Barnabas Otieno, aka DJ Mantix, is no stranger to rocking super clubs, festivals, high-profile parties, and underground jams on a global scale.
With over 10 years of experience and a string of industry awards like Chaguo Awards 2010 and 2011, Mantix deservedly holds a place as one of today’s most respected DJs.
When Mantixx is not working on the decks, he doubles up as a family man. He married in 2015 in a wedding that approximately cost Sh3.5 million.
During that time, they have been blessed with a son Scofield Okello, 10 and daughter Lulu Waridi, 2.
DJ Mantixx recently opened up about fatherhood and what it means to be a parent.
What do you love most about being a parent?
The learning experience and how it has made me responsible as a dad. In fact, I find myself spending so much time with my daughter and her mum Angela when I’m not busy.
What are some of the challenges you face as a father?
When children are very young it is hard to interpret when they are not OK. They cry unprovoked. So it is hard to figure out when they are sick, cold, hungry or in pain. You therefore have to be very attached to your kid so you can know what is wrong.
My daughter is almost two-years-old now and she already leaves an impression with how she sings and dances. I wouldn’t mind it if she ventured into the entertainment industry in the future. I would also like her to know the difference between good and bad.
How do you spend time together?
We enjoy going for drives, a thing that forced me to buy a car. So every weekend you will find us on the road going to different places because the younger one especially loves seeing new things. And when she wears new clothes, I have to take her somewhere or she will not give me peace.
If your daughter was old enough what advice would you give her?
I would simply tell her what my dad told me, that a bird can’t fly with one wing, and that you need people but choose them wisely.
As a father what are some of the lessons you have learnt?
I have learnt so much especially at this time when she is excited to learn so I give her an extra hand. Also as a father I have to take care of my family so I always find myself doing some side hustles to make ends meet.
