In the pulsating heart of Los Angeles, where the city’s nights are as electric as its skyline, DJ Pharoah commands the decks with a skill that turns beats into experiences. Hailing from Alexandria, Egypt, this musical maestro has woven his cultural roots into a global sound that resonates across dance floors from the Middle East to the West Coast. As both a tech innovator by day and a DJ by night, DJ Pharoah has mastered the art of balancing his dual passions, making him a true renaissance man of the modern music scene. eniGma’s Farida Elserty had the chance to chat with the young artist about his journey, the inspirations behind his sets, and how he’s redefining the role of the DJ in today’s ever-evolving world of music.
DJ Pharoah’s journey into the world of music is a tale deeply rooted in his cultural heritage and personal experiences. Growing up in the musically rich environment of Alexandria, Egypt, he was constantly surrounded by the sounds of legends like Om Kalthoum, Abdel Halim Hafez, and modern icons such as Amr Diab. His early exposure to a diverse musical landscape planted the seeds of his passion, which would later flourish into a career as a DJ.
Pharoah’s path to DJing began somewhat unexpectedly, sparked by a conversation with friends who recognised his deep love for music. “They suggested I explore DJing as a way to share my passion with others, even going so far as to come up with my DJ name, ‘DJ Pharoah,” he recalls. Encouraged by their support, he took the plunge, investing in his first DJ setup with the help of his father, who saw his potential and pushed him to pursue his craft seriously.
For Pharoah, DJing is more than just a profession—it’s a way to bring happiness to others. “I find immense joy in creating an atmosphere where people can come together, dance, and share in the collective experience of music,” he says. His performances are characterised by a unique blend of energy and engagement, where he not only plays music but also interacts with the crowd, reading their mood and guiding the night with his beats.
Pharaoh’s style is best described as open format, a versatile approach that allows him to cater to diverse audiences by mixing music from various genres and cultures. This adaptability has made him a sought-after DJ in Los Angeles, where the vibrant, multicultural music scene has significantly influenced his work. “LA has a unique vibe. Performing for such diverse audiences has broadened my repertoire and pushed the boundaries of my creativity,” he notes.
One of Pharaoh’s favourite venues in LA is the Maybourne Hotel in Beverly Hills, a place he describes as having an unmatched vibe. “The open-air setting, elegant architecture, and spacious dance floors create the perfect atmosphere for my performances,” he explains. “It allows me to fully engage with the crowd and elevate the energy of the event.”
Pharoah’s preparation for a DJ set is meticulous and thorough. He spends weeks researching the musical preferences of the audience, collaborating with clients to fine-tune the playlist, and studying the latest music trends. His goal is to create a seamless and unforgettable experience, where every track is carefully chosen to resonate with the crowd and keep the energy high throughout the night. “Preparation is key. I want every event to feel special and tailored to the people who are there,” he explains.
One of the most memorable experiences of his career was DJing at a wedding where the dance floor was packed from start to finish. “That wedding was a standout moment. The energy was incredible, and it showed me how much of a difference thorough preparation can make,” he recalls. This event stood in stark contrast to his first gig, where the energy on the dance floor fell short of his expectations. The success of the wedding was a testament to the extensive preparation he put into the event, working closely with the couple to ensure that every detail of the music was perfect. Their heartfelt thanks at the end of the night reinforced his commitment to making every event as special as possible.
In addition to his DJ career, Pharoah also finds time to pursue his other passion — software development. Balancing these two creative outlets requires careful time management, but he has learned the importance of prioritising both his personal and professional life. “I’ve learned to be selective about the events I take on and to schedule breaks,” he says. “This way, I can continue to bring my best to every performance while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.”
His advice to aspiring DJs is simple: “Bring energy to your performances, immerse yourself in music, and never stop preparing.” Whether he’s remixing tracks, reading the crowd, or introducing new music trends, Pharoah is always striving to create memorable experiences that resonate with his audience long after the music has stopped.