Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was once a disc jockey (DJ) at the University of Nairobi, it has now emerged.
While appearing on media personality Oga Obinna’s live show, Gachagua lifted the lid on his affinity for entertainment, revealing how deejaying was both a leisure and commercial activity in his university days.
The former DP disclosed he was a self-taught DJ who used to play for interested customers back in the ’80s, charging them a daily rate.
“I used to be a DJ back at UON for fun and also for making money. You know I am also a businessman. I bought a disco system at the cost of about Ksh20,000. That was a lot of money back then. Right now it is about twenty million shillings,” Gachagua stated.
“For one night, I would charge Ksh1,500 to DJ for you. It was lots of money. The equipment was mine and I decided why do I have to employ a DJ? My disco was called ‘Jagua Disco’ from the word Gachagua. I loved music,” he added.
Gachagua also divulged his interest in dancing, which was influenced by artists of the time such as the legendary Michael Jackson. He confessed to having a close affinity for break-dancing, which he trained for long hours to perfect.
“Break dance was top around 1984. We really enjoyed breakdancing. I remember going to watch the movie (Breakin’) at Kenya Cinema and I was very thrilled. From there we really trained to breakdance,” he expressed.
Gachagua further remarked: “It was dangerous though. I remember a few fellows broke their necks while trying to do some of the moves associated with breakdancing. Some crazy fellows in the village, without having learnt the ropes, would just try to copy us and end up getting injured.”
Alluding to his great love for music, Gachagua also noted he had a band that he invited from time to time to his residence to play live music for him and his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi. The band would play his local favourites in the “One-Man Guitar” genre.
He reminisced about his past days with his spouse, where they would hit a famous entertainment joint in Koinange Street, Nairobi and dance the night away, but added this ended when Dorcas became a pastor.
This then informed the decision to purchase the band and bring the disco to his spouse when the desire to let loose kicked in.
Despite his extremely busy schedule that sees him hold numerous meetings with politicians at his Wamunyoro home as well as traverse various sections of the country, Gachagua maintained he still found time for his family.
“Mondays are our free days. For both my wife and me. We take time, sit, talk with our sons, cook, and just spend time as a family. Unless there is an emergency, Monday is our day to relax,” he said.
