At just 24, DJ Kats Baddest is already laying the groundwork for what he hopes will become a long and recognizable career behind the decks.
Born Umar Katende, the deejay says his love for music and its ability to bring people together inspired him to pursue the craft. He was born in the Buziga slums and raised in Ntinda, and has now spent four years deejaying, including two years as a professional.
His first piece of equipment was not a traditional DJ setup but a 2012 MacBook, which he says helped spark his journey.
“My love for music and the way it brings people together through sound, and I wanted to turn that passion into something bigger and create my own identity through music,” he explained.
Kats Baddest describes his sound as versatile and energetic, with an approach that allows him to blend different genres while maintaining an identity of his own.
When he steps behind the decks, he first studies the room.
“I first read the crowd, their energy, mood, and what they’re responding to. From there, I build the vibe gradually,” he said.
His influences include Caribbean deejay DJ Puff, while Uganda’s DJ Wizzy Party Starter, DJ Trizzy Vybz and DJ Magic Touch have also played a role in shaping his approach.
Kats Baddest is not rushing to label one performance as the defining moment of his career. Instead, he says some of his most memorable experiences have come from simply connecting with audiences through music.
That connection is also central to how he builds his sets. He says he does not believe in forcing a crowd to follow a particular direction, preferring to let the audience guide him while maintaining his own musical identity.
“Sometimes the right transition or unexpected track can completely change the atmosphere,” he said.
The journey has not been without challenges. Kats Baddest lists delayed or missing payments, technical problems and being overlooked by fellow DJs among the difficulties he has encountered.
Rather than allowing those experiences to derail him, he says they have reinforced the importance of consistency.
Over the next two years, his goals are straightforward: improve his craft, remain consistent, grow his audience and make every opportunity count.
He ultimately wants the DJ Kats Baddest brand to become established not only in Kampala but across Uganda and, eventually, beyond the country.
His advice to upcoming DJs is equally simple: be patient, stay consistent and keep learning.
“The industry takes time, so don’t compare your journey to someone else’s. Focus on developing your own sound and understanding what makes you different,” he said.