How the First Arab Female DJ is Transforming the Global Music Landscape
Yana Miss D, one of the first Arab female DJs, stands out as a beacon of resilience and creativity. Born in Syria and raised in Lebanon, her journey to becoming a sought-after DJ in the Middle East is one of defying societal norms, overcoming personal and cultural barriers, and chasing her passion for music against all odds. One of her videos garnered an astounding 8.8 million views, propelling her into the spotlight and solidifying her place in the global music scene.
Finding Her Calling Amidst Adversity
Yana’s dream of being a DJ began early. “The thought of me being a DJ was there in me since I was a kid,” she shares. However, growing up in a conservative Muslim Arab society presented significant challenges. “Since I’m Syrian and I’m Arab, it was a bit hard for me and my family. The idea of their daughter being a DJ itself was so hard,” Yana recalls.
It wasn’t until war tore through her homeland that Yana decided to revisit her childhood dream. “I went back to my old memories and thought, ‘What makes me happy again?’” she says. Enrolling in a DJing school in Lebanon, she completed a three-month course before deciding to take a bold leap. Armed with nothing but her laptop and DJ set, she moved to Dubai to start from scratch.
A Rocky Start in Dubai
Yana’s arrival in Dubai marked a new chapter of determination and risk-taking. “I didn’t even know how to walk in the streets of Dubai,” she admits. To build her presence, she recorded and posted videos of herself practising on Instagram. It was an unpolished, grassroots effort, but it worked.
After months of hustling, she landed her first gig.That debut, however, was far from smooth. “I was lost in the desert for hours,” Yana recounts, describing her initial attempt to find the event. Exhausted and disheartened, she returned to her room in tears. Yet, the organisers apologised and gave her another chance. She seized it, playing for nine hours straight at a small gathering of just 15 people. “I was supposed to play for one hour,” she laughs. “But till today, sometimes I play nine to ten hours. My goal is to do a 12-hour gig!”
The Music and the Message
Yana’s sets are deeply personal, reflecting her emotions and cultural influences. “My first inspiration was Lebanon’s electronic music scene,” she explains, citing the legendary B 018 nightclub as a key influence. While her music is primarily underground electronic, she occasionally incorporates Arabic elements, tailoring her sets to the venue and audience.
Her creative process is driven by her feelings and the energy of the crowd. “I always express how I feel through my music,” she shares. “As a DJ, I’m here to take the crowd on a journey and tell a story.” Requests, she explains, are rare in her sets. “It’s not about ignoring the audience. It’s about preserving the flow and energy of the story.”
Breaking Stereotypes as a Muslim Woman DJ
As a Muslim woman with tattoos, piercings, and an unconventional career, Yana has faced her share of criticism. “The first thing I heard was, ‘Mama, haram,’” she says, referring to the Arabic word for “forbidden.” She grappled with internal conflicts and societal judgement but ultimately found clarity in pursuing her passion. “If you don’t do the thing that you love, that’s the haram itself,” she asserts.
Her success is not just personal but also symbolic. Yana sees herself as an example for others, especially young women. “Women are powerful and emotional, and we can manage both. Music gave me the courage to dream big and love myself better,” she says.
A Vision for the Future
Yana dreams of becoming a club owner and establishing a studio to teach music to children. She also envisions a brighter future for women in music. “A woman can be a great wife, a great mom, and still achieve her dreams,” she says.
For aspiring female DJs, her message is one of persistence: “Never give up, no matter how hard life challenges you. Believe in yourself, your vision, and your dreams. Work for it and see it happen.”
The Road Ahead
As she prepares for an upcoming tour in India, Yana is excited to continue spreading her music and story. Social media remains a vital part of her journey, having helped her secure gigs across the region and amplify her message.
As she puts it, “I saw myself playing music when I had nothing, and now I see it happening. That’s the power of dreaming big.”
