Jack Rooster, born Ernest Wambari Njaaga, is a Kenyan DJ, producer, curator, and cultural connector whose work has played a significant role in shaping and amplifying East Africa’s electronic music scene. Known for his eclectic sets and deep musical sensibility, his sound moves fluidly between house, disco, Afro-electronic, and underground club music, reflecting both global influences and a strong connection to African rhythm and identity.

Raised in Nairobi and influenced by time spent between Kenya and Europe, Jack’s musical journey began as a collector and curator of sound. His early efforts to introduce and share house music with local audiences evolved into a broader mission of building platforms for the culture. Over the years, he became a central figure in Nairobi’s electronic scene, not only through performance but through consistent curation and community-building.

His long-running radio show Caffè Mocha on HBR 103.5FM became a staple for a generation of listeners, offering a gateway into house and electronic music at a time when the genre was still finding its footing locally. This was further extended through his Deeper Sounds of Nairobi podcast, which has served as a key platform for showcasing African electronic music and highlighting both established and emerging artists across the continent.

As a producer, his work reflects the same ethos found in his DJ sets, blending African rhythmic foundations with global house music structures. Projects such as Nyumba and later releases including Field Marshal, Black Rooster, and The Room demonstrate a commitment to collaboration and sonic exploration, often bringing together a wide range of voices within the electronic space.

Beyond his individual output, Jack is also the founder of Black Rhythms, a platform dedicated to celebrating African electronic music through curated mixes, interviews, and storytelling. Through this initiative, he has helped create visibility for the scene while connecting Nairobi’s underground to a broader global audience.

His performances span clubs, festivals, and cultural spaces across Africa and internationally, including appearances at events such as Lake of Stars and the Amsterdam Dance Event, as well as residencies in European venues. Whether in an intimate setting or on a large stage, his sets are defined by musical storytelling, carefully layering classic grooves with contemporary Afro-house and electronic textures to create immersive experiences.

Now based between Europe and Africa, Jack Rooster continues to operate as a bridge between scenes, expanding his reach while maintaining a strong connection to the foundations that shaped his work. Within the broader landscape of African electronic music, he represents a generation of curators and artists who have not only contributed to the sound, but have also built the platforms that allow it to grow.