Rachael Kungu - Biography, Career and Songs

Rachael Ray Kungu, known by her stage name DJ Rachael (born c.1978), is a Ugandan disc jockey, businesswoman, and recording artist with a career that spans over 25 years. She is recognized as a pioneer in the East African music scene, being the founder of Femme Electronic and the owner of Scraych Rekords, a private audio studio. In June 2017, *Vice Magazine* acknowledged her as "East Africa's first female DJ."

In addition to her contributions to the music industry, DJ Rachael is an active advocate for women's rights and the rights of the LGBT+ community.

Early Life

Rachael Kungu, born around 1978 in Uganda, grew up in the upscale neighborhood of Muyenga, located in the present-day Makindye Division of Kampala, Uganda's capital city. In the 1990s, Hotel International Muyenga was known for its daytime parties, popular among teenagers, and Rachael was a frequent attendee. She became a member of the Muyenga Youth Club, where her passion for music and DJing began to take shape.

At the age of 13, Rachael was deeply inspired by watching a video of Deidra Muriel Roper, better known as DJ Spinderella, a female American DJ and rapper. The performance left a lasting impression on her, motivating her to pursue a career in DJing. At the club, she was introduced to international music icons like Salt-n-Pepa, Roxanne Shante, MC Lyte, Run-DMC, and Kid 'n Play. She began to imitate their performances, memorizing their raps, which eventually earned her a spot at the DJ's booth in town.

Given her young age, Rachael's uncle would accompany her to Club Pulsations, where she learned the art of DJing from DJ Wasswa Junior. She also credits DJ Alex Ndawula and the late DJ Berry as significant influences who helped her hone her skills on the turntable.

Career

DJ Rachael began her career as a disc jockey in 1995. As she honed her skills and gained experience, she started receiving offers from various club owners to work at their establishments. She eventually left Club Pulsations and joined Club Silk, where she worked for eight years as an official and professional DJ. During her time at Club Silk, she also fulfilled contracts to play at both public and private parties.

Her growing reputation led to opportunities at other venues, including Club Sombreros in Jinja, and she was also hosted at Club Florida 2000 and Club Carnival in Nairobi, as well as Stone Club in Mwanza. DJ Rachael became a significant figure in Ugandan electronic music, with the Saturday Night Mix Show recognizing her importance in the scene. She also performed at the Nyege Nyege Festival in 2017, further solidifying her influence.

In 2015, BBC Radio 1Xtra recognized DJ Rachael as one of Africa's top DJs and musicians, inviting her to discuss the music scene in Uganda. Her increasing recognition led to international engagements, including an appearance at the WOMEX World Music Expo 2016 in Spain, the opening of Impact Hub in Florence, Italy in 2017, and a DAPHNE series event by Marea Stamper in Chicago, Illinois, in January 2017.

Branching out into music production, DJ Rachael has also taken on the role of mentor, training others to enhance their skills. In 2016, she formally launched Femme Electronic, an initiative aimed at supporting female DJs and electronic dance music producers. She has held monthly workshops for 25 female participants and collaborated with organizations like the Goethe-Institut and Santuri East Africa to further this mission.

In 2017, DJ Rachael's contributions to the music industry were widely recognized. Dazed named her one of "5 East African musicians you need to know," and DJ Mag highlighted her efforts to transform the face of electronic music. In 2018, OkayAfrica listed her as one of the top 10 house musicians in Kenya and Uganda, and Electronic Beats reported on her work in changing Ugandan society through music.

Songs

Albums

2017 - Radio Shakeass

Singles

2017 - Silaye

2021 - Damn This Love

2022 - In The Blue Jungle

2023 - You Dance