Today we’d like to introduce you to Sumaira Khan.
Hi Sumaira, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my journey in 2011 when I was 21, in my bedroom just mixing up some tunes on my slight two-channel mixer. I had just started being fond of different cultured music/forms/types and such. I was young at the moment so of course, my aim for that time was just to show the mixes I had made. Nothing of becoming a Dj was even fluttering on my mind. After a short while had passed, I bear in mind attending a very conservative wedding to say. Dinner had almost been over, and I noticed music being played, a lot of the men got up and started to dance. Loud drums in the background for sure. As more bass had been added from what I recall, more and more men got up to dance. They held each other’s hands and formed a circle and continued to dance. I looked around and noticed mostly all the men had gotten up, but all my women were still sitting down. These women were smiling for sure and loudly clapping, with huge smiles and charming happy looks, hence with a huge want to get up and join, but they continued staying in their seats in the same direction while still lively clapping along with the music. As if they were scared to get up and join. When music got even more bumpy and clamorous, my women got more louder and cheery waving their arms slightly with the music, but still remained in their seats as all the men continued their circle dance. “Everyone join” I heard on the mic, and my women still sat there, yet still so cheerful. I noticed that I did not spot the Dj/mc host of the wedding event. I calmly walked around to find the Dj; he was hiding behind this huge black stand cover. I thought in my head that most of the time a di’s job is to not only play music but entertain/host as well. At least from what I had seen. I went up to him in a steady manner, smiled, and asked; “why are the women not getting up, and why are you hiding? he timidly answered; ” I was told to hide so that if the women want to dance, they can be comfortable, they won’t get up if I am facing the audience”. I quickly answered back; “but other men are on the floor moving around enjoying why does it matter? and the Dj responded; “yes but they are just family I am not. so, they won’t feel comfortable at all”. Woefel about this situation. I walked back and sat back down. I thought to myself. why not break this stereotype of false man-made rules. that night I went home and my journey began. What some of these women needed was someone to lead them to not be scared to do what they want whether it was just dancing a little, or wanting to achieve anything in general. It was about everything, about letting go of silly nonsense fears and mainly that they deserve freedom as well. Me starting my Dj business along with this message was never to judge or bring men down in any form or manner. But more so to understand the balance of man and a woman. Many cultures clash religion with this and blame it when in reality it has nothing to do with it. Your Dj started the journey with small events, to multiple day weddings to destination events, to corporate events, and continued on this message. My very first big wedding of almost 600 people I remember grabbing this nervous bride’s hand and told her don’t worry about the people looking come with me, and took her to the middle of the dance floor. and made sure that her family joined and let go of simple again man-made beliefs. The aim wasn’t to just enforce dancing but for them to feel a little released. I continued the journey through working with Disney events to Universal studios, from motivational marathons to hosting corporate events of Coca Cola, to google, Nike, and many more to cancer events, to events with no music at all, and more religious calm events that just needed recitation and sound overall. And I learned over the years that it was always way more than just music. Many of the events I have hosted/DJ’d for were for fully covered women but because they had a female Dj, they were comfortable for a few hours to just express themselves just a tadbit. whether it was to dance or not, I would always arrange something for them, from games to just bringing them behind my Dj booth and making them laugh a little. And over the ten years, beautiful memories were made unforgettable and inspiring at the same time. And yet many times happy emotional moments felt as well, I remember at an end of a wedding I DJ’d for back in 2015, which was strictly just women on one side with your Dj on their side, a lady came to me after enjoying herself and hugged me real tight crying; “thank you sister” I said Why are you crying? Because I have to head home now” for moments like these definitely gave me chills. And made me continue my journey in a stronger perspective. For those who understand what true DJ-ing is all about will latch onto that when we break these man-made stereotypes (only one was mentioned here) there are prolly thousands to millions of them) and we all come together despite of them that is when true peace and happiness is felt. salaam <3
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Some judgments here and there, because I am Muslim woman, but when those same people that judged and noticed why I do what I do and not just play music but entertain them in different ways, they ended up hiring me for their families’ events/ the important part was to always remain kind and humble
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Dj sumi services inc.?
I included it in the first page my message to people 🙂
“It’s way more than music”
Dj sumi services will plan out your entire event with you, timeline coordination is included in all packages, for proof of this 🙂 visit www.djsumiservices.com and read reviews 😉
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Spread the message of women’s empowerment 🙂 and we rise by lifting others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.djsumiservices.com
- Instagram: djsumi88
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUDB1eURCes
- Other: https://vimeo.com/569477709
Image Credits
nspg media
sona photography
Kyle Ryan photos
noor k photography,
