Female DJs are beginning to crack open the notoriously male-dominated arena of DJ-ing in Nepal, and are starting to seriously influence the local party scene. APEX spoke to some emerging and established women behind the decks to learn about their work, about how the industry treats them, and how they deal with the struggles of working as female DJs in a traditionally conservative society.
DJ ZENNY
Soon after debuting in 2013 with the Naughty Naughty Pool Party, Jenny Tamang started getting popular and doing various gigs. She has since established herself as one of the most popular female DJs in the country. Having taken part in various national and international events, Zenny is now selective. “After reaching a certain height, it’s not possible for me to accept every offer I get. I have been in this industry long enough and I think it’s time for me to consider other opportunities. DJ-ing is my passion and I’m never leaving it but I need to think about my future as well,” she says.
Currently living in Mu m b a i , Jenny says being a female DJ has its own positives and negatives. “It’s a glamorous job but at one point you get tired of being sexualized. We’re generally appointed as attractions rather than as DJs.” She says she wants to be appreciated for her work rather than her face or her body. To all the newcomers in the field, DJ Zenny suggests that they should just go for it. “What you think about yourself is more important than what other people think about you,” she says.
DJ NANI
One of the new and emerging names is DJ Nani. Shy and rather introvert Sushmita Maharjan generally prefers to keep to herself but when it comes to her work, she turns into a whole new person: rather extrovert, energetic and driven. Sushmita, a high-school graduate, has been in this field for three years. Asked why she chose this as her career, she replies it was because “I’ve always been passionate about music.”
Starting out at 19, DJ Nani had to initially face a lot of criticism. “People didn’t support me initially, not even my family, but but I didn’t give up. I continued and now they are now more supportive,” she says. Like DJ Zenny, DJ Nani wants to take up some other job besides DJ-ing. “I plan to go abroad for my studies but right now I am happy with how things are working out here.” DJ Nani performs at Victory Lounge throughout the week and does freelancing as well. “I like the glamor and the glitz of the profession. It’s fascinating,” she says. “You have to struggle a lot as a female DJ but ultimately it’s worth it. That is what I say to all the upcoming artists: don’t give up.”
DJ ARLIN
Anju Gurung, 19, was born and brought up in Gorkha. She later shifted to the valley to pursue her career. In the field for about a year and half now, she initially took three months of training. “My brother is a DJ and he inspired me. When I attended his show, I felt the music that he played, and that is what inspired me,” says DJ Arlin. Gurung says she had to fight her way to get to where she is now. One of the aspiring and emerging female DJs of the country, Gurung is a strong advocate of women’s empowerment. “Our society always finds a way to undermine women, and the same happened to me as well,” she continues.
“My friends, my family, they criticized my choice and my work but I didn’t give up. This is what I wanted to do and I had to prove them wrong,” says Gurung, adding she is determined to make her name in this field. “I fought my way up when everyone was pulling me down and there is no way that I’m going back,” she says. Being a female DJ you need to fight for yourself, against the people sexualizing the profession and take a stand. For all the newcomers, she says “know your worth and strength, you’re strong enough to remove all obstacles in the way” o
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