To understand Kampala’s evolving nightlife, look no further than Aaron Elwanu, better known on the decks as Dread Lazer. At just 25, the Information Systems Technology graduand from Makerere University is living proof of what happens when raw technical focus meets an unapologetic desire to turn the crowd upside down.
His stage name tell a story of its own. The “Dread” part pays homage to reggae music, his deepest musical love. Then the “Lazer” represents what he aims to deliver behind the decks with sets that are sharp, focused and fun as well.
It’s a fitting description for a young man who, off-stage, is something of a paradox. “I’m an introvert. “I really like to be indoors,” Aaron admits. It’s this quiet, introspective side that makes his transformation on stage so much more enjoyable as the reserved student becomes a force of nature the moment the music starts.
“The party is a place to let your worries disappear and just relax. Even though the music for that mood changes every time, my goal is to keep you completely in the moment,” Dread Lazer says.
His journey began in 2012 inside a local gaming station, experimenting with VirtualDJ, PCDJ, and desktop software between rounds of PlayStation 2. Growing up near the Kenyan border, he soaked in the soundscape cutting across Uganda and Kenya, drawing heavy inspiration from the legendary Supremacy Sounds mixmasters.
The defining moment arrived in 2022 when he landed his first paid gig at his Senior Six prom for Seeta High in a move that saw him miss his own prom festivities to pursue his true passion. That break eventually led to 5 PM to 7 PM sets at the former Kampala favourite, Kenji’s, alongside DJ Bugy and DJ Kuzzi, before graduating to late-night Saturday slots at Kenji’s and Cielo Lounge. He simultaneously built a following across high school and university circuits, rocking crowds at Seeta High, Uganda Martyrs Namugongo, Nabisunsa, and St. Joseph’s Nagalama.
When Kenji’s closed and other gigs slowed during the post-lockdown period, Dread Lazer adapted. He invested his savings into equipment and turned to TikTok during the university recess, dropping mixes and mashups that racked up serious numbers online. That momentum caught NRG Radio’s attention, and after a competitive month-long audition alongside talents like Eyo Marcus and DJ Cross, he earned his spot as a full-time national radio DJ and influencer.
Balancing a demanding Information Systems degree at Makerere while building a DJ career took discipline. While his parents were initially hesitant and concerned the decks would distract from his academics, their perspective shifted completely as they saw his dedication pay off into a viable, professional path.
What sets a Dread Lazer set apart isn’t just his custom DJ drops or signature mashups; it’s his calculating approach to the room. Before touching a single fader, he observes the crowd and the preceding DJ, analyzing the energy to craft seamless transitions. While he leans toward Afrohouse and the infectious energy of three-step, he refuses to be boxed into a single genre or simply ride the prevailing Amapiano wave.
His ability to read the room and ignite massive audiences made him a standout highlight across the Smirnoff Fiestas circuit and the MUBS Cultural Gala, where his sets turned main events into full-blown after-parties. Now, Smirnoff is proud to back his vision for a party built on the same spirit of self-expression and genuine connection that defines the brand.
Despite facing early industry hurdles from moments of self-doubt to gig negotiations where others sought to undervalue his work, Dread Lazer remains focused on his ultimate destination to take his sound to the international stage.
As he prepares for his upcoming showcase at Kati Kati on September 4th, Dread Lazer invites partygoers to drop their stress at the door and step into the vibe.
It’s a celebration of keeping it real and as Dread Lazer puts it, “finding a space where the music is loud, the vibe is immaculate, and the connection is everything.”
With a sound that evolves with every venue he plays and an ambition that extends far beyond local borders, Dread Lazer invites you to his Turnup as he looks to prove that sometimes the most powerful voices in the club belong to the people who speak the quietest off-stage.
