Popular Kenyan DJ and producer Jack Rooster is set to take a major step in his international career after being confirmed as the opening act for South African Amapiano star Uncle Waffles at Milan’s iconic JustMe Club this June. The performance is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, and it marks a significant milestone for the Nairobi-born artist who has spent years building his reputation across Kenya and beyond. The event brings together two strong African music forces on a European stage known for high profile nightlife experiences. Jack Rooster will use the opportunity to showcase Kenyan Afro-House to an international audience that continues to grow more interested in African electronic sounds. The booking reflects his steady rise from local DJ circuits in Nairobi to respected global venues.
Jack Rooster has long been recognized as one of the early drivers of Kenya’s Afro-House movement, building his brand through consistent performances and music production. He gained early attention in Nairobi’s club scene where he developed a distinct sound that blends deep house influences with African rhythms. His career expanded further when he launched the Caffè Mocha radio show on HBR 103.5 FM, which helped introduce underground house music to a wider Kenyan audience. He also created the Deeper Sounds of Nairobi podcast, which positioned him as a curator of electronic music culture in East Africa. His 2019 debut album Nyumba added another layer to his profile by showcasing his ability to merge local identity with global house music trends.
Over the years, Jack Rooster has built an international presence, especially after relocating to Italy five years ago. The move opened doors for performances across European cities where he has continued to refine his sound and grow his audience. He has shared stages with globally recognized artists including Black Coffee, Shimza and Tyler ICU, which further strengthened his credibility in the electronic music scene. His European journey has allowed him to position Kenyan Afro-House within spaces that are often dominated by South African Amapiano and Western house genres. This upcoming Milan performance is expected to amplify his visibility and introduce his sound to a new wave of listeners.
Speaking ahead of the Milan event, Jack Rooster described the opportunity as a full-circle moment in his career. He reflected on his journey from performing in Nairobi clubs to now sharing stages with international stars in major European cities. He emphasized that the performance is not just another booking but a chance to represent Kenyan music culture on a respected global platform. His words highlight the personal and professional significance of the moment as he prepares to perform in front of a diverse European audience. The collaboration with Uncle Waffles also adds weight to the event given her strong global following and influence in the Amapiano movement.
The JustMe Club in Milan is expected to host a vibrant crowd of music lovers drawn by the growing popularity of African electronic music in Europe. Uncle Waffles continues to be one of the most in demand Amapiano artists globally, known for energetic sets and strong international appeal. Jack Rooster opening for her adds a Kenyan dimension to a lineup that already carries significant cultural weight. The event is also seen as part of a broader trend where African DJs and producers are gaining more recognition in European nightlife circuits. Industry observers view such collaborations as key in expanding the global reach of African soundscapes.
Beyond the Milan performance, Jack Rooster’s career continues to expand with upcoming residencies planned in Ibiza and Rome later this year. These opportunities suggest a sustained presence in Europe and a growing demand for his style of Afro-House music. His trajectory shows how African DJs are increasingly shaping global electronic music conversations through cross cultural performances and collaborations. The Milan show stands as a defining moment that connects his Nairobi roots with his European growth. It reinforces his position as one of the Kenyan artists actively pushing Afro-House onto international stages while building a long term global career.
