DJ Syd Hosts Self-Funded Workshop Empowering Over 300 DJs, Producers: "I Know Their Struggles"
- The East African DJs/Producers Workshop 2025 held in Nairobi over the weekend empowered local creatives
- The organiser, DJ Syd, explained that the event was focused on brand building, financial literacy and industry entrepreneurship
- Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, the veteran DJ expressed his personal passion for supporting local creatives and their struggles
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Renowned deejay and entrepreneur Conrad Sydney, alias DJ Syd, successfully hosted the East African DJs/Producers Workshop 2025.
Source: Instagram
Held at the Mass House, Nairobi, the workshop brought together over 300 creatives from Kenya's music and entertainment scene.
The event, which was self-funded by DJ Syd, aimed to empower local DJs and producers with the tools to enhance their craft, build their brands, and navigate the business side of the music industry.
Some of the panelists at the event icluded DJ Forest, DJ Shakky, Big Nyagz, Gordo The Guru, Mura, and Samiflinch Tamani.
Why did DJ Syd organise workshop for creatives?
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, DJ Syd shared the motivation behind the workshop, emphasizing his passion for the creative industry and his personal experience with the struggles many creatives face.
"I chose to invest heavily in the creative economy because it’s deeply personal to me. I’ve lived the struggle of being a creative with big dreams but limited support. I know the pain of seeing so much raw talents around us go untapped," he explained.
Source: Instagram
He continued:
"The workshop was inspired by that very gap: I wanted to build a space where DJs and producers could not only sharpen their craft but also learn how to monetize it, protect their work, and see themselves as entrepreneurs and industry leaders."
The workshop covered crucial topics, including brand building, financial literacy, and collaboration, helping participants recognize the business potential in their art.
Source: Instagram
Was East African DJs/ Producers Workshop 2025 successful?
DJ Syd expressed his satisfaction with the turnout and the impact it had on the attendees.
"When I saw over 300 creatives show up, hungry to learn, it reminded me exactly why this matters. Every young person who leaves that room with knowledge and confidence is proof that this industry can change lives, and I want to be at the frontlines of making that happen," he said.
Which challenges did DJ Syd face?
However, organising such a large-scale event came with its challenges.
DJ Syd highlighted the logistical and financial obstacles he faced in bringing the vision to life.
"Attracting sponsors to a first-time event meant convincing them to see the vision before it was proven. Ensuring the sessions balanced practical learning with an engaging experience demanded careful planning. Convincing DJs and producers to see the workshop not just as an entertainment gathering but as a platform for business growth was no easy task," he explained.
One of the biggest challenges was managing the overwhelming interest, with registrations surpassing expectations. But, according to DJ Syd, the emotional pressure was perhaps the heaviest:
"Carrying the pressure of delivering on a big vision, facing moments of doubt about attendance and sponsorship, and feeling the responsibility of shaping an industry that so many creatives depend on. Those struggles made the success even more meaningful."
How did DJ Syd raise funds for workshop?
When asked how he raised funds for the event, DJ Syd revealed the importance of community support and collaboration.
"I walked with God's grace, and this was proof that what is meant to be will definitely be," he said.
He shared that the venue, Mass House, offered the space for free, and other supporters, such as his friend Ken from Spectrum Audios and his business mentor Big Ted, contributed both financially and logistically.
"Some of the students from Red Berry Deejay Academy volunteered as DJs and ushers, while my team of volunteers handled registration, audio-visual needs, and event planning. Anything else came from my own pocket," he added.
How Kenya DJs earn extra coins from nightclubs
As previously reported, Kenyan disc jockeys invented a smart and effortless way to get tips from patrons at nightclubs.
This new trend appears like a tithe and offering session in a church.
A series of videos on TikTok has shown how these DJs get their shares from revellers, who do so willingly.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
