It takes perseverance, persistent, consistence and other adjectives you may think of to realize those elusive dreams you harbor. Steven Oduor Dede, popularly known as Deejay Shitiani or DJ Shiti, best exemplifies the virtues of chasing your dreams, the hurdles notwithstanding. DJ Shiti has grown in the industry to become one of the most sought after comedian in Kenya. His journey to the apex of his career is well documented but we re-tell it, anyway.
Making of a comedian
The funnyman honed his skills as an actor while in primary school. Buoyed by his friends’ approval that he was born a comedian, gave the actor the impetus to further his boyhood dreams at St Luke Seminary School Kampala. To cement his career in the big stage, DJ Shiti joined Nakuru Players theatre after high school where he was involved in plays, set books and stand up comedy before relocating to Nairobi. In an interview on SDE, the comedian admitted having a difficult time adjusting to jokes appreciated by Narobians. He told Caroline Nyanga of his experience trying to make a name in the capital:
At first I had difficulty in adjusting to the jokes appreciated by Nairobi people. This was after got hold of Jalas through Lawrence (a co – host alongside comedian Fred Omondi).The latter accorded me a platform dubbed Crazy Comedy where I managed to showcase my skills. I would often commute from Nakuru to Nairobi during each show until I finally decided to settle in Nairobi in 2013.
Churchill Show auditions
DJ Shiti, then known as Magazine, auditioned at the Churchil show and he did a pretty good job at it. The little known comedian had financial difficulties even after appearing on the show. The comedian slept in the cold Nairobi streets after auditions. He has kind words for the oft described women of the night for giving him money and temporary accommodation. The comedian has since been making guest appearances at the Churchill Show.
Joining Real House Helps Of Kawangware
Househelps of Kawangware ranks among the top popular local programs. It had heavyweights such as Njugush and making in a name in such a sitcom was not going to be an easy affair. DJ Shiti was to only feature in five episodes but he had no intention of leaving that soon. He gave a good account of himself; the fans loved him and the script writers had no options but to retain him. DJ Shiti plays the wannabe artist who has this misguided self belief that he is the biggest musician in Kenya. Even with the mass exodus of some of the actors, DJ Shiti has remained loyal to the program that has made him a household name in Kenya.
Brand Ambassador
This is the real deal for any celebrities worth his salt. Brands want to be associated with actors who have a following and it was only natural for StarTimes to bring on board DJ Shiti. A statement from the Startimes read in part:
“StarTimes Kenya has appointed Stephen Oduor popularly known as DJ Shiti as the brand ambassador in an effort to further entrench the pay television company in the Kenyan market”
The mega deal saw the comedian earn upwards of kes5million.
How much is DJ Shiti paid per episode on the popular Househelps of Kawangware?
With his rating going up DJ Shiti is paid between kes10,000 to upwards of kes15,000 per episode.
Networth
His net worth cannot be estimated at this point.
Family
The funnyman is a first time father to Mariam Auma Oduor Dede.
