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Morocco stands as the homeland she cherishes, a place she revisits with family and where she captivates audiences behind the decks. Born in Antwerp, Belgium to Tangier-born parents, DJ Lady S was raised in a musically rich environment. Her father was involved in radio programming, while her brother thrived on stage, both shaping her early exposure to music. Passionate about hip-hop and R&B, Sahira Chadouli, her real name, initiated her DJ journey as a teenager. By 16, she was already making waves, setting dance floors alight and embarking on her professional path.
«I had a different youth from my peers. Like them, I went to school, but our daily lives were not the same. During the week, I was in class, and on weekends, I was behind the decks», Lady S shared with Yabiladi. «It was even harder because I had to hide my artistic side for a long time, so I could seem like my high school classmates», she revealed.
«I used to beg my brother to take me with him to clubs. Sometimes he would sneak me in, and I could go along on the days he was performing. He took me more often to open events, where I would mix one or two tracks to try my hand at the decks in front of an audience», Sahira recalled. But age wasn’t the only hurdle she faced.
Navigating a Male-Dominated Music Scene
Sahira lacked female DJ role models to identify with. «Around 23 years ago, I was not only one of the few female DJs but also a Moroccan and Muslim DJ. I faced criticism in a heavily male-dominated scene», she noted. Back then, DJ Lady S had to fight for artistic recognition, even dressing like a boy to dodge stereotypes.
«Over time, people recognized my commitment, saw my skills on the decks, and witnessed how I could ignite a crowd. That’s when I earned everyone’s respect. I earned it through hard work», she stated.
«I did everything myself. I had no record label backing me for the first 10 to 15 years. There were no social networks either, only self-production. So the turning point in my career was not one specific event, but a gradual accumulation of experiences.»
Her close-knit circle became her launchpad. «One of my brother’s friends needed a DJ for the start of an evening. Since it was early, my parents allowed me to mix, and my brother was by my side. That’s how it all started», she recounted.
Since then, DJ Lady S’s performances in Belgium have evolved into infectious celebrations, crossing borders to charm audiences at Tomorrowland, in Morocco, and across the Atlantic. Behind her success, perseverance remains her driving force.
«Being a DJ is not just about playing tracks. It’s about understanding their origins, exploring different genres, respecting them, and valuing every artist and their craft.»
In this way, Sahira introduced her unique flair, one that resonated with the professional music world. «I spent countless hours practicing, allowing me to craft my stage identity», she said. Today, she is «very happy to have made a name for [herself] internationally, thanks to [her] skills and performance talent».
«Twenty years later, though the scene remains male-dominated, the role of women has transformed significantly. I am proud of this change and having paved the way for female DJs while wholeheartedly embracing my affinity for hip-hop and R&B», DJ Lady S expressed.
Reconnecting with Morocco Through Music and Football
In her pursuit of musical passion, DJ Lady S seamlessly blended into her surroundings when she moved to the United States. «I left Europe at the height of my career to gain easier access to artists and major brands that could boost my brand, in the birthplace of hip-hop and R&B», she explained.
«I savor every moment of this immersion. In the birthplace of the world that shaped me, hip-hop and R&B are not just music. They’re a lifestyle, a mindset, a way of being.»
In her adopted home, DJ Lady S rekindled her connection with her parents’ land, a nation she always held close through her music. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, she was part of the musical lineup for the halftime and post-match entertainment at the Morocco-Brazil match in New York’s suburbs.
«The halftime set was very lively because the score was 1-1, but the match wasn’t over yet. The atmosphere was electric and the energy incredible. I was thrilled to mix for both teams and their supporters», Sahira remarked enthusiastically, adding that she artfully blended Moroccan and Brazilian music into her set.
«I wanted both teams and their supporters to have a great time, and they did», she reflected. What resonates most for DJ Lady S is «the immense love received from our compatriots».
«I met many Moroccans who had come from abroad, especially from Morocco and Europe, as well as the Moroccan community in New York. I felt celebrated. People came up to me personally and contacted me on social media to thank me for representing Moroccans internationally, especially during the World Cup. I felt very proud of my roots and my country.»
Beyond the grand sporting event, DJ Lady S takes pride in showcasing the cultural vibrancy of her region. «We’re seeing so many artists from the MENA region showcase their talents and perfect their craft. Morocco and the MENA region are brimming with talent right now, and that fills me with pride», she concluded.
