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Long before DJ Anselm became a familiar face behind Kampala’s decks, he was simply Ater John Elyanu a curious Primary Seven student who wanted to understand how his older brother made music come alive on a computer.
It was 2009, and his brother was using PCDJ RED to mix music. Young Ater watched closely, fascinated by how songs could flow into one another and how a DJ could completely change the mood of a room.
Naturally, he decided to try it himself. There was just one small problem, he damaged the family computer.
Instead of killing his curiosity, the mishap opened another door. His brother began teaching him properly, introducing him to DJ software, music selection and the fundamentals of mixing.
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What began as childhood curiosity would eventually become a career spanning more than a decade.
Before Spotify, There Were Music Libraries.Anselm’s early DJ education happened long before streaming made discovering music effortless.
He spent hours visiting music and movie libraries, hunting for songs and DJ mixes. He studied the work of DJs such as DJ Shiru and DJ Simple Simon, paying attention not just to what they played, but how they built their sets.
That habit taught him one of the most important rules of DJing: great DJs do more than mix songs; they understand people.
His journey picked up again at Gombe Secondary School, where he began experimenting with DJ software and eventually got his first public opportunity in Senior Three.
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A school seminar became an unexpected audition when he was handed a microphone and introduced as the DJ under the guidance of Mr Kakungulu Junior.
From there, the schoolboy became the go-to person whenever music was needed.
The Mentor Who Opened the Door
A major turning point came at a Junior Achievers exhibition in Kampala.
Ater approached a DJ booth and introduced himself as a school DJ. Behind the decks was DJ Dave of Silk Mobile, who gave the young enthusiast a chance to play on professional equipment for the first time.
He was nervous, the equipment was unfamiliar but he took the opportunity.
Dave eventually became an important mentor, teaching him lessons that went beyond technical mixing from reading crowds and selecting music to discipline, event programming and building a professional image.
Anselm also spent countless nights practicing after club hours, including sessions at Club Silk and Liquid Silk, sharpening his transitions and technical skills.
The glamour came later with the 2017 breakthrough. After years of small gigs, karaoke nights and long walks to events simply to gain experience, 2017 brought a defining opportunity.
Through connections with DJ Faisal and DJ Dave, Anselm landed a residency at Liquid Silk Nalya, with support from Mr Elvis Sekyanzi.
It was the platform he needed and his bookings soon expanded across Kampala’s nightlife circuit, with performances at venues including Liquid Silk, Amberz, Icon Lounge, The Alchemist, Onomo, Silo 15, Mezo Noir, Le Botti, Club Guvnor, 1420, Baoli and Aura Lounge.
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His résumé also grew beyond clubs, taking him into weddings, corporate events, private celebrations and international bookings.
One memorable assignment took him to Dubai to DJ Bob Kabonero’s 60th birthday, a high-profile private celebration attended by prominent Ugandan guests.
More Than Throwbacks
Today, Anselm has carved out a distinctive identity around Old School R&B, Soul, Classic Hip Hop, throwbacks and Afro-fusion.
His appeal lies in nostalgia, those songs that instantly transport people to school days, first loves, old friendships and unforgettable nights.
But the DJ is also building beyond the booth. Through his work with Audiophile Concepts, he is involved in premium event sound and music production, while his interest in mentoring young DJs has seen him contribute to Uganda’s growing DJ community through initiatives such as The DJ Shop UG.
From one curious boy breaking a family computer to a seasoned DJ commanding Kampala’s most fashionable rooms, Anselm’s story is ultimately about staying curious.