“I WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO INTRODUCE BANKU MUSIC IN KENYA” – DEE FLEX

by Jack Nthigah June 10, 2020 · Interviews

Dee Flex, known for introducing Banku music in the country shares his story and how he came to be.
Who is Dflex?

My name is Otieno Felix Onyango (born in June 16 1996) Better known by my stage name DEE FLEX, I’m a Kenyan artist and song writer. I’m the first person to introduce Banku music in our country. A fusion of sounds that I describe as a mixture of Nigerian highlife and Kenya chord progressions and patterns.

When did you start music?

I begun my music in 2015, back when I was in high school form two. In Shiners Boys high School in Nakuru.

Your favorite rapper once said?

Our parents advices are always the best. That we should always make sure we’re the best in anything we do, no matter the position we’re in.

Which song among your songs is your favorite

Yeah. “Fine Ghels” is the love story that each and every individual across the world has ever experienced in their lives. It’s always close to how we run things around us that always keeps us motivated and keeps us going forward.

Do you listen to your music?

Yes. I do listen to my songs.

Who/what inspires your music?

I kind of draw inspiration from lots of places. It’s a record of what’s going on around me most times and what my other brothers and sisters experience and go through too. My music also helps define who I am. All those are the influences that deep into my music.

Tell us the story behind the song ‘Fine Ghels’

Fine Ghels Translates to “Go crazy” dedicated to every servicemen and women across the whole continent. This track is inspired by the love between my mom and dad.

If you were to date one Kenyan celebrity, whom would it be?

Petra Yolanda Sonia professionally known as Petra. She’s a rapper, singer and songwriter.

What’s the worst comment you have ever received from a fan?

Most of the comments are positive, but obviously we have others that have got negative attitude towards my music but, all in all I still love them all. There are others also, but you know I can’t just talk about them here(laughs).

How has Covid-19 affected you as an artist?

The music industry has been hit hard by coronavirus with live performance revenue the biggest casualty. A six-month shutdown has got to affect an artist for sure. It hasn’t been easy to control and manage sales and streaming advertising spend and also distribution. However, at least we’re fighting back with new ways to monetize music consumption and innovative models.