TAKE5: Kitawi Mwakitele

Kitawi Mwakitele is the Managing Director of H.Y.P.E Kenya, an outfit that organises concerts and events. H.Y.P.E are behind major events on Kenya’s night scene such as the upcoming Tekno Miles concert, the Jidenna concert and Earthdance Nairobi.

1. How did Epic Nation/H.Y.P.E begin, and what are a few of the large concerts and events you guys have thrown?

Epic Nation started in 2012 as a clothing line with me and my partner DJ Creme as the brains behind it. We evolved into an entertainment outfit the following year as this was where our strength lay. As years went by, more and more opportunities came along that Epic Nation could not handle since it had a lot on its plate – and thus H.Y.P.E was born. The aim was to capitalise on those opportunities with me as the driving force. Some of the events we’ve thrown include Earthdance Nairobi, which we have done since 2015; the Hakuna Matata Festival, The Wave with Tekno Miles, and Sunglasses at Night.

2. Would you say that you love your job, or is this like any other, something that you do to make a living?

I love it, first because it enables me to meet people from all walks of life, a factor that helps me understand how to relate with people better. Second, it gives me a platform on which to grow the careers of upcoming musicians. Third, I get to travel a lot.

3. How does one succeed in this field particularly when the sector seems so saturated?

Studying and knowing your target audience is key with every gig. If you get your TA right, you will throw successful events, if you don’t, prepare for failure. Just because you can afford to bring in an artist doesn’t mean success is guaranteed. Factors such as sound and security need to be on point too because if they are not, your show will flop, and you will lose out on repeat clientele.

4. You have a hand in a couple of other businesses as well, which require you travel abroad often – drawing from what you have observed, is side hustling peculiar to Kenyans?

Besides my main business, I also consult for events and artists such as A.K.A, Nyashinski (THE G.O.A.T) and through my company, Golddust By HYPE, I’ve managed to do some behind the scenes work for Trevor Noah. I don’t think having many gigs or hustles is peculiar to Kenyans at all; it’s a world-wide thing.

5. Of the many places your work has taken you, what destination stands out? Have you ever considered living abroad?

Cape Town due to the weather and the sights mostly; the scenery is breathtaking. Depending on the opportunity, I could consider living in Kenya, but I love this country too much. As much as I love to explore, nothing beats the feeling of returning home to the familiarity that I’ve been accustomed to.