DJ NANI
From YouTube to the heart of Nepal’s wedding scene, DJ Nani has crafted a journey defined by passion, rhythm, and an innate understanding of celebration. Nani’s DJ journey began at the age of 14 in what may seem like the most ordinary way – watching a YouTube video. But for her, that moment became transformative. “I was hooked watching a DJ controlling an entire crowd of people with just music. The way the energy shifted with every track, it was magical,” she reminisces.
What followed was a period of pure experimentation. She started out on her computer, spending hours glued to tutorials, practising transitions, and trying to understand the art of reading a crowd she did not yet have. Eventually, she saved up to buy a small controller and began playing at house parties. “That’s where I built my confidence and slowly stepped into professional gigs,” she says.
In Nepal, weddings hold a cultural weight that goes far beyond two people tying the knot. They are gatherings where families reunite, traditions are honoured, and communities celebrate together. For Nani, this setting demanded more than just good playlists; it required sensitivity, energy and creativity. “Weddings are all about joy, love and togetherness. I try to bring an uplifting energy that celebrates both tradition and modern vibes,” she explains. “My sets are designed to create moments – from heartfelt romantic songs during special dances to high-energy tracks that get everyone, from cousins to grandparents, onto the floor.”
Blending music for multiple generations is no small feat. “It’s all about balance,” she says. “I usually mix classic Nepali and Bollywood hits with trending global beats. For the elders, familiar retro songs spark nostalgia, while the younger crowd vibes with more upbeat, contemporary tracks. Smooth transitions between these styles keep the flow natural and enjoyable for everyone.”
Of course, even the best-laid sets can be tested by unexpected hurdles. Technical glitches and unpredictable crowds are part of the job, and Nani has learned to treat them as opportunities. “One of the biggest challenges is dealing with sudden technical issues like sound cuts. It is stressful but I have learned to stay calm and keep the energy alive. Quick adaptability is key,” she shares.
At the heart of her work lies an unwavering respect for each couple’s story. Every wedding is different and so is every musical vision. “I always take time to understand the couple’s favourite genres and songs. I create custom mixes and transitions that fit their requests but still carry my style. That way, their story shines through the music while the energy of the party stays consistent.”
Looking ahead, Nani dreams of expanding her work beyond weddings. While she continues to love the intimacy and emotional resonance of these celebrations, she also wants to test her creativity on larger stages. “I want to keep exploring not just weddings but bigger stages across Nepal and internationally. I am excited to experiment with open-format sets, blending Afro, House and Nepali influences. Eventually, I aim to produce original music that connects with both local and global audiences,” she says with determination.
For now, she remains deeply connected to the wedding scene; a space where her music mix becomes the heartbeat of the night.
