Words by Theo Thompson
Photos by Orson Salha
Raised in Brixton, Gaia Ahuja’s journey into the DJ scene is as layered and vibrant as the South setting itself. Starting with dreams of acting, she found herself drawn to music when a gifted DJ workshop sparked her passion. “The day after, I bought a pair of decks… I just kind of had the bug,” she recalls. Her time in Liverpool, where she moved for drama school and stayed to cultivate her DJ craft, helped her recognise the vital role music plays in fostering community and creating safe, inclusive spaces.
Gaia’s work is fuelled by her roots in South London’s eclectic soundscape and Liverpool’s passionate northern scene, where she champions underrepresented voices in electronic music. Her background in youth work continues to shape her vision, especially as she mentors young DJs and advocates for their inclusion in an industry that can feel, “like a big, inaccessible machine.” Gaia expresses that there are lots of spaces where this narrative is being challenged, particularly within South Asian electronic collectives like Daytimers and Dialed In, sparking a cultural resurgence in recent years. Through these communities, Gaia proudly contributes to rewriting the story of electronic music, crafting environments that celebrate the intersection of music, identity and heritage.
Gaia speaks passionately about the sense of belonging she finds within close-knit groups, especially with longstanding collaborators and notable figures in the underground scene like Main Phase, Dr Dubplate and Interplanetary Criminal. These relationships have offered her a level of trust and camaraderie that stands in contrast to the often cutthroat reputation of the industry. Reflecting on the meaningful connections she’s built, Gaia shares, “It feels very, very community-driven and organic. Especially a lot of the men I’ve met within that scene have restored a lot of faith and support. I’m really, really happy that these are the kinds of people I’m rubbing shoulders with; the people I lean on and look to.” She emphasises how these collectives foster a “collaborative, authentic” approach to club culture, providing a much-needed anchor as the nightlife scene navigates increasing challenges.
For Gaia, club culture is a complex ecosystem, held together by everyone involved, from DJs and lighting technicians to the door and bar staff. She sees each role as vital to keeping the culture alive, especially in a time when the existence of these spaces is under threat. Through her music and advocacy, Gaia is helping to protect and evolve these spaces, ensuring that club culture remains not only alive but thriving and inclusive.
On stage, Gaia brings palpable energy and warmth. Whether it’s her uplifting set at Ministry of Sound, where she intuitively read the crowd, or her iconic electric performance at Night Tales with Manga for Rinse, Gaia’s ability to connect shines through. “If you love music, you need to be on the dance floor too,” she notes, an approach that drives her immersive, people-centred sets. Her joy is evident in each track selection, seamlessly blending bangers to keep the crowd in motion, always with a smile on her face.
However, Gaia acknowledges the challenges, especially for women and LGBTQ+ individuals in a male-dominated industry. “People see the end product, but they don’t see that we even started as promoters”. She believes that true diversity is more than booking female DJs; it’s a commitment to championing all genders and identities, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. “There are so many complexities. Diversity is an umbrella term. It’s so much more than just booking a couple of girls,” she stresses.
Her vision is clear: Gaia wants younger generations to feel empowered and represented. “You can’t be what you can’t see… The first time I ever saw a female DJ was Flava D at Fabric, and I thought, fucking hell, she’s so cool.’” For Gaia, it’s vital that young girls can look up and see themselves on stage, knowing that the DJ world holds space for them too.
Looking ahead, Gaia is driven by aspirations that blend passion with purpose. She hopes to see “more genuinely diverse lineups, increased educational opportunities in music for youth, and an industry where passion, not just identity, defines success.” As she puts it, “Music is so cross-generational. It doesn’t have a gender or an age limit.”
Through her journey, Gaia reveals how the power of music can transcend barriers and create lasting connections. Her message to the next generation is simple but powerful: “Stay true to your passion. Immerse yourself and the rest will follow.” She encourages young artists to “keep that curiosity” alive, trusting it as a compass in a constantly shifting industry. With Gaia Ahuja at the helm, the future of DJ culture is one of rhythm, roots and revolution.
