**DJ Ktone**
**Deejay, Music Composer/Director, Community Ambassador**
DJ Ktone is more than just a DJ. A Denver native with an easygoing demeanor and a sharp ear for good music, Ktone has been deejaying since adolescence, developing into one of Denver’s most successful DJs with national and international reach. Known as the “Turf DJ,” Ktone is not only a skilled DJ but also a respected composer and music director, recognized for creating multiple mixshows, podcasts, and businesses—even throughout the national pandemic. A true innovator and tastemaker, he has been a member of The Core DJs, a prominent DJ collective, since 2010.
With a dedication to uplifting both emerging and established artists, Ktone has worked with renowned names like David Banner, Big K.R.I.T., Trev Rich, Innerstate Ike, B.O.B, DJ Scream, Ty Dolla $ign, and many others, opening doors and breaking records across the West Coast. His “20 in 20 with DJ Ktone” interview series features national artists, DJs, celebrities, and upcoming talents, proving to be one of his most celebrated projects to date. He also co-founded The Southwest Alliance, a platform that helps up-and-coming artists introduce their music to new regions.
As a radio personality with FLO 107.1 FM from 2015 to 2019, Ktone made significant strides, elevating the urban culture with his mixshow, “Home Grown Hip Hop,” and becoming the first DJ to join the station’s sales department. His community presence has made him a recognized figure across the music industry, with thriving gigs and a strong following in diverse cities, including the Bay Area, Kansas City, and Phoenix.
DJ Ktone’s contributions extend beyond music. As a community ambassador, Ktone is known for his commitment to giving back. In 2021, he established the Ktone Cares Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to community upliftment. Through Ktone Cares, he has collaborated with organizations like Denver Black Pages, Black Business Initiative, Collaborative Healing Within Communities (CHIC), Colorado Access and The Colorado Health Foundation to promote mental health, financial literacy, and community engagement. He’s also supported youth initiatives like The Asfaw Foundation’s Arches of Hope Annual Bike Giveaway, showcasing his dedication to mentorship and empowering young people.
In addition to his accolades as a two-time Westword Hip-Hop DJ of the Year, Ktone has received three Colorado Broadcasters Association awards and has been twice recognized by the Denver Urban Spectrum as an African American Who Makes a Difference (2010, 2022). In 2022, he was honored with a City Proclamation by Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, officially marking March 2 as “DJ Ktone Day” in celebration of his annual Birthday Bash event, which has become a hallmark in the community.
DJ Ktone’s mission is to use his platform not only to break records and elevate artists but to educate, inform, and inspire. As a “Legendary Turf DJ,” he believes in continuously giving back to the communities that support him, whether he’s on stage, behind the turntables, or working alongside local businesses and nonprofits.
Hanifah Chiku is a dedicated community advocate with a profound commitment to empowering the African American community. Originally from New Jersey, she relocated to Denver in the late 1980s, driven by the desire to provide her son with a better life. Throughout her career, Hanifah has held various roles, including paralegal, workers comp claim representative, fuel supplier technician, and corporate billing specialist. However, her true passion lies in community service.
Hanifah has actively contributed to several community initiatives and events. She served as a PR representative for the Juneteenth celebration, volunteered for the Denver Black Arts Festival and the Black Business Initiative Summit, and participated in the planning committee for the Denver Black Pages Mountain Region Black Economic Summit. In addition, she has been involved with numerous charitable organizations and activities, showcasing her commitment to making a positive impact.
Her educational achievements include graduating from the African American Leadership Institute (AALI) in 2004 and completing the Family Leadership Training Institute (FLTI) in 2015. Hanifah is also a member of the 2018 Spring Giving Project for the Chinook Fund, reflecting her ongoing dedication to community development.
Hanifah’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she has received recognition for her impactful work. The Denver Urban Spectrum acknowledged her as an African American Who Makes a Difference. Denver Black Pages honored her with an Unsung Hero Award in 2017, and the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado recognized her with the Unsung Hero and Inspirational Service Award in 2020. In 2021, she received the President’s Award in support of Colorado Black Women for Political Action (CBWPA).
Currently, Hanifah is the Chief Operations Officer for the Ktone Cares Foundation, which is the non-profit founded by her son Kamau aka DJ Ktone. Ktone Cares Foundation’s mission is a harmonious blend of community empowerment, artistic expression, and cultural connectivity. Through the transformative power of music, KCF not only creates an environment for healing but also instills a sense of agency and belonging within BIPOC youth, encouraging them to actively participate in shaping their futures. In doing so, Ktone Cares exemplifies a commitment to building a more vibrant, empowered, and united community.
In her personal life, Hanifah is a proud mother to Kamau and has embraced the role of ‘mom’ to several individuals who consider her their second mother. Her greatest inspiration and legacy are her grandchildren: Kiahn, Kyron, Kamau II, Kourtney, and Knowble. Hanifah continues to be a beacon of inspiration and a driving force for positive change in her community.
Chante’s background showcases a diverse skill set spanning community operations, the real estate market, and event staffing. Using a holistic approach, she brings innovation and independence to her roles, emphasizing team-focused strategies. Her ownership of Daily Trio Event Staffing highlights her entrepreneurial spirit and ability to manage teams effectively over two decades.
Chante’s a dedicated consultant in business promotion, direct marketing campaigns, and business operations refinement, demonstrating her proficiency in driving visibility and engagement. As a Colorado native and mother of 5, it has been key to be an active partner in their formal education, along with many other ventures most recently achieved by participating as Council Chair and Community Representative for DPS Head Start PPC 2018-present as well as Chair of Mile High Early Learning Policy Council 2020-present. Dedicated to the growth of the Ktone Cares Foundation underscores her commitment to mental health education, contributing to impactful community initiatives.
s and nonprofits.
As a proud Denver native, Jayana Crowley brings her passion for storytelling and community impact to her role with the KTone Cares Foundation. With a background in communications from the Community College of Denver and psychology studies at Bethune-Cookman University, Jayana uses her expertise to elevate the foundation’s message of mental wellness and music-driven healing.
As a key member of the KTone Cares team, she crafts and shares authentic content that highlights the foundation’s transformative programs, events, and community initiatives. Whether producing social media campaigns, capturing event moments, or amplifying voices through digital storytelling, Jayana’s mission is to make sure every story connects and inspires.
When she’s not behind the camera or curating campaigns, Jayana finds her greatest joy in motherhood, raising her young king, Jaxsen, and continuing to live with purpose, creativity, and heart!
