Before Gospel: DJ Mo Reveals Betty Bayo’s Never Before Known Secret Career

In a candid session of the newly launched DaddyXMo Podcast, celebrated Kenyan decks master DJ Mo shared a surprising chapter of history regarding the early career of gospel star Betty Bayo.

Speaking with his co-host and long-time friend, Daddy Owen, Mo revealed that before the "11th Hour" singer found fame behind a microphone, she was actually one of his students behind the turntables.

The revelation came during the podcast’s debut episode, "The Genesis," where the two icons discussed their 20-year journey in the gospel industry.

The atmosphere was relaxed, with the duo sharing stories over a meal of cassava, but the conversation took a poignant turn as they remembered Bayo following her recent passing.

A Basement Beginning

DJ Mo took fans back to his early days at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi. At the time, he ran a small DJ school called System Unit out of a basement studio.

He recalled the space being incredibly hot, as they did not have enough money for a fan, but it was there that a young Betty Bayo first approached him.

"One day, I saw this girl enter the studio. She told me, ‘Hi Mo, I follow you... I would like to be a DJ'," Mo recounted during the episode. Bayo joined the class and quickly began to master the craft.

"I trained her to be a DJ. She used to be a DJ before she was a musician,” he added.

From the Decks to the "11th Hour."

According to the sources, Bayo did not just learn for fun; she actually worked as a DJ. Mo noted that she would often travel to Kikuyu for gigs at churches and weddings.

It was during this period that she began to develop her vision for a career as a recording artist.

ALSO READ: Kenyan Celebrities' Emotional Tributes to the Late Betty Bayo

Eventually, Bayo transitioned into singing, releasing her breakout hit song, "11th Hour." Mo explained that many fans only came to know her through her music, unaware of her skills as a disc jockey.

A Bond Beyond the Industry

The friendship between DJ Mo and Betty Bayo spanned many years, evolving into a deep family connection. Mo shared that he was present for major milestones in her life, including her traditional wedding to her husband, Tash.

"We have been good friends for so many years. We became so tight that even our families were close," Mo told Daddy Owen.

He mentioned that his wife and children were also part of this circle, often working on advertisements together with Bayo’s family.

Legacy and Impact

Reflecting on her passing, DJ Mo described the sadness of attending her burial at Ndumberi. He spoke warmly of her role as a mother, noting that she was very "tight" with her children and had even taught them the importance of fasting and the word of God.

Mo’s ability to train Bayo is part of a larger legacy of mentorship. According to him, he has trainednot less than 500 DJs through his academy, with students now working across regions like Nakuru, Mombasa, and Kisii.