Ugandan DJ to share African tunes with Europe

The popular Ugandan DJ told Music In Africa that his ultimate goal since deciding to become a professional DJ was to play for international audiences.

“When I first began as a DJ, the industry was crowded and I knew that to make it I had to be different,” he said.

“Since all other DJs were competing for the local limelight, I decided to go for the diaspora market, which was a smart move because it opened up endless possibilities and connections for me.”

In a setting where African DJs are fast becoming musical exports, Erycom has branded himself as a DJ who strictly plays African music – 70% of which is Ugandan.

“My music selection makes me sellable to the diaspora audience because event organisers and Africans abroad crave for pure African sounds,” he said.

“I have had tours across the continent but the audience is never as enthusiastic as those in the diaspora.”

Erycom, who has played his mixes in 33 countries, says most Uganda DJs are yet to attain national or regional recognition because the local industry is overcrowded.

“There is a rapid growth in the number of DJs in East Africa. Uganda alone houses more than 100 000 DJs, yet only about 20 are well known,” he said.

Erycom says he’s satisfied with playing other artists’ music. He says he would much rather see songs go viral than produce his own.

Erycom's Europe tour dates: are as below:

• 24 March: Amsterdam, the Netherlands with David Lutalo, YkeeBenda, Weasel, SpiceDiana and Geosteady.
• 30 March: Stockholm, Sweden.
• 28 April: London, England.

Here's a throwback to one of Erycom's 2012 mixes: