At 25, Aaron Elwanu, better known as DJ Dread Lazer, is carving out a place in Kampala’s competitive nightlife scene while completing a degree in Information Systems Technology at Makerere University.
His journey from experimenting with DJ software at a local gaming station to performing at major events and joining NRG Radio reflects a growing generation of Ugandan creatives turning personal passions into professional careers.
Elwanu started experimenting with VirtualDJ, PCDJ and other desktop software in 2012 while spending time at a local gaming station. Growing up near the Uganda-Kenya border, he was exposed to music from both countries, with reggae and the work of Supremacy Sounds mixmasters among his early influences.
His stage name reflects that musical background. “Dread” is a nod to reggae, while “Lazer” represents the sharp and energetic sets he seeks to deliver.
Despite his growing profile in entertainment, Elwanu describes himself as an introvert who prefers spending time indoors.
“I’m an introvert. I really like to be indoors.”
That personality changes when he gets behind the decks.
“The party is a place to let your worries disappear and just relax. Even though the music for that mood changes every time, my goal is to keep you completely in the moment.”
Missing his own prom for his first paid gig
Elwanu’s professional breakthrough came in 2022, when he secured his first paid booking to DJ at the Senior Six prom at Seeta High School.
The opportunity was significant enough for him to miss his own prom celebrations as he pursued the gig.
The booking opened the door to regular performances, including 5pm to 7pm sets at the former Kampala entertainment spot Kenji’s alongside DJ Bugy and DJ Kuzzi. He later moved into Saturday night slots at Kenji’s and Cielo Lounge.
He also developed a following through performances at schools and universities, including Seeta High School, Uganda Martyrs Namugongo, Nabisunsa and St Joseph’s Naggalama.
The closure of Kenji’s and the slowdown in entertainment activities following the Covid-19 lockdowns forced Elwanu to rethink his strategy.
Rather than step away from DJing, he invested his savings in equipment and began sharing mixes and mashups on TikTok during a university recess.
The online response eventually attracted the attention of NRG Radio.
Following a competitive month-long audition involving other DJs, including Eyo Marcus and DJ Cross, Elwanu secured a position as a full-time national radio DJ and influencer.
At the same time, he continued pursuing his Information Systems degree at Makerere University—a balancing act that initially raised concerns among his parents.
Their concerns eased as they saw him maintain his academic commitments while developing his music career.
More than playing popular songs
For Elwanu, DJing is as much about understanding an audience as it is about music selection.
Before beginning a set, he studies the crowd and watches the DJ performing before him. He uses those observations to determine the energy of the room and build transitions that keep audiences engaged.
His preferred sounds include Afrohouse and three-step, although he avoids restricting himself to a single genre.
While Amapiano continues to dominate much of the region’s nightlife, Elwanu says his approach is to adapt his sound to the audience rather than simply follow trends.
That ability to read a crowd has seen him perform on the Smirnoff Fiestas circuit and at the MUBS Cultural Gala, among other events.
Smirnoff has also backed his vision for a party experience built around self-expression and genuine connection.
Elwanu’s rise has not been without challenges. He says self-doubt and negotiations in which his work was undervalued have been part of his journey.
But those experiences have strengthened his determination to build a sustainable career and eventually take his sound beyond Uganda.
His next showcase is scheduled for September 4 at Kati Kati, where he will bring his sound to Kampala’s nightlife audience.
For Dread Lazer, the purpose of a DJ goes beyond simply keeping people dancing.
“Finding a space where the music is loud, the vibe is immaculate, and the connection is everything.”
His story highlights the increasingly blurred lines between education, technology and Uganda’s creative economy, showing how digital platforms, formal education and entertainment can combine to create new career paths for young creatives.
