He won the Fame Music International DJ Contest and took to the big stage in Dubai.
After beating hundreds of other entrants to win the Fame Music International DJ Contest, Jako Diaz has claimed his prize of a residency at GQ Bar Dubai. Here he talks dreams and nightmares.
DJ style: Deep house, bass house, garage
Originally from: Bari, Italy
Where you live in the UAE: Tecom, Dubai
Favourite track most people don’t know: There’s a fairly new track that I really like, which is the Wild Culture remix of the Glass Animals track Gooey.
First record you ever bought: It was a Pink Floyd record – as for house music, if I remember correctly, my first record was Around the World by Daft Punk.
When and why you started: DJing: My brother took up DJing as a hobby and just for fun he handed me the basics when I was only 10 years old. I instantly loved it and quickly learnt about it in a short time. Since then, music and me have been inseparable.
Musical crush: Currently an artist that I really like is Hannah Wants, because she really reflects my style.
Most overused phrase: My favourite quote is from Will Smith in the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, in which he says, “Don’t ever let someone tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you you can’t do it. You want something, go get it.”
Most embarrassing moment: There are many, but one that I remember most was when I was called to play at a private party, but when I arrived, 90 per cent of the people there were over 60 years old. At that time I was embarrassed, to say the least!
Pet peeve: I can’t stand to be deceived, though sometimes you have to take a chance that could happen.
Weirdest dream or nightmare: Achieving my dream of playing in clubs like Fabric or Pacha and making a very bad impression.
Favourite holiday destination: I always thought Dubai among other places, but since I’m already here I would love to go to Australia.
Ultimate ambition: I would like to play at BBC Radio 1 or even the Mixmag Lab. I know getting there isn’t easy, but I hope one day I can!
