Billy Karanja 🎧 (Photo credit: Maddie Stringfellow) 📸
Billy Karanja, also known as DJ BODMON, is a rising figure in the Kansas City DJ scene. He brings a vibrant mix of Afro music to the Midwest and is known for playing at events like From Africa With Love hosted by Into The Lowest Ferns Manager Jerry Bor. Billy’s journey is a unique blend of cultural heritage and musical passion that spans continents.
Early Life and Background: A Farm Boy from Kenya
Karanja’s story begins in 1995 in Nakuru, Kenya, a small farming town in the heart of East Africa. From a young age, he was surrounded by the rhythms of rural life, and one of his earliest memories is sitting on a tractor during harvest season, the corn filling the bed of the vehicle. This simple yet formative experience left a lasting imprint on Billy, shaping his connection to the land and his family’s agricultural traditions.
In 2005, at age 10, Billy’s life took a significant turn. His family was selected in the green card lottery, allowing them to move to the United States. They settled in Overland Park, Kansas, far from the life Billy had known in Kenya. The transition was not without its challenges.
“When we moved, I could have ended up anywhere — North Dakota, Iowa, Ohio — but it just happened to be smack dab in the Midwest. And I’ve been here ever since,” Billy recalled.
Adapting to a New Life: Language Barriers and Cultural Challenges
Adjusting to life in the U.S. wasn’t easy for Billy. He transitioned from the 4th grade in Kenya to the 5th grade in Kansas, where he struggled with the language barrier. His strong accent and limited vocabulary made it difficult to fit in, and he stood out due to his cultural differences, from how he dressed to how he spoke.
“Kids are very good at seeing things that are different. I stood out. I dressed differently and talked differently,” Billy shared.
But in time, Billy found a sense of community. He connected with a supportive Kenyan community in Kansas City, including a local Kenyan church. This support system helped him adapt to his new life and embrace his Kenyan roots and the American culture he was learning to navigate.
The Music Connection: A Love That Transcends Borders
Billy’s connection to music runs deep and traces back to his childhood in Kenya. “My dad was musically attuned, so he used to play the piano all the time,” Billy explained. His father’s influence was the foundation for Billy’s growing passion for music, which expanded beyond the piano to an obsession with sound systems.
Billy began seriously exploring the city’s music scene as he settled in Kansas City. In 2018, he moved from his home in Olathe to the town and started venturing into Kansas City’s vibrant music community. Here, Billy met friends who would play a pivotal role in his musical journey. Through these connections, he was introduced to the space known as EL Pozo and soon became involved in the local DJ scene.
“Being introduced to that music in a non-mainstream format sparked a flame,” Billy said. “To carry this space and create an aura is cool.”
Bringing Africa to Kansas City: From Africa With Love
Billy’s musical journey led him to host Desert Dreams and guest DJ with From Africa With Love, an event that brings African sounds to the forefront in Kansas City. With the help of other Kenyan-born DJs, such as DJ Skeme (Timothy Githumbi) and Black Impala, Billy is working to elevate Afro music in the Midwest, an area where it is still emerging.
“We are bringing Afro music to the forefront, especially in the Midwest where it is lacking,” Billy explained. “The coasts, especially places like London, are forward-thinking with Afro beats.”
Through these collaborations, Billy and his fellow DJs have successfully introduced the Kansas City audience to the infectious rhythms of Afro beats, creating sold-out events and establishing a space where African culture and music can thrive. During these events, the Kenyan flag is draped behind Billy, a constant reminder of his roots and pride in his heritage.
His influence in the DJ community is well known. He has produced many tracks, and unique selections can be witnessed at the newest hip HIFI lounge, In The Lowest Ferns, in the West Bottoms district of Kansas City, Missouri.
“I ended up meeting DJ Skeme (Timothy Githumbi) and Black Impala, both born and raised in Kenya. We found out each other through our DJ sets,” said Billy.
Billy’s journey is far from over. As he continues establishing himself in the Kansas City music scene, he remains committed to combining his African heritage with his love for music to create something unique. He aims to travel, share his music, and inspire others with his story.
“One foot at a time. As long as we dedicate every event and put effort into it, I think there is much more to come in our future,” he said confidently.
Billy’s future is promising. He aims to grow as a DJ, further develop From collaborations with Africa With Love, and hosting Desert Dreams to continue to introduce Afro music to the Midwest. His journey — rooted in Kenya, shaped by Kansas City, and fueled by music — is a testament to the power of cultural pride, resilience, and the universal language of sound.
Billy Karanja’s story is just beginning. With each beat he spins, he brings a piece of his Kenyan heritage to the world, one track at a time.