DJ Maxx on the groove
Positivity the foundation for his success
MOHINESH Kumar’s journey to become a successful person in life had its fair share of ups and downs.
Mr Kumar, who is more commonly known as DJ Maxx, believes that his positive attitude laid the foundation for him to enjoy success in the music industry by staying focussed on working hard.
He overcame immense struggles to become arguably one of the most famous Dj’s in the Nadi-Lautoka corridor.
“I have always been involved in music,” he said.
“My passion for music commenced at an early age. The road wasn’t easy by any means though because my career as a Dj didn’t take off until I my late 20s.”
Mr Kumar had been trying to make it as a Dj all throughout in his early teens, jumping in from his profession as a broadcaster for a community radio station 90.6 FM that was operating from Nadi in 2010-2014.
“I used to only listen to that particular radio station and during the auditions I was the first person in a long line of hopefuls.
“I was finally offered an opportunity after four earlier unsuccessful attempts to give announcing on air and outdoor broadcast at Rups Big Bear outlet in Lautoka. The rest is history.”
He said he was employed at 90.6 FM program from midnight to 6am for three months.
“I didn’t ask for a single cent during the three months I worked since it was my interest to become a radio announcer, more so because of the various songs played on air.
“All my family members were elated when I was officially handed a working contract after three months with the radio station and I was tasked to manage the peak show from midday until 7pm.
“I was earning $200 a week!”
He said his biggest break came in 2015 when he was recognised for his work as DJ.
“I gave up my enthusiasm for broadcasting because I found myself at ease as a DJ when I acted as the master of ceremony during a wedding ceremony in Korovuto.
“There were more than 200 people at the wedding and I left an indelible mark on everyone.
“It was only by word of mouth that I was able to obtain other
DJ jobs and I haven’t looked back since.”
Mr Kumar rated famous Bollywood singer Kumar Sanu as his idol.
“I used to mimicry his songs every day albeit not in the bathroom!
“I also used to persuade some orchestra masters during weddings to sing songs and I used to do that for my sheer love of music.”
He claimed that his father was unaware about his urge to be a musician.
Mr Kumar was born in Oloolo in Sigatoka and was raised by his maternal grandparents when he reached six. His grandma was a domestic worker while Mr Kumar’s grandpa used to work as a tradesman.
He said poverty was a part of life for him while utilities such as basic water and electricity were a struggle to get back then.
“We were using a kerosene lamp as our source of electricity. My grandparents’ house was built on a hilly terrain and we had to walk a distance to fetch water from a well. Life was tough, but it was so much fun also.”
Mr Kumar said his love for farm life from an early age prevented him from pursuing a quality education.
“I was bored with attending school although I used to be in the top three in internal examinations during my school days from Years 1-8.
“I just wasn’t interested in school work one bit and forfeited my education in Year 8.”
He said he managed to acquire his first employment as a salesperson at Tappoos Duty Free Store at the Nadi International Airport’s departure terminal when he was 17 years old.
“I was selected on a trial basis initially because during the interview process I was honest in stating about my lack of quality education.
“I was employed there for about four years, but boredom got the better of me because I always wanted to engage in a work that had a musical theme. I had completed an advanced computer program by that time though.”
Mr Kumar is the director of his business enterprise trading as Black Fire Entertainment, specialising as a DJ and also does video shooting, photography including outdoor broadcasting.
“I reckon it has been a very sharp track for me personally to transform from a nobody to someone.”
He offered some words of wisdom to the general populace.
“Always listen to your heart and strive towards that goal to taste success. Hit the music with Dj Maxx.”