DJ Fikie

Shafik Ramanthan, known professionally as DJ Fikie, is a Ugandan disc jockey, television host, artist manager, and music producer. Operating primarily within Kampala, he has gained prominence for his club residencies, public industry disputes, and his temporary role in artist management.

Early career and club residencies

Ramanthan initially entered the Kampala nightlife scene citing veteran selector DJ Shiru as a primary career inspiration. He secured an early club residency at Laftaz Lounge in Centenary Park, Kampala. In late 2017, following a self-organized indoor concert titled "The Journey", he and hype man Top Boy MC secured a club residency contract valued at over 20 million Ugandan shillings with Kajoe Events to manage nightlife programming at Game Club in Wandegeya. Following these developments, DJ Fikie officially parted ways with Laftaz Lounge in May 2018 to focus on his expanding brand.

Industry disputes and events

In January 2018, a physical dispute occurred at a venue in Bugolobi where DJ Shiru allegedly damaged DJ Fikie's mixing equipment and turntables during a staging altercation. This incident initiated a multi-year media feud between The Two disc jockeys.

His performances have drawn press attention for live staging complications, including an on-stage audio clash and confrontation during a live performance by artist King Saha at an event in Kololo. In June 2022, he served as the resident DJ for rising artist Pice Jovan's "Showtime" album listening party, an event that made news after ending prematurely due to sudden venue adjustments.

In March 2019, DJ Fikie drew broader industry attention when he publicly Defied the "MUTE Gravity" media boycott. The boycott had been organized by a domestic DJ association against musician Gravity Omutujju following an altercation with a media personality. DJ Fikie rejected the association’s directives, stating his primary professional allegiance belonged to his audience over industry union guidelines.

Apart from standard club sets, he has organized standalone curated events, including the "DJ Fikie Festival" held at Cask Lounge in Kampala. His contributions to the Ugandan music industry earned him a nomination at the annual HiPipo Music Awards.

Artist Management

In addition to his performance career, DJ Fikie briefly transitioned into music executive work, assuming the management role for the prominent child rap star Fresh Kid (Patrick Ssenyonjo). The partnership concluded shortly after due to strategic creative disagreements, leading DJ Fikie to officially step down from managing the artist.

Selected Singles & Remixes

  • "Shuga Daddy" (featuring DJ Fikie) (2019)
  • "What A Man" (featuring Zex Bilangilangi) (2022)
  • "Emundu Yo" (featuring Cosign Yenze and Malika Grey) (2023)
  • "Mata Konko" (with Royal Jeff) (2024)
  • "Bereeje (Remix)" (with King Zale and Fik Gaza) (2024)

See also

  • HiPipo Music Awards
  • Music of Uganda