Dubai's Kenyan Dynamo: Dogo Skillz bridges Africa and the Middle East, one hit at a time
Gabriel Lare, better known as Dogo Skillz (Centre)
Audio By Vocalize
The Kenyan-born musician isn't just dropping Afrobeat and Amapiano bangers; he's charting a deliberate course to fuse African culture with the global stage—a mission recently amplified by an exclusive feature on Virgin Radio UAE.
The interview on the country's top radio network wasn't just a career win for Skillz; it was a powerful moment of cultural synchronicity. He joined Eddie, the station’s first African presenter, creating a symbolic "two sons of the same soil" synergy on one of the Middle East’s most influential airwaves; A testament to how far African artistry has traveled, from the villages of Kenya right up to the famous skyline of Dubai.
The Virgin Radio spotlight centered on his latest release, “Zimeshika”, a vibrant, high-energy Afro-Amapiano track featuring one of Dubai’s top female DJs, DJ Laty.
The collaboration itself is a metaphor for Dogo Skillz’s entire movement: a seamless cultural handshake between East Africa's rhythmic flair and the UAE's cosmopolitan energy.
“Being on Virgin Radio UAE means more than just airplay—it’s a statement that African voices belong on every global platform,” Dogo Skillz shared. “My goal is to make music that unites, heals, and celebrates our roots.”
The track's momentum is undeniable, fast becoming an anthem from Nairobi to the Burj Khalifa. To fuel the fire, Skillz and Laty launched the #ZimeshikaDanceChallenge, a viral call-to-action that gives fans in Africa and Dubai a shot at winning KSh 20,000 simply by posting their best dance video; It’s a smart, modern move that leverages social media to make the music a shared cultural experience across continents.
What truly gives Dogo Skillz substance beyond his rising celebrity is his deep commitment to philanthropy. His music career is the engine, but his heart is in the Dogo Skillz Foundation (DSF).
This isn't an artist paying lip service to charity; the DSF is an established initiative that has visited over 450 children’s homes and fed thousands of street families across Kenya and beyond. He uses his platform to drive tangible, positive change, embodying a purpose that is both personal and inspirational.
“I want to show young people that you can rise from anywhere—from a little known village in Kenya to the skyline of Dubai—if you stay true to your purpose,” he stated. This mantra of empowerment is the core of his brand.
Dogo Skillz’s ambition stretches far beyond the studio and the street-feeding missions. He is also strategically building the DS Empire, a brand that now includes DS Modeling Agency LTD, Registered in Kenya and actively expanding its footprint across Dubai, this venture shows an artist thinking like a global entrepreneur, connecting music, fashion, and creative enterprise.
With whispers of recognition from international record labels and Grammy-affiliated producers, Dogo Skillz is rapidly transitioning from a regional success story to a formidable African export.
His recent radio feature is more than just a plug for his song—it’s a symbol of how African culture and influence are continuing to break barriers and find new, dominant footholds across the globe.
Dogo Skillz isn't just chasing fame; he's defining modern African excellence: a powerful blend of chart-topping artistry, entrepreneurial vision, and impactful social responsibility.
Leave a Comment