Face to Face with DJ Sonica, Dhaka, Bangladesh

DJ Sonica

Nazmus Saquib chats with the young woman who is leading the way for female DJ’s

DJ Sonica has carved a niche for herself as the first female DJ in the country. The sought-after young woman shares her thoughts with DhakaLive

DJ Sonica

• What it like being the first and only female DJ in Bangladesh? And how did it begin?

DJ Sonica: I have always been fascinated with music. I used to take lessons in music. I have traveled to various countries and my travels allowed me to become acquainted with global music trends. I trained in the institute, ‘Garage’, run by DJ Rahat, and my professional career started in 2007. At the time, I was the lone female DJ but since then many have followed in my footsteps and there are lots of girls who are working in the circuit so I am proud to be a trendsetter.

• In a conservative society like ours, how did you manage to convince your parents to allow you to work in this line?

DJ Sonica: I am very lucky because my parents never objected to my choice of career. They have always encouraged me and support my choice of an unconventional profession.

• Apart from you, no other women have had an impact on the scene, why is that? And what do you think is holding them back?

DJ Sonica: Perhaps it is because the others treat DJing as a fashionable trend and not as a professional commitment. In Bangladesh, most of the women who claim to be DJs are more like a product that adds some kind of extra glamour to a party. If you don’t have the talent or knowledge then you can’t be good at your work. So I think anyone who wants to be a DJ should learn about the technical aspects before starting in this profession. Just calling oneself a DJ won’t make them good DJs.

• What has been a seminal experience for you as a DJ?

DJ Sonica

DJ Sonica: I have performed in many clubs and five-star hotels across Bangladesh. And every performance gives a different kind of experience. Last time I had a show at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre where 1500 people grooved to my beats. I know different people have different musical tastes but when all of them can dance to every song I play, it can be very exciting for me as a DJ.

• What are some of the memorable responses you’ve had to your work?

DJ Sonica: Once my mentor DJ Rahat told me that I was his best production among the female DJs! And DJ Prince said as a DJ I am the most promising and he thinks I have a very bright future in the scene.

You were collaborating on an album with Habib Wahid but it hasn’t materialized; why the delay?
Actually Habib Wahid is busy with his solo work and so I have no idea when we can complete the work that is pending for the album. For now I don’t have anymore information but I hope it won’t be shelved indefinitely!

• There have been speculations in the media about your relationship with Habib. What’s your comment on this issue?

DJ Sonica

DJ Sonica: We are good friends and that’s all. I learned a lot from him and I call him ‘Guruji’ so all the speculations that appeared about us were fabricated.

You are about to release your debut album. Tell us about it.
It will be an out-and-out dance-flavored album with nine original compositions. DJ Prince will produce the album and I plan to launch it internationally to promote Bangladesh’s music in the global arena. I have completed five tracks and two songs can be heard on the local radio stations. The USP for the album is that I’ve followed all the international rules as a DJ to give something new to listeners.

• What’s your dream project?

DJ Sonica: I would like to work internationally. I am going to play in India and Bangkok but I plan to acquire further knowledge in sound engineering.

• What advice do you have for budding DJs?

DJ Sonica: I think they should first develop their skills and then face the crowd. When performing, they should always concentrate on the audiences’ demands and learn to read their faces to play to their mood. A DJ should never forget that whatever he or she is, it is because of the audience. So a DJ should respect the audience. And if you want to be a composer, then focus on producing original material like the music by DJs Tiesto, David Guetta, among others. For me, DJing is not a fashion statement. It is my passion and showcases my talent.