Farasha Khan Sayeed gets to know DJ Judu and the club and music scene in Dhaka
“I love music and that’s why I play it,” says a shy Judu Omar, when asked why he decided to become a DJ. “I used to go clubbing in Bangkok and I really enjoyed it. As a result, I decided to do some courses on how to become a disc jockey.”
Judu Omar aka DJ Judu, has been in the Dhaka clubbing scene since 2003. He says, “I started out big, only accepting prominent offers and maintained that, and now I only play four times a month, at parties in places such as the Nordic Club, International Club as well as Aurum at The Westin Dhaka, which is my favourite.”. This young musician has also played alongside many renowned international names: Edward Maya, Raghav, HardKaur, Hed Kandi, DJ Suketu, Aqeel and so on, although his favourite remains Tiesto. Judu has not only been a regular name in clubs and parties in Dhaka, but he also plays in Bangkok. “When it comes to parties, there is no difference between the ones in Bangkok and Dhaka. When you get into the music, it’s all the same,” he expresses. His choice of music is hip hop, R&B, house and commercial hits. “I don’t like noisy music. I prefer music people can also enjoy listening to while dancing.” he adds.
Being a big DJ has its perks; Judu has two assistants who set up before he plays his set. “I let my assistants play for a while before I get on stage, and then they take over again after I’m done,” he reveals. “I let them play during the peak hours of the party, so they get maximum exposure instead of me stealing the limelight,” Judu points out.
It’s obvious that DJ Judu passionately enjoys his job and would probably not trade shoes (or turntables) with anybody anytime soon. He reminisces with an excitement on his usually passive face, “I have once played for eleven hours straight, and I loved it.”
The optimistic but laid back Judu has left 2016 to impulsive decisions, as well as floor-shaking and heart throbbing music, as should be expected from him, a DJ who has kept Dhakaites entertained for more than a decade now.