Being a Female DJ in Azerbaijan: Fighting Stereotypes Behind the Scenes

While the electronic music scene in Azerbaijan has been growing in recent years, the number of female DJs remains limited. Women who want to establish themselves in the industry not only need technical skills but also have to fight against societal expectations and gender imbalances in the music business.

Female DJs who are interested in the field often highlight the challenges they face, including public perception, limited professional opportunities, and the preferences of venue owners, which often restrict their participation. However, in recent years, various initiatives have been launched to support women in the industry.

A Fresh Start: The "Her Sound" Workshop

This year, the "VarYox" platform and DJ Skai (Future Female Sounds) jointly organized a workshop titled Her Sound to encourage the development of female DJs. Over four days, participants learned essential skills such as technical knowledge, performance techniques, and branding. At the end of the training, on January 31, workshop participants took the stage to showcase their performances. Each performance lasted about 20 minutes, providing a crucial opportunity for new female DJs to demonstrate their skills.

At the end of the event, DJ Mariah, DJ Maya, and DJ Skai performed, offering the audience an unforgettable experience. Organizers emphasized that continuing such initiatives is vital for increasing female representation in Azerbaijan's electronic music industry.

Being a Female DJ in Azerbaijan: Opportunities and Challenges

Although DJ education and resources are limited in Azerbaijan, aspiring DJs can still find opportunities through private lessons and international online courses. Experienced DJs offer one-on-one training, while some music studios organize workshops for professional development. Additionally, international platforms such as DJ Courses Online, Point Blank Music School, Udemy, and Coursera provide courses on DJing.

However, one of the biggest barriers for female DJs in Azerbaijan is conservative social perceptions. In an industry where male DJs dominate, women’s performances are often met with skepticism, and they must put in extra effort to prove their professionalism.

A Global Perspective: Support Programs for Female DJs

Globally, several platforms support female DJs, although such initiatives in Azerbaijan are still in their early stages.

Female:Pressure, founded in 1998 by Electric Indigo, is an international network that supports female, trans, and non-binary electronic musicians. The platform offers members technical training, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities.

Psy-Sisters Music is another platform promoting inclusivity in underground electronic music, particularly psychedelic trance, by bringing female DJs together.

Female DJ Association is an organization that provides technical training, business mentorship, and networking opportunities to support the development of female DJs.

In Azerbaijan, mentorship opportunities remain limited, but there are growing efforts to foster collaboration and experience-sharing among local female DJs.

Notable Female DJs in Azerbaijan

Despite the challenges, a few female DJs in Azerbaijan have already made a name for themselves:

• Nigar Shikhlinskaya – One of Azerbaijan’s first female DJs, also known as the face of Azercell.
• DJ Narmin – A well-known figure in the local electronic music scene, performing at various festivals and events.
• DJ Zara – Another prominent female DJ who has actively participated in the electronic music scene and performed at multiple events.

We will support the changes

To increase female representation in Azerbaijan’s electronic music industry, support programs and changes in public perception are crucial. Creating platforms to amplify women’s roles in the sector and promote their work to a broader audience is of great importance.

Additionally, mentorship from successful female DJs and sharing experiences with the next generation could be key factors in shaping the future of women in this field.

Although stereotypes and challenges persist for female DJs in Azerbaijan, new opportunities and initiatives are emerging, allowing them to reach a wider audience and establish their place in the industry.