The DJ scene in the region is dominated by men, so imagine what a pleasant surprise it was when we came across a female DJ who wasn’t just part of the scene, but making a name for herself and bringing some of the coolest mixes to the table.
We caught up with NU SHERIF to discuss how she became a DJ and the key to her success.
1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always saw myself as either a DJ or a singer or both. My love and passion for music started at a very young age thanks to my father, who had outstanding taste in music especially for jazz, blues and ambient.
As a kid, I was glued to my Walkman; I carried it with me everywhere (school bus, trips, sports club, anywhere). I was always following the latest hits and I even used to record cassette tapes for my friends and myself – I was known for this.
If you saw me dancing – whether when I was a teenager or now – you would instantly notice that music means a lot to me, you’d notice the mood it puts me in, that I’m in another planet. I appreciate and enjoy every beat of a tune, and good melodies take me on far journeys of the mind.
2. What made you want to become a DJ?
The love I have for dance music is beyond any explanation. I have been clubbing and following my favorite DJs around the world since I was a teen. I understood House music so well and I didn’t want that knowledge to go to waste. I knew I could make something great out of it so that is the reason why I wanted to become a DJ, to express those feelings and this knowledge to myself and to people.
3. Is it more difficult being a female DJ? What obstacles do you face?
It definitely is when it comes to the Middle East region. Becoming a DJ was always my dream, but being a girl from the Middle East meant that the journey to accomplish my dream was an uphill battle. I was told that DJing is not “a girl’s job” in the region. My parents weren’t happy with this career choice back in the late 90’s when I first approached them about it, mainly because it involved constant late nights out and being exposed to an unhealthy environment.
But I pushed back and fought my way for years to make it happen. I never gave up on this dream. I always daydreamed about it and had tears fill my eyes every time I thought deeply about it because I wanted it so badly and I knew I could make it happen, but just didn’t know how.
4. What do you think of the state of the electronic dance music scene in Egypt?
I think it’s really good at this stage. The scene has significantly evolved from when it started back in the late 90s. Places like Nacelle changed the face and vibe of the dance music scene in Egypt big time. We need more of that direction, definitely.
5. What milestone in your career are you most proud of?
There are many things I’m proud of. but I can certainly say that the two main milestones that I’m most proud of were winning the DJ competition, which I won in 2014, as I was the only girl against 15 guys and definitely my two Pacha performances.
These two milestones gave me more confidence in my abilities and they got me hungry to push forward and fight harder for what I love and believe in.
6. What has been the biggest challenge in your career?
Learning to DJ the way I always visualized it in my head and heard it in my ears. Not the typical mix in mix out of the tracks, but the creative yet seamless way of doing it while playing on the listeners’ emotions and building waves of anticipation for them.
Another challenge was proving that I have what it takes and that I have the ability to DJ like a man, especially because the genres of music I play are mainly Techno and Tech-House and not a lot of female DJs play these genres globally.
7. I’m really proud of…
Being where I am right now with all the obstacles I faced and reaching where I am with just one year into the DJing career. I taught myself almost everything. I had two major gigs at Pacha during this one year and my mixing levels are too advanced for someone who is considered a start-up DJ.
I’m also proud that I proved myself beyond expectations and that the people who didn’t believe in me are starting to acknowledge my capabilities. I really do appreciate all the tremendous feedback I get from my friends, clubbers and pioneers.
8. What is something in your music library that most people will be surprised you listen to?
Yanni maybe? Because according to the people who know me well, I’m a fast-tempo, banging beats-oriented person. People who know me well know that I don’t really listen to down-tempo or chilled music much.
9. There are countless talented kids who want to do what you do. What is the secret to your success?
I’d say first thing: Believe in yourself. Have faith in your abilities and your dreams and be sure that it’s never too late. I started last year and I am 32.
DETERMINATION is key.
STUDYING is a big tool.
OPENING YOUR EARS is a must.
And lastly, GETTING YOURSELF OUT THERE by going to lots of parties and festivals.
10. DJing is much like…
Taking people on a journey. Feelings, energies, vibe and emotions. Connecting with the crowd and expressing yourself as a person.
11. We heard about your Pacha Sharm event with the Techno legend Dubfire of Deep Dish, what can you tell us about this party?
What can I say, it’s a dream come true! I grew up listening to Deep Dish and playing with Dubfire was a distant dream. The party was a great success, the vibe was amazing, the music was so good it gave me goosebumps throughout the night.
Dubfire was amazed by my set, he expressed his opinion about me to many people throughout the night including DJ Junior who planned and very well managed this event. All this positive feedback is such an honor for me and a big step towards my success in this business.
11. We’ve noticed you changed your branding/identity or music business name from NU SHERIF to DAMAU and you are using a Pharoanic cat as your logo, what do you have to say about this?
There are solid significant reasons behind this change:
1. I LOVE CATS! I’ve always had cats all my life and still do.
2. I was looking for an Egyptian identity to distinguish myself internationally and so using the historical Egyptian Mau cat was a great choice for me because like I mentioned, I love cats and the Mau cat is known internationally as a historical Pharaonic Egyptian icon. DAMAU came from replacing “The” with “Da”, so instead of saying The Mau, I thought it was more creative for it to be DAMAU.
3. I believe it’s catchy and creative and gives me a story to tell.
But I am planning on keeping NU SHERIF on the logo at least for a while until it gradually fades because people already know me by that name and all my pages are in that name, for now.
WE SAID THIS: To stay up to date with NU SHERIF’s music, follow her on Soundcloud here, like her Facebook page here or follow her Instagram account here.
