Hustler: Eric Ekanya aka DJ Lex

DJ Lex on the job. Photo by Jonathan Kabugo

What do you do exactly?
Why did you choose that alias?

I had tried out quite a few and Lex is the one I felt. I’ve had others like DJ Eric and Lexy-J.

When did you realise you could handle the turntables?
Professionally about a year and a half ago, but I used to deejay in school because I was entertainment prefect at Kyambogo College. So I would say since high school.

When was your first big gig?
Early last year, I was a freelance DJ at Hooterz in UMA show grounds in Lugogo. Then I was upgraded to resident DJ because I was so ‘bad’. I’m currently playing for Virgin Island as resident DJ and Club Amnesia.

How much capital did you use to start your DJ unit?
It came up to a lump sum of Shs8.3m. I bought Pioneer turntables and a MacBook laptop. It was from my upkeep savings as a student, handouts from relatives and loans from close friends.

I started out on the low end till a friend recommended me to Hooterz.

Are there any challenges?
I don’t have challenges, it’s a smooth path.

What do thank the profession for?
I’m supporting myself and my family and my cousin’s children. I’m also not missing not having an office job.