HEVA FUND AND KIKUYU LOVE SESSIONS EQUIP FEMALE DJS WITH PROFESSIONAL STARTER KITS

Recently, audiences have shown a growing appetite for vernacular music, sparking the rise of new concerts and platforms. Yet, while stages have multiplied, opportunities for female DJs to break through remain limited.

Kikuyu Love Sessions sought to change this through the ITS HER TURN Campaign.

This was never designed as a competition…it was always a spotlight.

Today, we are proud to announce that ALL SIX finalists in the inaugural ITS HER TURN Campaign will each receive a professional DJ starter kit, consisting of a laptop, turntable, and headphones, provided directly through HEVA Fund’s Starter Kit Grants. Beyond the kits, the finalists will undergo tailored business development training to prepare them for sustainable career success, delivered through the Sanara Program partners, with further technical training opportunities through the program’s skilling partner network.

What happens to the DJ with the most views on YouTube after 21days? They get to play at the next edition of Kikuyu Love Sessions, dates to be announced soon.

This initiative is in perfect alignment with HEVA Fund’s mission to fuel the growth of Africa’s creative industries by empowering youth-led enterprises, an ethos that mirrors what Kikuyu Love Sessions stands for.

Today it’s DJs. Tomorrow, it will be musicians, producers, or filmmakers. Either way, the mission remains the same: to open doors, spark opportunities, and shine a spotlight on artists across the vernacular creative spectrum.

“More stages to play mean more artists are needed. We are proud to shine a spotlight on these DJs and, with the support of HEVA Fund, equip them with the tools they need to succeed. Our hope is that Kikuyu promoters and event organisers will now be open to book them for the gigs they deserve.” - Allan Gitau, Founder & Creative Director, Kikuyu Love Sessions (KLS)

“Creatives move through a unique journey, from the spark of an idea to building a career that lasts. HEVA’s role is to walk with them on that journey: from starter kits like these, to market access grants, affordable loans, and hands-on guidance before and after any investment. Working with Kikuyu Love Sessions is part of a wider effort to ensure talent across the creative industries can build dignified and sustainable careers. Through the Sanara Program and its network of partners, we are also opening up opportunities that equip artists with the skills, knowledge, tools, and confidence they need.” - Pam Mutembei, Investments Director, HEVA Fund.