Hyken
What Do DJ'S Actually Do? ft. Hyken
If you've ever looked at a DJ booth and wondered, “What are they actually doing with all those buttons?” — this episode is for you.
Today, I’m joined by Mwetti and Louie — two Kenyan-born DJs now based in Leeds — who attempt to teach me how to mix, beatmatch, add effects and transition… with very mixed results (pun intended).
Engineers by Day, DJs by Night
Both of them are currently studying engineering:
Mwetti – Chemical Engineering (Master’s year)
Louie – Structural Engineering
But music has always been part of their identity. Before DJing, they were in:
a band (piano, guitar, drums)
the choir
school events and performances
So DJing became the next natural step.
Their first set?
A tiny beginner controller they bought on a drunk night after a house party. No plan — just vibes.
So… What Do DJs Actually Do?
The boys broke it down for me live:
Beatmatching
Matching the BPM (beats per minute) of two different songs so they blend smoothly.
Cueing
Listening to the next track in your headphones and finding the right moment to drop it.
Effects
Reverb, echo, filters — basically how DJs make transitions spicy.
Crossfading
The actual switch from one song to the next.
From High School in Kenya to DJ Duo in Leeds
They met in high school back in Kenya, and the first time they ever interacted was… chaotic. Allegedly, Louie stole Mwetti’s juice at football training (Louie denies this).
Years later in Leeds, they randomly hopped on someone else’s decks at a house party. It wasn’t perfect, but it sparked something.
Soon after:
they bought their first controller
practised endlessly
built their brand
Their DJ name HYKEN stands for Hybrid Kenya — representing their blend of Kenyan roots and UK influence.
What Is Kenya Known For Musically?
As a Nigerian, I always feel like we carry Afrobeats heavily, and South Africa has Amapiano. But Kenya? I wanted to know what they’re pushing.
They explained Kenya’s biggest genres right now:
Gengetone / Gengetrap
Afro-trap
Kenyan R&B
And of course, icons like Sauti Sol
Their goal is to champion Kenyan music in the UK scene — to bring their sound into student parties, clubs and events.
Missing Home & Building a New One
Even though they’re building a life in the UK (study, work, DJing), Kenya is still home. They miss family, friends and the community.
But Leeds has also given them:
opportunities to perform
a growing DJ network
a multicultural crowd that embraces Kenyan sounds
Advice for Anyone Who Wants to Start DJing
Their message:
“Don’t do it for clout. Do it for the love of music.”
And also:
start with your laptop
practise beatmatching
don’t overthink it
nothing happens overnight
consistency always wins
And when you feel like quitting — give it a bit more time.
Follow the DJs
Instagram: @hyken_djs
