When Soph Wainaina — affectionately known as DJ NAINA — landed in Australia as an 18-year-old student in 2018, she carried with her a mix of hope, excitement, and the uncertainty that comes with venturing into the unknown. Fresh from Kenya, with a heart full of ambition and a suitcase packed with dreams, she could never have guessed just how dramatically her life would unfold.
“I thought I was ready,” she laughs, “but nothing quite prepares you for the real thing. Even English was a culture shock — the accents threw me completely. So many ‘huhs?’ and ‘could you say that again?’ in those early months!”
What started as a typical international student experience — grappling with independence, navigating cultural nuances, and adapting to a new academic system — quickly evolved into something far more transformative. Studying nursing was the goal, but somewhere between lectures and late-night reflections, Soph began to rediscover an old love: music.
A Shift in Tempo
Her pivot from healthcare to music wasn’t sudden — it was a slow rhythm building over time. “I used to play piano in my church band back in Kenya,” she recalls. “But when I moved, I thought I had to pause that creative part of me to focus on school. It always felt like something was missing.”
That gap began to close during a casual drive with a friend in 2023, where a conversation about dreams led her to vocalize a long-held desire — becoming a DJ. At the time, there were no female DJs in her community playing Afrohouse or Amapiano. The dream seemed far-fetched — until her friend surprised her with a DJ deck for her birthday.
“That moment changed everything. Someone believed in me before I even believed in myself,” she says, reflecting with gratitude. “I told them I’d make us proud. I’m still working on that promise.”
Finding Her Frequency
Since then, Soph — now known as DJ NAINA — has made waves across the Australian music scene, sharing stages with the likes of Bien Aime, Francis Mercier, and Savage & ShE. From electrifying crowds at AfroJamz to experimenting with sounds through her solo project Kejani, she’s found a space where creativity knows no bounds.
“Music has no ceiling,” she says. “You can sample the sound of a door hinge and create magic. It’s wild — and that’s what I love.”
But it hasn’t been without its challenges. As a Kenyan woman in a male-dominated industry, she’s had to build resilience and learn to assert herself — a journey of inner strength and quiet determination.
“You’ve got to advocate for yourself,” she says. “And sometimes that means being firm when your nature is soft. But people have been largely respectful, and I’m grateful for that.”
Balancing Dual Worlds
While music has become a defining part of her story, Soph hasn’t left her academic roots behind. She’s currently diving into research that explores the impact of sleep — or the lack thereof — on healthcare workers in Australia. For her, it’s a meaningful way to merge compassion with curiosity, science with soul.
“My days aren’t really typical,” she explains. “I study, I work, I DJ. It’s chaotic sometimes, but beautifully so.”
Her Kenyan upbringing is never far from view. Whether in her disciplined approach to life, her value for education, or her deep reverence for family and community, she draws heavily from her roots. “My parents, my uncle, my siblings — they’ve done amazing things. I walk in big shoes,” she says. “They taught me to educate myself through every experience.”
Creating Community Through Sound
Soph’s rise hasn’t been a solo act. Mentors like DJ James Bannah helped sharpen her skills and expand her vision. “I thought I was good until I watched him spin,” she chuckles. “Mind-blowing. That experience pushed me to grow.”
She continues to pay that energy forward, actively collaborating within the African community in Australia. “We work with mostly Africans — that’s where my heart is. I hope our work inspires and uplifts.”
Her dream? For African music to become mainstream in Australia’s commercial scene. “I’ll know we’ve made it when I hear Last Last by Burna Boy on Nova,” she jokes, only half-serious.
Advice to the Next Generation
To newcomers just arriving in Australia, Soph offers hard-earned wisdom: embrace community.
“Don’t isolate. Find people who inspire you to grow, especially as a student. Prioritise school, but also colour outside the lines. In your 20s, explore. But stay grounded. Being centered is everything.”
For those navigating dual paths, like she does in health and the arts, she has one key mantra: Stay teachable. “I’m still a student — in music, in life. That mindset keeps me going.”
Looking Ahead
With a heart rooted in Kenya and eyes set on the horizon, Soph Wainaina is more than just a DJ or a researcher — she’s a storyteller, an innovator, and a bridge between cultures. Whether on the decks or in the lab, she brings rhythm, heart, and authenticity.
And as she continues to rise, her journey reminds us that purpose is not always a straight line — sometimes, it’s a remix.
