Modestine Dénérabé, a 20-year-old Chadian, is making waves in the country's music scene as its first female DJ. With her helmet firmly in place and eyes fixed on the turntables, she mixes tracks with confidence. For her, every evening is proof that a girl can thrive in a male-dominated DJ booth in Chad. Growing up in a family of five, music was always a part of her life. As a child, she dreamed of being behind the mic and in front of the turntables.
However, her parents initially discouraged her from pursuing a career as a DJ, citing that it was a man's job. In Chad, the DJ scene is largely male-dominated, with women behind the turntables being a rare sight in nightclubs, weddings, and anniversaries. Industry players cite several obstacles, including late-night working hours, expensive equipment, societal expectations, and the notion that technical skills and nightlife are not suited for women.
Dénérabé's turning point came in 2023-2024 when she met DJ Magi Magi, a rising star in the N'Djamena scene. She sought his advice on how to break into the industry and was inspired to become a DJ herself. DJ Magi Magi offered her training, which began at the Acamod cultural center in N'Djamena and continued at a nightclub in the 7th arrondissement. The goal was to achieve professional excellence, and the training lasted three months, covering beatmatching, transitions, and reading the audience.
In 2024, Dénérabé started creating her own mixes, and by 2025, she was performing at various events. By 2026, she was able to make a living from her DJing career. She now supports herself and helps her siblings financially. Her parents have come to accept and respect her choices, and she credits her success to her determination and passion for the craft.
Dénérabé draws inspiration from South African artists like Uncle Waffles, DJ Zinhle, and DBN Gogo, who have made a name for themselves internationally. She aims to make Chad proud and become a role model for young girls who aspire to be DJs. Fellow DJ Desty La Trace acknowledges the challenges of the job, including dealing with difficult clients and staying up-to-date with trends.
According to Desty La Trace, being a female DJ comes with its own set of challenges, including handling sexist comments from clients under the influence of alcohol. However, she emphasizes that with hard work, love for the craft, and a willingness to learn, anyone can overcome these obstacles. Dénérabé is determined to succeed and has set two goals: to represent Chad internationally and to establish a training center for young girls who want to become DJs.
Despite her busy schedule, Dénérabé plans to pursue her studies in the future. She believes that her passion for DJing and her determination to succeed will continue to drive her forward. As Chad's first female DJ, Dénérabé is breaking stereotypes and paving the way for others to follow in her footsteps.
Key points
- Modestine Dénérabé becomes Chad's first female DJ, defying stereotypes and inspiring others.
- Dénérabé's success is attributed to her determination and passion for the craft.
- She aims to establish a training center for young girls who want to become DJs and represent Chad internationally.
