DJ Evolve: I forgave Babu even before I got admitted into hospital

It was a normal day, a fun night and Felix Orinda alias DJ Evolve was doing what he loved, to entertain people.

Little did he know that on January 17, 2020 a bullet would make his life take a different turn.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino had been charged for shooting  Evolve in the neck  at B-Club entertainment spot in Kilimani,  but later the murder charges were dropped.

After being bed ridden, discharged from hospital and starting recovery journey, life hit Dj Evolve further on September 23, 2021 when his mother passed away.

With the death of his mother and recovery from the gunshot, Dj Evolve takes the Star through his emotional journey over the past three years.. 

1. How has life been since you lost your mother?

Anyone who has lost a parent, especially if you had a great relationship, knows how difficult it is to deal with their demise. It hasn't been any different for me, I'd say it's worse since I wasn't able to be there for her send-off and it keeps messing with my mental wellness from time to time but acceptance is a major step to any form of healing.

2. What is your message to fans who definitely are missing you?

First of all, let's all thank God that I'm alive. I'm on a positive recovery journey and when the time comes, we will definitely reunite (with me on the decks) In the meantime we are set to reunite In a couple of weeks in a different capacity for a good cause.

3. What is your relationship with Babu Owino at the moment?

Proverbs 17:9 "Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends." I know we are a country of diverse religious beliefs but I believe love and forgiveness are universal. It's public information that I forgave Babu. I actually did it before getting to the hospital on the same day as I felt, if I had one last act of kindness to do, what would it be? And it was a no brainer. We've maintained our friendship as no amount of anger or guilt can undo what is already done.

4. There are a lot of reports that Babu set up a business for you, is this true?

Ever since I got back the ability to operate devices, I started following up on my story from the first day and I've been shocked at how much false information is out here to be consumed. This is definitely one of them. Although there are future possibilities for that to happen, right now, those are just speculations.

5. Not being able to deejay. How has life been? Do you miss being behind decks and the fans?

It was really difficult in the beginning because adjusting to getting separated from something you love doing is not a simple task. Good thing is there are people doing great work out there to bring back the memories.

Shout out to the good company, Dj Joe Mfalme, Dj Armani, Dj Bash Dj Kym, Dj Slick and everyone else doing live mixes. I find myself getting immersed every time you do it and I'm also able to make selections of your mixes to entertain my guests so I still have a sense of belonging. Even though I really miss actually doing it and being with my fans.

6. What is the most difficult thing about recovery?

This is a really important question and this part is what has ignited a fire in me to start the project I'm about to embark on.

The most difficult part of the recovery process has been living with disability. It has really opened my eyes to a whole new world of experiences that cannot be decoded in one sitting.

I have been lucky enough to experience both worlds and trust me living with disability is something you wouldn't understand unless you've lived it and that's why I want to use my abilities to help where I can in the world of the differently abled.

7. When tragedy befalls someone, friends tend to run away. How was your case after the shooting incident?

The wind comes out to separate the chaff from the grain. When it's calm you'll confuse the mixture of both for one. The same goes for friends when everything is Rosy and lit, you'll have all sorts of friends. The problem is, most people don't know how to categorise the level of friendships they have so you'll think you have a million friends only to realise you have none when tragedy strikes.

I'd advise you to keep your closet friends, loved one and family close because when worse comes to worst they are the only ones you'll have by your side.

8. Would you go back to deejaying when you recover and how different will it be?

I would definitely go back to deejaying because it's what I love doing. The difference, however, is, it will be purpose driven this time. I'll use it to make a difference for others. To praise God and to teach the young ones.

9. The project you are working on, what was the inspiration

The previous question spontaneously brought out the inspiration but just as I stated, living the experience has inspired the birth of the project. Formulation of the project was the easy part. Execution is a different ballgame however.

I'd love to call upon everyone; Individuals, organisations, and companies to help me out with the actualisation of this project. I'd also like to call upon the association for the physically disabled of Kenya APDK to help me identify projects that we can support through our initiative.

Any willing supporters can reach out through deejayevolve@gmail.com or evolvefund.ke@gmail.com. I'll also be launching an Evolve Fund Till Soon to enable donations.

Please note any form of donations are welcomed monetary, facilities, intellectual and volunteerism.