Kenya’s music scene is a kaleidoscope of rhythm, culture and innovation, and WANDAT is contributing significantly to the evolution of the space. Wandati Achoki, known by his stage name WANDAT, is carving a niche as an indelible force in the African house music landscape.

His journey from discovering his passion for music during the COVID-19 pandemic to performing memorable sets at iconic venues like Nairobi’s KODA club reflects a deep connection to his craft.

WANDAT’s mission goes beyond entertaining; he’s on a path to make Kenya a global house music hub while authentically weaving African stories into his sound. Grounded in Afro-House and Afro-Tech, his music bridges nostalgia and novelty, blending traditional African elements with cutting-edge beats. With his debut single and EP set for release next year, WANDAT is poised to bring the soul of the continent to the global stage.

In this exclusive #RVUnmute interview with Revolve Muzic, WANDAT delves into his inspirations, the evolution of Kenya’s house music scene and the dynamic intersection of house music and Amapiano. He also shares his thoughts on the shifting dynamics of nightlife and festival culture, his dream collaborations, and the tracks that electrify his audiences.

RV: Can you tell us about your journey into DJing and music production? What sparked your passion for house music specifically?

Wandat: I’ve always had a passion for music from a young age. I have fond memories of interactions with music from church, my parents and My cousins. I actually did not want to do music professionally but when covid happened, I needed something to do. So, I started learning how to DJ. Production wise, I have not done much but I’m releasing a single and EP early next year. House music was what I was listening to at most around the time I started djing and learning music.

RV: How are you aiming to authentically capture African stories through your music?

Wandat: I aim to authentically capture African stories in my music by grounding my sound in the rich heritage of African rhythms and melodies. Afro-house and Afro Tech, for me, goes past the genre, it’s a canvas for showing the heart and soul of the African continent. By using traditional instruments and sound, I try and bridge the gap between Nostalgia and novelty. 

RV: You’ve mentioned wanting to make Kenya a hub for house music. Can you give us a brief evolution of house music in Kenya from your perspective?

Wandat: The birth of house music in Kenya started a while back. I can’t point out the exact years but mid 2000’s we had guys like Just A Band, Drazen and Jack rooster come up. Then as time progressed the birth of Earthdance and other electronic festivals came up. We have had a lot of support from radio stations like Homeboyz Radio that hosted Café Mocha, a radio show by Jack Rooster that promoted House music in the country. Our House music industry took very large strides in the 2010’s with guys like Blinky Bill, Suraj, Euggy, Foozak, Fita, Vidza, Kori, Onedown and many more emerging. Outfits like Gondwana and the likes are also from this era and have been pivotal in building the House music space in Kenya

RV: The intersection of Amapiano and house music is fascinating. How do you see these genres complementing each other in the African music landscape?

Wandat: The intersection of the two genres just shows how easy it is to blend the sounds while still staying true to the African cultural roots. The 4-on-4 beat of house music and the unique log drum of Amapiano share a dynamic fusion that is the heartbeat of the continent. 

RV: House music’s resurgence, especially through genres like Amapiano, has been massive. How has this influenced your sound and music selection?

Wandat: I’m more inclined to Afro-House and Afro-Tech Genres. However, Amapiano sharing its roots with my preference has an influence on my music selection because of the blends they share. Amapiano has given meaning to the power of authenticity and the global success it receives only shows if you satay true o your culture while innovating then the world takes notice. 

RV: With house music being such a major influence in nightlife and music festivals, what are your thoughts on the current festival culture in Kenya?

Wandat: The house music in Kenya is a big force. But, the festival culture in Kenya can improve. With that said, Festivals like Beaneath the baobabs, Kilifi New year, Blankets and Wine have supported the growth of house music hear by booking Kenyan DJs and sometimes even having dedicated stages for house music within their festivals. 

RV: We’re seeing a rise in festivals and events where DJs, not artists, are the main attraction. Do you think this is changing the dynamics of the industry? Should artists be worried?

Wandat: No, it’s a great time for both artists and DJs to share the limelight. More and more DJs are becoming producers and artists are becoming DJs. Like Blinky Bill can give you a powerful performance and DJ a great set in the same night. 

RV: What’s your take on how technology and social media are shaping DJ sets and how audiences engage with them?

Wandat: Dj sets are interactive sessions. During COVID period all we could do was livestream through Twitch and Instagram live. Many careers were born from that era. Viewers are able to interact live through those channels, heck, we even had battles on IG live.  Through social media channels the interaction between the djs and audience can be improved through data driven insights. 

RV: If you could collaborate with any African artist or producer from the West, who would it be and why?

Wandat: From the west? Man, I love west African music a lot. The Afrobeat scene is crazy. I love Femi kuti a lot, I’d do a song with him in a heartbeat. Niniola is nice as well. 

RV: What’s one track that always gets the crowd buzzing no matter the event?

Wandat: Abiro – Kato Change x Winyo (Suraj and Riot Stereo remix) 

RV: What’s the most memorable set you’ve ever played, and why does it stand out?

Wandat: I have a number but most recently a closing set I did at my Mixmag debut in Nairobi at KODA club. 

RV: What’s next for WANDAT? Can we expect more production work or collaborations with other artists and DJs?

Wandat: Expect my first offering early next year and a few collaborations within the year. 2025 is the e year of releases.