ONE ON ONE WITH DNA
Mon, 07 Dec 2009
One on One with DNA
NAIROBI - DNA's (Denis Kaggia) burst into the Kenyan music scene was not like most in the industry. In 2007, not only did he have the biggest song in the country (Banjuka) topping radio charts and clubs but also had the President's political party PNU use it as their campaign song (watch video from 0:54). He literary made millions of shillings on just that single. His drinking habbits had degenerated into an alcohol addiction and a life full of partying and women. He even recorded a few other singles as recent as February 2009. But all this changed in April 2009 when he got saved. We asked him a few questions as we premiere his new music video called "Mtoto wa Sonko" done with Kambua and Isaac Kahura.

How did you get saved?
I had being struggling with alcoholism which most people did not know. My drinking problem started when I was about 15 (he's 27 now). I was depressed and lacked meaning and purpose in life. I had lots of questions that I could not get answers to. In the drinking, I got involved in several car accidents. Like one where I fell asleep while driving at Museum Hill roundabout. I had also developed stomach ulcers and was in and out of the hospital. As soon as they would heal, I was back into the alcohol. I was tired of that lifestyle. So in April 2009, I locked myself up and asked God "If you remove this (addiction) from me, I'll serve You forever". Also, having being brought up in a Christian environment, I knew the sinner's prayer. I said it and accepted Jesus Christ.

How has the transition from your former habits been like?
After getting saved, I was double minded for a minute. I did not have a drink from that day although I did cigarettes up until May 2009. I was also getting invites to perform in places such as Germany and Switzerland and the doubts (about my salvation) from the music industry were not helping either. However, I made a deliberate effort to live my life in the right direction. I started going to rehab for counselling sessions once a week, was talking with my parents once again and also started removing some friends that were swaying me in the wrong direction.

What advice would you give to gospel artists that go back to the world?
It is unfortunate that some artists go back. The church hummers them and they go back to seek refuge in the only other place they know. The Word of God should be their guide. They will then grow deeper in their faith. Me, I am not going back!

Have you spoken with your cousin DNG?
I talk to DNG alot and I love the guy to death. I just feel like some of the older Christians persecuted him, like they did to me. I believe it is not for us to decide or judge. He is currently involved in educating the youth about risky sexual behavior.

Who's being reaching out to you in the Gospel industry?

Isaac Kahura, Mr Googz, he's on fire for Christ!

When was your first Gospel concert?
This was with Maximum Melodies at their Rod and Fire conference on 29th November 2009. I will be with them again for their conferences in Mombasa from 11th December 2009.


Are you working on an album and who would you like to collaborate with?
Yes, I am working to finish my album on 19th January 2010 which is also my birthday. I am hoping to probably do a project with Esther Wahome as well as Juliani, Jimmie Gait, Allan Aaron, R-Kay and another with Kambua.

Tell us briefly about your Banjuka Foundation
This is a foundation educating the young people about the dangers of drug abuse and alcohol before they actually start doing them. The prevention is easier than the rehab.

And how can one partner with the organization?
I would like institutions to avail their calendars and open doors for us to visit their schools and talk to their students. We're not even asking for money from them. I am also asking cell groups from the local churches to start discussions with their youth as they need a place to open up about their problems.

Tell us about your debut Gospel project "Mtoto wa Sonko"
"Mtoto wa Sonko" means "Child of a rich person", in other words, I am a child of my rich Father in heaven. I did not want a party song and wanted a song where I could convey the message clearly. Infact, I am not much into doing gigs as I am about educating the youth. I did it with Isaac Kahura who I met at a party and Kambua who was in the same college as I was.
 

VIDEO: DNA feat Kambua and Isaac Kahura - Mtoto wa Sonko

 

DNA

10 Random questions for DNA
1.  Ugali or Chapati?  Chapati
2.  Matatu or Nissan?  Nissan
3.  US or UK? US
4.  Pulse or Buzz?  Buzz
5.  Kirk Franklin or Mary Mary?  Kirk Franklin
6.  Shoes or Clothes?  Shoes
7.  Hip Hop or Ragga?   Hip Hop
8.  NTV or KTN?   NTV
9.  Black or White?  Black
10.Beauty or Brains?   Brains

Any last words and message for Christians in general?
The world is not going to change in a way to accommodate us. Get someone who you can share with to make you stronger. If after this album I end up being a preacher don’t be surprised.
As for a lady in his life, he says "I am a blank page waiting for God to write on it".

DNA Contacts

This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or send him a message on his Facebook profile
Visit his Banjuka foundation's website www.banjuka.com (under construction)
 

Download his new single Mtoto wa Sonko here http://www.kenyandownloads.com/dna

» 14 Comments
at Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:501   by Jamo
Nice song! I like the random questions. Big up DNA
at Wed, 09 Dec 2009 15:122   by friend
Good story about your turn of life. I pray that the way you lead many to satan's camp with your song you will do the same to Christ.
at Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:343   by Carey
I love that song, its awesome cant get enuff of it. N salvation is the best choice u eva made. May God keep u strong
at Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:324   by mystadee
Uko juu men zidi na hiyo ministry God atakubariki na riches kibao kuliko vile ulikuwa huko nje kwa baridi!!!!Heaven is the limit!!!!ma men!!!Baraka Kibao!!
at Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:355   by MYSTADEE
Uko juu ma men keep the fire burning all the critics wataona kenye God anaeza do hakuna mtu anaeza do!!!
at Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:206   by Kigz
Big up i pray dat God wil be wid u al da way mob luv
at Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:437   by queen
God bless you and strengthen you my brother!
at Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:008   by NewFoundFaith
Way to go DNA. Stay strong in your path. Many will try to push you off your path to righteousness
at Sat, 19 Dec 2009 09:269   by olive
seriously, uv made many realise that it aint about the world anymore but about experiencing n spending eternity with our Lord n Savior. 
May the good Lord continue blessing u n opening up more doors. 
Be blessed n stay strong in the Lord.
at Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:3010   by Dude
Dude!!!!!continue trailblazin for christ; i pray God sustains u; and that u may show the world that CHrist is for real, sio joke!!
at Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:5511   by augustus
Hey DNA, Its now ur the real DNA fr real iyo mstari sasa naamini mungu FULL STOP>Let it b lyk that till the end otherwise iyo song iko juu tu sana.Bro all the best.
at Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:1212   by Robin
DNA u r an inspiration 4 real!
at Fri, 16 Apr 2010 09:2113   by deno
enyewe ni poa jo ulikam kwa christ ndio atleast tum praiz otherwise big kwenyu woooooooote
at Sat, 24 Jul 2010 13:4314   by maureen
may God continue blessing u give u strength,encourage ur spirit soul .continue serving him more bcoz it written he will always hold us by his hand n neva his faithful be put in shame.read psalms40.GOD BLESS
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