Passant Raafat: The first Female DJ in Egypt

 

“I mix like fire; I take u higher, a feeling that u’ll always desire. With my mixes burnin like a tire, that’s a fact I’m not a liar “Dj Passant Refaat”

 

Dj Passant Refaat is officially the first professional female dj in Egypt. She is simply not just another female dj but the originator of female djing in Egypt. she started djing at the age of 15.Her first appearance was in 2003 at the German University in Cairo. She felt the connection and attraction towards music at a young age when she first started her piano lessons. She is the first and only Egyptian female dj to have her mixes played on Cairo’s no.1 hit music station, Nile Fm. Her music is a fusion of vocal-based electro, funky, tribal, progressive, club and tech-house. She is a blend of the orient and the occident. She is simply Egypt’s finest female dj. Djing for her is a passion, a fancy; a world of glitter and sparkle, which makes her always seeking and aspiring for more. She is enamored and infatuated with the sounds of Axwell, Fedde Le Grand, Bob Sinclair, Roger Sanchez and David Guetta.

 

 

Tell me how did you start djing?

 

It was a coincedence; it was Tarek my brother who taught me the basics of Djing as he is a DJ too. He had the equipment home and out of nowhere I told him why don’t you teach me and so he did. I felt connection and attraction towards it and thought of taking it further. So I offered the party organizer at GUC that I take a part in the birthday parties they’re doing and she was very excited and joined me in. and this was the very beginning.

 

 

Ok… nice? And what about the rest of your family? Did they support you? How?

 

Without the support of my family I wouldn’t have been the 1st female DJ. Starting from my brother Tarek who taught me the art of Djing, and also gave me support and help in any thing I got lost in. As for my mum was only 15 years old and it was hard for me but she was always helping me and pushing me to go further and better. Also Ahmed my brother always accompanied me, because it is very hard for a girl to stay out late especially in clubs and parties, they supported me and helped me to unleash this talent I got for Djing.

 

 

Tell me about the the DJs you’ve met? And what did you learn from them?

I have met some of the best and most talented DJs in the world, Axwell, David Guetta, Fedde Le Grand, Funkerman, Roger Sanchez and Till west. It was a very good chance to meet my favorite DJs. I have learned from Axwell, something I always have in mind, he said that it’s not about being talented or lucky it’s all about hard work. As for David Guetta, he is a very smart person and enjoys every moment of being a famous DJ.Fedde le Grand, showed me that the people who support me are very important and without them I can never go further.

 

 

What obstacles did you face as a female DJ?

 

As for the obstacles, it has been very hard for me, I was only 15 when I started djing but for me age was only a number and I wanted to be a DJ. It was very difficult in many ways, first of all, how could I establish myself in a male dominated profession. I used to stay for 12 hours a day mixing and tying out things, it was sometimes very difficult, but I have to say that I enjoyed every second of it. Nothing can replace the feeling of doing the thing you love to do most.

I tried to work at some places, but the answer was “you are very young and we don’t have a permission for girls to work here, but I didn’t give up,I was determined to do something that brings me joy ,as u know everything is always difficult at the beginning. And you know what? the life story of the legend Abdel Halim Hafez has always inspired me to be determined and confident and believe in myself, he has been turned down many times but he never gave up or let anything hinder his dream.

The biggest of all obstacles was my studies besides DJing.it was very hard to have a party till very late at night and you have a university in the morning, and some times there are parties during my exams, but I could totally manage my time and I did both at the same without one interfering the other.

 

 

 

Tell me about your rituals before the audition?

I try to sleep very well before any party and be calm and most of the times I lose my appetite, probably because I feel excitement mingled with some worry…That’s all.

 

How do boys think about you as a female DJ? 

Actually they thought it was very nice, they used to come and speak to me and encourage me.

 

What about your experience with Sun silk?

It was a good opportunity for me to join one of the biggest campaigns across the globe, discovering the most inspirational stories. People got to know my success story better as the youngest female dj in Egypt. It helped me become more popular among people with different music tastes. And by the way, I would like to thank all the people who supported me.
 

What are your future dreams?

I dream of becoming an international DJ and very soon I am pursuing this dream; because life can’t wait. I’m planning to go to Holland to start music production and this will be just the beginning as I always aspire for more.

 

 

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