Veteran Kenyan rapper Dennis Kaggia, popularly known as DNA, has made a public appeal to event promoters, urging them to book him for upcoming shows after claiming he has been consistently sidelined from major performance line-ups, particularly old-school and end-of-year events.
DNA, who rose to prominence in the early 2000s with hit tracks that helped shape Kenya’s hip-hop scene, shared his concerns through a candid social media video that has since circulated widely online.
In the clip, the rapper directly addresses promoters, asking for opportunities to perform, especially during high-profile crossover shows.
“Promoters, promoters, promoters, naomba kazi ya 31st,” DNA said in the video, referring to December 31 performances. He added that he had noticed a pattern where he is often excluded from old-school themed concerts, despite his long-standing contribution to the music industry.
The rapper questioned why his name rarely appears on performance line-ups celebrating veteran artists, noting that he remains an active and capable performer.
“Sijui kama mna notice show za old school me hukuwa nimekatwa nje,” he said, suggesting that his absence from such events has become routine.
DNA maintained that he is fully prepared and available for bookings, stressing that working with him is straightforward. He revealed that his performance fee is a “clean six figures,” adding that his rider demands are minimal and manageable for promoters.
“I can perform anywhere. Mimi sina demands mingi,” he said, insisting that logistical concerns should not be a barrier.
DNA further emphasised his professionalism, stating that he does not drink alcohol backstage and takes his performances seriously, a point he appeared keen to highlight in an effort to reassure potential organisers.
Beyond the plea for work, DNA suggested that industry politics and past disagreements may have contributed to his exclusion. While he did not name specific individuals, he hinted that his outspoken nature may have worked against him over the years.
Among those who publicly rallied behind DNA was fellow rapper CMB Prezzo, who reposted DNA’s message on his social media platforms and urged promoters to respond positively.
Prezzo called on event organisers to consider booking DNA for crossover shows, noting that the rapper’s fee request was reasonable.
“254 promoters! Hear a brother’s cry. A clean six figures is all he’s asking for. December 31. Help a brother out,” Prezzo wrote.
DNA’s career spans more than two decades, during which he released music that resonated with urban audiences and helped popularize hip-hop culture locally.
DNA insists that his appeal is not about entitlement, but opportunity. He maintains that he is simply asking to be considered fairly for gigs that align with his experience and contribution.