The IT Grad hacking Kampala’s night life

What the report says

Sqoop Uganda profiles Aaron Elwanu, a 25-year-old Makerere University Information Systems Technology graduand who performs as Dread Lazer and is building a name in Kampala’s nightlife scene. The article presents him as a DJ whose off-stage personality is quiet and reserved, while his stage presence is energetic and crowd-focused. His name is linked to his influences and style: “Dread” nods to reggae, while “Lazer” reflects the sharp, lively sets he aims to deliver.

According to Sqoop, his interest in DJing began in 2012 at a gaming station, where he experimented with DJ software between PlayStation sessions. He later gained momentum through a first paid gig at his Senior Six prom in 2022, followed by appearances at venues including Kenji’s and Cielo Lounge, as well as school and university events around Kampala and nearby areas. The piece says his career grew further after he adapted to changing opportunities, invested in equipment, and used TikTok mixes and mashups to build an online audience.

Sqoop also reports that Dread Lazer later won a place as a full-time DJ and influencer at NRG Radio after a month-long audition. The feature says he balances this work with his studies, and that his family’s initial concern about DJing shifted as he began to treat it as a professional path. He is now preparing for a showcase at Kati Kati on September 4, with the article framing him as an emerging performer aiming for wider recognition beyond Uganda.