi Furi' hitmaker draws his passion and inspiration from the call to influence the young generation through urban Gospel music.
The firstborn in a family of two, DK was born in Kikambuani, Kangundo near Misyani Girls High School in Machakos County 22 years ago. the young artiste has accomplished more than his older peers in the industry.
HUMBLE BEGINNING
DK remembers that when he was class seven, in 2004, in Komarock Primary School, he used to attend Sunday classes in Calvary Covenant Centre, Komarock and would sing very well.
As soon as he was through with class eight he had his first single G.O.D recorded. Asante Recorded volunteered and recorded the audio CD for him.
“After this I met other established artistes like Hey Z, DJ Mo, Alemba and DJ Sadiq and they helped me a lot. It was in 2009 at Kayole Deliverance Church. These are the people who inspired so much until I ended up becoming what I am today,” DK says.
His first pay check for some work he had done for Hey Z helped him record his first video for the song ‘Naangalia Juu’ which won him a Groove award for the New Artist of the Year 2011.
DK says he has faced a number of challenges in the music industry especially when he was new and starting out in the industry.
“Nobody knew me as an artiste. So it was difficult for people to take me seriously. Secondly, lack of resources to record and distribute my music. Thirdly, lack of airplay. Most radio and TV stations play the music by established artistes only. The upcoming ones have to struggle and take time to be featured by media houses,” DK said.
What DK says he knows is that whoever stands with God’s word will always succeed in life? “All good things come from God. Just trust in him and you will see change in your life. He is faithful to all those who believe in him and walk his path,’’ DK says with a lot of confidence.
The industry he claims is full of haters and detractors. He rubbishes the claims of those who have linked him to the cult.
He denies being in the cult and warns other artistes who may join the cult looking for quick fame and riches.
STRAIGHT AND NARROW
“The devil is very cunning. He will show you a few good things here and there to lure you into his kingdom and soon dump you. His things of are not durable and neither are they free. You will pay dearly for them! Many of those fellows talk of losing their loved ones like spouses, children or close relatives! What a price?”
DK also denies living a double life following a drastic increase in his weight. He attributes his ballooning weight on too much meat and little exercise that saw his weight shoot to 120kg but he has began taking his health more seriously.
“I am healthy, I spend about two hours in the gym everyday. Last year i weighed 120 kg and my efforts have paid off I am now 90 kgs. “
He has changed his diet to ensure that he keep the unwanted weight off.
“I do not eat red meat anymore. I only eat fish and chicken and do a lot of jogging to keep fit . I am just a moderate person I do not see the good life people say I live.”
As for mentoring young artistes, DK says he has not started yet. “I know I have those who look upon me as their role model. I have talked to several and they are doing well and whenever they need advice, I am available to them,” D.K says.
