How Acting Introduced DJ Pierra Makena to Kenya’s Entertainment Industry

10 January 2024

[DJ Pierra Makena/Nairobi News]

Written by Pharis Kinyua

Join our Whatsapp Channel For the Latest News and Music

DJ Pierra Makena, a name synonymous with talent and versatility, has carved her niche as a celebrated Kenyan female disc jockey, actress, and brand manager. Her journey to where she stands today is marked by resilience, strategic career shifts, and an unwavering commitment to her craft. But how did she start her deejaying career?

In a candid interview with Hustle, DJ Pierra revealed that her initial career aspirations differed significantly from her current trajectory. Raised in a family where her father was a doctor, Pierra initially aspired to become a nurse, drawn to the idea of caring for others. However, her foray into the arts began during her school and church days, where her acting talent shone through.

Her breakthrough moment occurred during the Drama Festivals when she was spotted by someone from KBC, leading to a role in the show "Kisulisuli." The allure of being in front of the camera, the thrill of being directed, and the joy of seeing herself on screen ignited a passion that changed the course of her career. Acting became more than a hobby; it became a calling.

Promote Your Music on Mdundo Today

Balancing Act: Acting, Academia, and a Doorbell in Campus

While studying Communication in campus, Pierra continued her acting pursuits, featuring in "Kisulisuli." The financial perks of the role, with main characters earning between 10,000/- to 20,000/- per episode, provided Pierra, then 17, with financial independence. Her vibrant campus life even included the luxury of a doorbell in her room, a testament to her burgeoning success.

Pierra's choice of Communication as her academic pursuit was strategic. Recognizing the need for a backup plan, she believed that a background in marketing and public relations would complement her acting career, providing a sturdy foundation for her future endeavors.

From Actress to DJ

Driven by a desire to diversify her brand and connect more directly with people, Pierra made a pivotal career shift from acting to becoming a DJ. Starting as a Radio Host, she leveraged her growing popularity to venture into live DJ gigs. The transition, though challenging, brought a new dimension to her career, with the thrill of a full house dancing to her beats becoming a source of exhilaration.

Female DJs were not prevalent in Kenya at the time, but Pierra used this to her advantage, making sure her mixes were impeccable, her fashion sense on point, and adding a unique touch by dancing during her sets. This blend of skills and charisma made her stand out in a male-dominated industry.

Building the Pierra Makena Brand

As both an actress and a DJ, Pierra consciously crafted her brand identity. By infusing her unique personality into her acting roles and ensuring her voice, fashion, and overall style were unmistakably hers, she succeeded in building a brand that resonated with audiences. The world came to know her for who she was, a testament to the authenticity she brought to her work.

International Recognition

Pierra's big break as a DJ came with her first New York tour, initiated after being spotted by Nigerian producers during a show. Despite initial skepticism, she seized the opportunity. The tour, which included the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in New York, became a turning point in her career. While the payment of about $2000 was modest, the experience and the contacts made during the tour proved invaluable.

Challenges and Triumphs

Undeterred by challenges, Pierra shared an anecdote of arranging her tour during the NAFCA awards in Los Angeles. Exhausting yet enlightening, the tour involved performances in different cities, including Washington, Dallas, and San Francisco. The endeavor reached a turning point when she collapsed at the airport due to fatigue, highlighting the demanding nature of her commitment to her craft.

A particularly harrowing incident occurred during a hospitalization, where initial concerns about Ebola subsided once her Kenyan origin became known. This experience underscored the impact of fear and prejudice, shaping Pierra's perspective on empathy and understanding.

Motherhood For DJ Pierra

DJ Pierra's journey took a new turn with motherhood. Unexpectedly becoming pregnant, she faced societal shifts as a single woman in the entertainment industry. Determined to provide for her daughter, she decided to focus on a full-time job as a Brand Manager and Marketing Executive, seeking stability alongside her sporadic but lucrative DJ gigs.

Despite her numerous achievements, Pierra acknowledges that her journey is far from over. She continues to work hard, apply herself, and set her sights on new goals. As DJ Pierra Reloaded prepares to grace stages once again, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists in Kenya and beyond.

Meanwhile, Check Links Below and Learn about Mdundo:

Join our WhatsApp channel to Receive latest news, New MP3s & DJ Mixes

Top 100 Songs Mdundo

Promote your songs on Mdundo and make more money

Mdundo Hausa

DOWNLOAD LATEST TOP 10 SONGS OF 2023 MP3

1. Enjoy ft Diamond Platnumz Jux

7.Nobody ft Bien Soul - Darassa

Quick Links

Daily Mixes

DOWNLOAD LATEST BONGO MUSIC MP3

DOWNLOAD LATEST TZ MUSIC MP3

DOWNLOAD LATEST BEST SONGS 2024 MP3

DOWNLOAD LATEST TOP 10 SONGS OF TODAY MP3

How Acting Introduced DJ Pierra Makena to Kenya’s Entertainment Industry

Leave your comment

Weekly Top 10 songs

Top stories