My Favorite Female DJs!
From the title you probably guessed what this post is about. Before I get into the details of each DJ (in no particular order), I want to thank everyone on this list, and even those I haven't included, for being great role models to the other females in our community who wish to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. I look up to these women not only for their skill and talent, but also because of their attitudes, persistence and great personalities.
DJ Shilpa/ DJ Scarlett88
Shilpa was exposed to the DJ world at a young age. With her father being a DJ, she learned the trick of the trade at 12 years old and only grew from there. Growing up playing and writing music, she went to NYC's Dubspot DJ School and is an Ableton Live Certified Producer. Shilpa is such an amazing person. Not only does she have the skill to rock a huge party, whether it's a club or a wedding, but she is also one of the most inspiring people I've come across. Any time I've ever had doubts about my career path Shilpa has always been there with much needed words of wisdom. Shilpa is one DJ who has and will continue to prove people wrong when they assume that a female in this industry is not as skilled or talented as a man. The couple of times I've met with Shilpa she's been so incredibly kind. Initially totally fangirling, I was pleasantly surprised when we were having a normal conversation as if I had known her for years. With us both following in our fathers’ footsteps career wise, but also making a name for ourselves, it was great to receive Shilpa's input and advice. Shilpa told me that there will always be people who try to put others down, but that if you remain dedicated and strong, your work will always prove those people wrong. Follow DJ Shilpa on Instagram!
DJ Harpz
From a young age Harpz had a clear vision of what she wanted to do. After much persistence, commitment and determination Harpz got her break and was given a slot on her local Radio Station - Fever FM. Her fanbase grew with time and soon she was offered a prime drive-time slot. Harpz then got the opportunity to host her own Urban show, on “All Star FM”. She is now the weekend Breakfast Presenter on the BBC Asian Network on Sundays from 6am. Along with all of this, Harpz also DJs private events! First off, anyone who can wake up to go to work at 6am on a Sunday is nothing less than a hero in my book. Harpz is a prime example of what hard work, talent and determination can do. Even with all of the success she's attained over the years, Harps remains down to Earth, constantly interacting with fans and supporters over social media. Giving fans a look at her everyday life on Snapchat, she shows the world that despite all of her success, she is still a fun-loving, family-oriented and very humble person. As far as I've been able to tell, she's always looking to take the next step in her career, always striving to reach new goals and that truly motivates me to keep moving forward with my dreams as well. Follow DJ Harpz on Instagram!
DJ Goddess
Jessica Dhillon aka DJ Goddess is a model and actress turned DJ/Film Producer/Choreographer. She has opened for the likes of Down With Webster and also co-produced Raghav's "Top of the World" video alongside the UK's Harry Sona. With a Major in Biology and Minor in Business, she went from a geek to an international female DJ! Her first tour kicked off with DJ KSR at one of the biggest North American Culture Shows (NACS) in Toronto and she went on to spin alongside RDB and DJ Shadow Dubai for NYE in Dubai. Her second tour schedule consisted of shows in Mumbai and Dubai, followed by her debut in London. DJ Goddess also made her debut in New York City at the end of 2013. This woman can literally do it all! DJ Goddess is a prime example of the saying 'You can do anything you put your mind to'. Who would have thought that this girl getting her degree in biology would end up DJing at some of the hottest spots in the world? I'm extremely impressed with the fact that she can rock out a set in Mumbai and walk out still looking absolutely flawless! Follow DJ Goddess on Instagram!
DJ Rekha
British-born, NYC-based, DJ Rekha is a DJ, curator, record label owner and educator. Rekha established herself in 1997 with her ever so popular event Basement Bhangra and she was the first to present artists Panjabi MC, Tigerstyle, and M.I.A in the United States. In 2010 at a White House Asian Pacific Islander reception, President Obama said, "I want to thank DJ Rekha who's been spinning a little East Room Bhangra for everybody, mixing a hip-hop beat with the sounds of her heritage, making a uniquely American sound that may not have been heard in the White House before.” She's also given lectures and led workshops on Hip Hop, politics and South Asian art for various universities and institutions, including the Smithsonian, Brooklyn Museum and Columbia University. If that wasn't enough, her work has been featured on CNN, NPR, PBS! I could go on and list all of Rekha's other accomplishments but you would all be reading for ages! I've looked up to her since I started gaining interest in Bhangra and over the years Rekha has never failed to be an amazing inspiration! Follow DJ Rekha on Instagram!
