Why DJ Pierra Makena Prioritizes Kenyan Music in Her Sets

DJ Pierra Makena isn't just known for her vibrant sets behind the decks; she's also a vocal advocate and passionate player of Kenyan music.

Acknowledging her identity as a DJ, Makena, during an exclusive interview with Mpasho at the launch of the new reality TV Show, The Mommy Club NBO, spoke about her deep connection to the local music scene.

 She revealed that this is not just her personal preference but also a dedication to showcasing Kenyan talent to the world.

For Makena, Kenyan music isn't just another genre; it's something that deeply resonates with her on a personal level. She described it as having a quality that "just jazzes me".

When asked about Kenyan music, she expressed genuine affection, stating, "I love love Kenyan music". She finds a unique beauty in it, reflecting on its characteristics in a way that suggests an almost intangible charm.

While she might not be able to articulate it technically ("I don't even know how to"), she feels it deeply, emphasizing, "I mean it's just beautiful music".

This personal appreciation translates directly into her professional life. As a DJ, Makena makes a conscious effort to incorporate Kenyan music into her sets. More than just playing a track or two, she highlighted a specific approach:

"If I go to a club, definitely you'll see me, you hear me play music, and you see me get down to it," she said.

This isn't a reluctant inclusion; she is visibly moved by and enjoys playing the music herself. She even noted a strategy, stating, "By the time I come to a beat, I've already exhausted my Kenya music."

This suggests she often prioritizes playing local tracks, possibly early in her sets, ensuring they get airtime before moving on to other genres.

Makena has observed a powerful connection between Kenyan music and its audience. She's come to realize, "every time I go play that kind of music anywhere, people love it". This isn't limited to specific venues or crowds; she has found this reception to be consistent.

She emphatically stated, "Kenyans love their music", recognizing a collective appreciation that fuels her own passion for playing it. For her, playing Kenyan music isn't just about entertainment; it's about "representing" the local sound.

Delving into her current playlists, Makena shared some of the Kenyan artists she is particularly enjoying right now. While she mentioned loving "every" Kenyan artist, she singled out a few current favourites.

She revealed, "At the moment I'm a huge and dying fan of Nyashinski".

Her admiration for Nyashinski runs deep; she described him as so talented and noted, "I've been playing his music for a long time".

Makena considers herself a long-time supporter, adding that Nyashinski "knows I've been a fan from years back". This long-standing appreciation continues, as she proudly declared, "Even right now, I'm still glad and a super fan". In addition to Nyashinski, she also mentioned being big on Bien as well.

Her love for Kenyan music appears to be a cornerstone of her identity as a DJ and a public figure.

In essence, Pierra Makena's relationship with Kenyan music is one of deep appreciation, active promotion, and recognition of the strong bond between the music and the people it represents.

Her commitment to playing local sounds and celebrating artists like Nyashinski and Bien underscores her role not just as an entertainer but as a champion for Kenya's vibrant musical landscape.