Christopher Lewis Mallam
DJ Christonite Boginikua
DJ/Producer, Aspiring Architect (AIA), Full Time Dad & Husband, Lover not a Fighter
Christopher Lewis Mallam is a multifaceted man of the world who spins as many plates as records. Born “to a plethora of Cultures and Religions, but my Mum is of iTaukei [kaiViti/Indigenous Fijian] descent and my dad is of Saudi Arabian ethnicity, which in no way summarises who I am as an individual today.”
A popular and resident DJ at the top music festivals in Fiji and the Pacific, his vibe is described as “blowing the roof to smithereens” and he is cited as one of the “most legit DJ’s in Fiji”. Chris is currently expanding his horizons in California, although Fiji is still home with dreams of “a little tin shack by the beach” one day.
Right now, he’s blending up another island-inspired house track, “a little bit of Ukulele and a little bit of UKG style Bass & Drums. It’s fun, challenging and it keeps me busy when I’m not missing home! I’m still trying to hone in on a signature sound for my music, which I can only describe as Island Electronica for now.”
Get into the groove with STARLIGHT on Christopher Lewis Mallam aka DJ Christonite Boginikua
PS. “Boginikua” means “tonight”.
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1. Is what you’re doing now what you have always wanted to do?
I actually wanted to be an actor when I was in primary school, but that quickly changed to a more hands on occupation like a carpenter. After seeing my dad build ships, I wanted to do something similar and chose Architecture.
However I discovered much later in life that I have green hands and love nature, plants and the outdoors, so I’m currently pushing towards a niche area of Biophilic Architecture.
On the music side, I’ve always wanted to be in a band but could never play any instruments because I’m a lefty, so naturally I gravitated towards DJing in the early 2000s when I was studying in Japan.
It stuck with me, I took it home to Fiji with me where I helped build the scene and industry and I used DJing to travel the world as a Touring DJ.
Then I had a family and that’s the biggest blessing and priority in my life right now.
2. What’s on a DJ’s playlist? 5 songs that are your current mood.
This is a tough one, because it constantly changes, and now with the Spring Season starting, I’m just refreshing my playlist, but here’s the list of what’s on rotation at the moment:
1. cLOUDs – J.Cole
2. Rick’s Piano – Mac Miller
4. Tunnel Vision – Russ
5. Sunny Side – Frank Forrest
3. What’s something that takes up way too much of your time?
MUSIC!!
I’m always playing some song or melody or verse in my head, if I hear a sound I’m using it to make a beat in my mind. If I’m not working, doing family stuff or sleeping, I’m making music.
4. How do you prefer to spend your free time?
Free time is something I don’t have, but when I’m not busy, I like to spend time with my family and create tiny memories with my 2 boys that I can keep in my heart as they grow up.
Free time is something I don’t have, but when I’m not busy, I like to spend time with my family and create tiny memories with my 2 boys that I can keep in my heart as they grow up.
5. What colour would you use to describe yourself? Why?
Damn this is tough, cos colours also have frequencies and emotions.
Damn this is tough, cos colours also have frequencies and emotions.
I’m a bit of a kaleidoscope to be honest, dark in some areas, bright and vibrant in others, it depends on the setting and environment, but if I were to choose a colour to describe myself, it would be between a deep turquoise and olive green (The colour of the Ocean Reef just before it drops into the deep end).
6. Name a book that had an impact on you and why.
The Alchemist – Paul Coelho.
The Alchemist – Paul Coelho.
Anyone who’s read the book will agree that it’s about finding purpose and meaning in life but also understanding that it’s all about the journey and what you attract. What is meant to be will eventually be. Maktub!
7. Do you align with Astrological insight aka… do you believe in Astrology? If so, are you typical of your star sign?
I don’t dwell on it, but it sometimes helps me to decipher certain people (who follow it religiously), but I have to admit I do carry a few characteristics of a Capricorn, being a hardworking and stubborn person, a high achiever and having a small circle of trust.
8. What thing keeps you going on hard days? What is Faith to you?
Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1) Prayer keeps me going on my hardest days.
9. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done (so far)?
Dropped everything (including my lifetime record collection, Turntables and DJ Career) in Paradise, packed 2 bags and moved to California with my wife and 2 sons.
Dropped everything (including my lifetime record collection, Turntables and DJ Career) in Paradise, packed 2 bags and moved to California with my wife and 2 sons.
10. What’s your idea of a perfect holiday?
An isolated island somewhere in Fiji, a Paddle Board and no internet.
An isolated island somewhere in Fiji, a Paddle Board and no internet.
11. Do you follow/enjoy politics?
Not too much, I just stay on top of the important stuff that affects me in terms of finance, investments, taxes, etc. I don’t really care which clown runs the circus to be honest.
Not too much, I just stay on top of the important stuff that affects me in terms of finance, investments, taxes, etc. I don’t really care which clown runs the circus to be honest.
12. Do you have tattoos? Do they mean anything?
I have a lot actually, and they all carry meaning, for certain times of my life or for important people.
I have a lot actually, and they all carry meaning, for certain times of my life or for important people.
I have a map of Fiji Tattooed across my chest, and I don’t hesitate to pull it out to show which island I’m from when people ask.
13. What’s your biggest indulgence?
Currently Milkshakes, it was coffee for a while (until I decided to quit coffee for a bit) but overall I’d say it’s (my wife) Krista’s baking. She can bake!
Currently Milkshakes, it was coffee for a while (until I decided to quit coffee for a bit) but overall I’d say it’s (my wife) Krista’s baking. She can bake!
14. Who is your Star? [role model / inspiration]
Damn this is tough…I have so many! Here’s a list of a few that I can think of right now:
Damn this is tough…I have so many! Here’s a list of a few that I can think of right now:
1. Tadao Ando (Famous Japanese Architect)
2. Albert Einstein
3. Vincent Van Gogh
4. Lebron James
5. Diplo
15. Is there a movie you could watch over and over again?
‘RockNRolla’ by Guy Ritchie. It’s a great analogy of the world we live in and how to stay (in)sane in it.
‘RockNRolla’ by Guy Ritchie. It’s a great analogy of the world we live in and how to stay (in)sane in it.
16. What is your personal style signature?
I don’t have a specific style, but I gravitate towards the dark side, I love the night and minimalism / unforced art.
I don’t have a specific style, but I gravitate towards the dark side, I love the night and minimalism / unforced art.
17. What’s the one meal you could eat every day?
Dhal and Rice or Rourou (Spinach) Sandwiches
Dhal and Rice or Rourou (Spinach) Sandwiches
18. If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?
1. Shades
1. Shades
2. Car
3. Stand Up Paddle Board
4. Laptop
5. Headphones
19. What do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered as the DJ that took Fijian Music to the World EDM Stage and established our Pacific Sound & Culture up there.
I also want to use Music and Architecture to save the world, I have yet to figure out that part, but I’m getting closer each year.
I feel like I have a purpose to give back to this world and lifetime through these gifts bestowed upon me, and I feel a need to give back to the smaller minority communities of the world, to preserve our diversity and differences. I feel like that is what makes us all special in the eyes of the Creator.
20. THREE things you love about yourself…. and ONE thing you would change.
1. I love my life, despite not knowing what tomorrow may bring
1. I love my life, despite not knowing what tomorrow may bring
2. I love that I have an open mind and am always willing to learn something new
3. I love my cultural upbringing even though it comes with trauma and generational curses, that I am breaking and fixing for my kids
One thing I would change about myself: I want to be more patient with myself and my goals & dreams, and the people who love me. Vinaka Vakalevu,