Published on April 29, 2025 by Agencies for Kenya Online News
Last Updated on 1 year by Agencies for Kenya Online News
After an electrifying two-year nationwide search, DJ Insta has been crowned Kenya’s hottest DJ, emerging as the Grand Winner of Season 3 of the Smirnoff Battle of the Beats (SBOB) competition. The highly anticipated announcement was made last evening at a high-energy, star-studded celebration held at the iconic Tusker Bar, EABL Headquarters.
As the winner, DJ Insta receives a top-tier DJ setup including a professional DJ Deck, MacBook Laptop, 2TB Flash Drive, Headphones, and a Flight Case—along with brand support and performance opportunities across various EABL events and experiences.
“Smirnoff Battle of the Beats is more than a competition—it’s a creative movement. DJ Insta embodies the boldness, authenticity, and originality that Smirnoff stands for,” said Kennedy Mutula, Spirits Marketing Manager at EABL. “We’re proud to champion platforms that spotlight emerging talent, empower self-expression, and create lasting cultural impact.”
Launched in September 2023, Season 3 of SBOB unfolded across five vibrant regions of Kenya: Mountain, Lake, Rift Valley, Coast, and Nairobi. Each region hosted open auditions, drawing the best local DJs to compete for a coveted spot in the competition. Over 150 DJs from across the nation showcased their talent before a distinguished panel of judges: DJ Grauchi, DJ Karoski, and DJ Redbone.
The regional competitions were intense, featuring multiple stages that culminated in a live televised battle among the top 12 DJs to crown the regional champion. Ultimately, five regional winners emerged: Rattihy the DJ (Coast Region), KJ the DJ (Rift Valley Region), DJ Kryptic (Mt. Kenya Region), and DJ Klasiq (Nairobi Region). These top DJs then advanced to national showdowns, leading to a thrilling five-week finale series filmed live at TV47 studios.
The grand finale reveal event lived up to the anticipation, a vibrant celebration of lights, music, and DJ culture. Guests enjoyed electrifying performances, creative Smirnoff cocktails, and the exhilarating announcement that officially recognized DJ Insta as Kenya’s newest entertainment sensation.
“As someone who has had the privilege of working closely with this campaign on the ground, I can confidently say that Smirnoff has walked with these DJs every step of the way—from the very first regional audition to this grand moment right here at Tusker Bar. It’s been an incredible experience, not just watching the growth of individual talent, but also witnessing how deeply the brand has connected with our consumers, “said Jonathan Rutto, Shopper Manager at EABL.
“To all the DJs who took part: your talent and energy have made this season unforgettable. And to our consumers, who voted, danced, and cheered across five regions—thank you for choosing Smirnoff as the brand that brings people together. We’re proud to stand behind a campaign that uplifts, celebrates, and leaves a lasting impact in the hearts of Kenyans,” added Jonathan Rutto, Shopper Manager at EABL. “
Hosted under Smirnoff’s “We Do We” campaign, Season 3 of SBOB stands as a powerful example of the brand’s commitment to inclusion, creativity, and collective celebration. The winner’s party captured that spirit perfectly, with non-stop vibes, fan energy, and the crowning of a true champion of the decks.
Follow @SmirnoffKE across social platforms for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes from the winner’s journey, and announcements on the upcoming Unleash Your Edge Fiesta where DJ Insta will return to the stage.
