DJ Kingston’s rise in Ethiopian entertainment
In the 1960s and early 1970s, one name stood out in Ethiopian radio, captivating listeners with carefully curated music selections: Getachew Desta. His Sunday show, an hour-long segment built around audience requests, blended old favorites with the latest hits, making him a household name.
Today, a new voice carries that tradition forward. For the past decade, DJ Kingston Hailu has been a familiar presence on Bisrat FM 101.1, hosting live radio shows that connect audiences with Ethiopian artists and contemporary music trends.
Born and raised in Addis Ababa’s Gerji neighborhood, Kingston, now 32, discovered his passion for entertainment at a young age. This early fascination led him to leave home in pursuit of a career in music and radio. Now recognized for his signature style and engaging on-air presence, he has built a loyal following.
Beyond the studio, Kingston is a devoted husband and father. He and his wife, Rizvan Sileshi, have been married for ten years and share two children: Tekta, five, and Jonah Kingston, three. Balancing family and career, he attributes his success to hard work and passion.
“I love what I do,” he told The Reporter. “I’ve dedicated half my life to this work. No distractions—just work and family.”
Ethiopia’s FM radio era began in the early 2000s with the launch of FM Addis 97.1, marking a turning point in local broadcasting. Alongside this shift, the role of the radio DJ gained prominence, with hosts shaping programs through live music sets, news updates, and audience interaction.
DJs do more than just play music. They build atmospheres, engage listeners, and—sometimes—address social issues. Kingston’s show “Kekerchelew” (loosely translated as From the Prison Cell) was one such program. Through letters from incarcerated individuals, the show shared personal stories and provided counseling sessions with prominent Ethiopian artists. However, it has been off the air for the past two years, with no clear explanation for its hiatus.
From Nightclubs to the Airwaves
Kingston’s journey in the entertainment industry started nearly two decades ago in Addis Ababa’s nightclub scene. He made a name for himself spinning records at venues like German House, Yougovia Club—where he was the first DJ upon its opening—and Geneva Nightclub. These experiences laid the foundation for his transition into radio.
“I grew up with music, and I read a lot,” he said. “I was also close friends with musicians like Tadele Roba, the late Madingo Afework, Gossaye Tesfaye, and many others.”
Despite his deep love for music, Kingston never initially envisioned himself as a radio DJ. He had set his sights on becoming a music producer. That changed one night at Bonanne Club, during a dinner with Tadele Roba and Madingo Afework.
“Tadele, knowing how interactive I am, told me about the opening of Bisrat Radio Station. He insisted I should apply, saying I was well-suited for DJ entertainment,” Kingston recalled. “That conversation changed my life.”
Kingston’s journey as a radio DJ began in 2015 when he launched Wozwoz Addis on Bisrat FM 101.1. The program quickly gained traction, offering a platform for Ethiopian artists to connect with audiences. His close relationships with prominent musicians helped propel the show’s popularity.
“At first, people were unsure about my hosting style,” Kingston said. “But with hard work and dedication, I built a loyal audience.”
Building on that success, Kingston introduced Music Period, a show that brought well-known artists into the studio to share their life experiences while engaging listeners with entertainment news. Another program, Enkefat, explored the historical and cultural evolution of Addis Ababa over the decades, blending storytelling with music.
Kingston’s contributions to Ethiopian radio have earned him multiple accolades for his impact on the industry. In 2017/18, he was named “Best Radio DJ” at the Abyssinia Awards, competing against top broadcasters across the country. In 2024, he won the “Radio DJ of the Year” award through a public vote at the Media Awards.
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved,” he said. “Being a radio DJ has taught me so much. I’ve built great relationships, including with Mesele Melkamu, the founder and director of Bisrat FM.”
Kingston’s longtime friend, musician Hayleyesus Feysa, described him as a dedicated professional who never rests until he reaches his goals.
“As a friend, he’s someone you can always rely on,” Hayleyesus says. “His selflessness is something I deeply appreciate. You don’t find a friend like that everywhere—it speaks to his character.”
According to him, Kingston has made significant sacrifices to reach his current level of success. He is known for his meticulous preparation, spending hours reading and researching before going on air. “He always delivers content with a clear message,” Hayleyesus said. “His work ethic is something young people can learn from.”
Pushing Boundaries
Kingston’s journey has not been without challenges. Introducing Wozwoz Addis was difficult at first, as its format was unfamiliar to Ethiopian radio audiences. However, he says he remained committed to establishing himself in the industry.
Another milestone in his career was pioneering live concert broadcasts on radio—something previously unheard of in Ethiopia. By inviting top musicians to perform live in the studio, he set a new standard for radio entertainment.
“The show was sensational,” he recalled. “It was a turning point. It sent a clear message that I am a capable radio DJ.”
Kingston also highlighted the evolution of the DJ profession in Ethiopia, noting that live radio hosts have gained recognition as key figures in the entertainment industry.
Now, Kingston is setting his sights on a new challenge: television. Though he prefers to stay behind the scenes, he is preparing to launch a TV show that will entertain audiences while also securing financial stability.
“I’m very close to making this happen,” he said.
