Kenyan entertainer DJ Joe Mfalme has opened up about why he refuses to accept tips while performing, saying the gesture can sometimes make fans and artistes feel entitled to control DJs during events.
Speaking during a recent interview, Joe explained that taking money from revellers often comes with pressure, especially from people requesting certain songs or demanding special treatment in the DJ booth. This experience, he noted, has influenced his overall attitude towards fan interactions at events.
Dj Joe Mfalme // MpashoDJ Joe Says Tips Can Make Fans And Artistes Too Controlling
According to the entertainer, some artists attempt to influence playlists by offering money during performances, something he says he deliberately avoids.
“Me, I don’t take tips. Mtu ataku-control vibaya sana,” Joe said
The DJ added that, for these reasons, he prefers to maintain a professional distance while working, rather than feeling obligated to specific clients or fans during events.
“Msanii aniambie, ‘Just take thao unicheze basi.’ Namwambia, ‘Utachezewa tu. Wewe enda tu nayo.’”
Joe further revealed that his entire team follows the same discipline while on duty. Besides refusing tips, they also avoid alcohol and restrict unnecessary access to the DJ booth during performances.
“We don’t take tips, we don’t take alcohol. My whole team, actually. We don’t allow people in the DJ booths, because we are working.”
Fans Praise Joe’s Discipline And Professionalism
Joe’s remarks quickly attracted reactions online, with many fans praising his professionalism and work ethic in the entertainment industry.
One fan jokingly commented:
“@djjoemfalme unajua tuko na videos 😂😂😂 cheza chini.”
Another social media user applauded the DJ’s discipline, writing:
“That’s professionalism.”
Fellow entertainer DJ Wade Q also supported Joe’s sentiments and shared that he similarly avoids taking tips during his radio sets.
“Mimi ata kwa radio, I don’t take tips. Joe is right.”
Another fan wrote:
“Whoever feeds you controls you. Big up, deejay.”
Dj Joe Mfalme // MpashoFrom Chip’s Payment To International Recognition
Joe Mfalme has previously spoken openly about the difficult beginnings of his career and how those experiences shaped his approach to the entertainment business.
In an earlier interview with Phil Karanja, the DJ revealed that his first-ever payment for a performance was a serving of chips from a local restaurant.
“Eh nililipwa na chipo. Chipo za Sanford. Boss it’s crazy.”
He also recalled moments when he performed at events and was rewarded with applause instead of money, experiences that motivated him to treat deejaying as a serious profession.
Joe explained that he intentionally worked on branding himself differently to increase the value of his craft.
“Anyone can play music, so what other extra thing can you do?”
The entertainer later started landing small gigs paying between Sh500 and Sh2,000 before eventually securing bigger opportunities, including performances linked to the Big Brother franchise in South Africa.
