Felix Orinda, popularly known as DJ Evolve, had his life completely changed in January 2020 when he was deejaying at a popular nightclub in Nairobi.
DJ Evolve was allegedly shot by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Evolve was left bedridden, losing his speech as his nervous system was affected by the gunshot wound he sustained.
What followed were court battles that eventually saw Babu Owino acquitted in 2023, after the court ruled that the prosecution had conducted shoddy investigations.
DJ Evolve Career and Education
DJ Evolve went to Jamuhuri High School and left the school in 2011.
He also reflected on his early education journey, noting that financial constraints affected his school attendance, making it difficult for him to be a regular learner.
“I wasn’t really a regular attender of school because of fees and all that, but we pushed through all that,” he said.
Despite the challenges, he noted that he performed well academically, finishing primary school at the top of his class and achieving good grades in high school.
However, he said he was unable to pursue further education due to financial constraints, though he later found alternative ways to continue progressing in life.
Beginnings at The Insyder Magazine
After finishing his studies, Felix Orinda started developing his deejaying skills by interning with The Insyder magazine.
This was one of the most prominent entertainment publications at the time, and it gave Felix significant exposure.
At The Insyder Magazine, DJ Evolve interned and gradually practiced deejaying. This early start to his DJ career gave him amazing skills. Felix mostly participated in magazine’s school gigs.
Felix’s humble beginnings as a DJ with The Insyder magazine set him on the right path in the entertainment industry. Not only did he become a master at his trade, but he also became one of the most renowned DJs in Nairobi.
After honing his skills with The Insyder magazine, DJ Evolve got a job as a DJ at Center Stage Marketing under the “Varcity” banner. He was the official DJ of the outfit. Here, he built his brand as DJ Evolve, transforming it into a full outfit.
The name DJ Evolve became popular, and he was invited to make guest appearances at various gigs. Before the unfortunate incident , he was a resident DJ at B-Club, Nairobi.
Also Read: DJ Evolve Shares His Comeback Journey 5 Years After Near-Death Shooting Incident
His Recovery Journey After Sustaining Gunshot Wound
In the past, DJ Evolve opened up about his recovery journey, describing it as a long but transformative process that pushed him to rediscover himself, rebuild his strength, and adjust to a new way of life.
He said the experience forced him to “learn life again,” noting that although the journey had been difficult, it was also a period of self-discovery.
“It’s been a good experience as well. I got to find out more about myself. I’m trying to look at myself from a different perspective,” he said.
DJ Evolve revealed that he had embraced new interests, including studying and learning coding, as he explored remote ways of working.
“I had been thinking of concepts to execute while I was still here, but I decided I wanted to get out more. Instead of wasting my potential in bed, I could put it somewhere else,” he said.
He recounted moments in the hospital where communication had been extremely difficult, including losing his voice and struggling to express himself, a period he described as one of his lowest points.
However, he said regaining his voice and being able to feed and communicate again were among his biggest milestones.
Also Read: Babu Owino Cleared in DJ Evolve Shooting
DJ Evolve added that much of his strength came from faith, forgiveness, and acceptance, which he said helped him cope with the emotional burden of his situation.
He also credited his family and physiotherapists for supporting his rehabilitation process at home, where he continued intensive therapy sessions.
He noted that recovery had been gradual, with small improvements, such as regaining upper-limb movement, core strength, and partial sensation in his feet.
Despite the challenges, DJ Evolve said he remained focused on rebuilding his life, with continued interest in music and plans to merge his new creative skills with his future projects.
Reflecting on his past, he said he had faced multiple hardships, including financial struggles in education and exposure to post-election violence, experiences that had shaped his resilience.
