SSherlyn, you have a unique presence in the Middle Eastern music scene, especially as the only female DJ here spinning urban contemporary tracks. Can you start by sharing what pushed you toward DJing and your early path in music?
Sherlyn: Absolutely. Thanks for having me. I started out dancing; that was my first love. Growing up in Mexico, dancing felt natural to me, and it became my way of connecting with music. I took that love to China, then here to Dubai. As I traveled, I realized rhythms were calling me to try something deeper. The beats, the way they made people move—it felt right to bring my passion for movement into DJing. The music felt like the perfect way to channel it.
That’s amazing. What drew you toward urban contemporary music specifically? It’s a genre so rooted in culture and identity.
Sherlyn: Urban music is all about expression and connection, and I have always felt that pull. I love how it brings people together and the energy it has in every beat. Growing up, I listened to Latin hip-hop and reggaeton because they resonated with my culture and story. They are our sound, influenced by Afro-Latin rhythms, hip-hop, R&B, and even pop. It’s a blend that represents so many voices. For me, urban contemporary is like a global language. Every time I’m mixing, I feel that I’m speaking through the music to people who get it.
And you are creating that language here in Dubai, where urban music isn’t as common. How do you manage that balance of staying true to urban roots while engaging a Middle Eastern audience?
Sherlyn: It’s definitely a balance. Urban music carries influences from all over—R&B, hip-hop, reggaeton, and dancehall. When I’m curating a set, I keep the crowd in mind, mixing in familiar sounds and unexpected ones. People here connect with the energy; they feel it even if it’s a new vibe for them. I add in some classics from the ’70s and ’80s R&B or even some modern hip-hop, so there’s always something that brings people back to the music. It’s about keeping things fresh but relatable.
Tell us about your stage name, “La Cacique.” There’s some powerful history behind that word. Why did you choose it?
Sherlyn: “La Cacique” felt like the right choice. In Latin America, “cacique” is a name tied to leadership and heritage. Historically, caciques were the heads of tribes, especially among indigenous people in the Caribbean and parts of Latin America. They represented strength and resilience, values that matter to me. I wanted my name to carry that spirit, especially in a space where female DJs aren’t as common. In our indigenous history, there were “cacicas” who were powerful women, leaders in their own right. They held their own financially, made moves, and owned property. “La Cacique” is my tribute to them.
Powerful indeed. You have also built Mystic Family Events. What sparked the idea for that, and how does it connect with your music?
Sherlyn: Mystic Family Events came from wanting a space for artists and creators to shine. I wanted to build something beyond music—an experience that combines music with visual storytelling. We work with musicians, DJs, dancers, and performers, from fire shows to acrobatics. Our team designs the costumes and builds the sets; every performance tells a story. Mystic Family is based out of a villa in Dubai, which is our HQ, studio, and creative hub all rolled into one. That’s where we practice, rehearse, and design. Music is just one part of the bigger picture for us.
It sounds like your team is shaping a culture of its own. Let’s talk about that feathered bonnet you wear sometimes. Is there a deeper meaning behind it?
Sherlyn: The bonnet connects back to my heritage and my alias, “La Cacique.” It’s a nod to the role of a leader, especially among indigenous communities. It reminds me of my roots and the Aztec culture I carry with me. Wearing it on stage is my way of staying connected to that part of myself, and it feels powerful. It’s not just a costume piece; it’s a symbol of where I come from.
I hear you and your team design all your costumes yourselves. That sounds unique—how does that play into your performances?
Sherlyn: Designing our own costumes is a huge part of the experience for us. When we make the costumes, we tell a visual story that connects with the music and the mood we’re creating. Each outfit is tailored to the performance, and it allows us to have complete creative control over how everything looks on stage. Ready-made doesn’t fit with what we do. When we design each piece, we’re putting ourselves into it—our style, our story.
You bring so much of your background to the Dubai music scene. How do you approach your music style when DJing here?
Sherlyn: My sets are like a fusion. Urban contemporary DJing has this beautiful flexibility, and I take advantage of that. I mix hip-hop, R&B, Latin, and even trap and reggaeton. I follow emerging artists and add their sound to my sets, which helps bring new sounds to Dubai. I use a lot of techniques like beatmatching, looping, and throwing in some vocal samples. That way, I can bring out the story of each track. And if I see the crowd loving a specific vibe, I run with it. It’s about creating a moment for everyone there.
You’re also bringing in visual elements. How does that play into the whole experience?
Sherlyn: It’s key. When we perform, lighting, video projections, costumes—they all come together to make it immersive. It’s important to engage visually because people connect with music through more than sound. When we design costumes, for example, each piece tells a story connected to the music. Visuals add layers, and it’s like giving the crowd a multi-dimensional show. We make it feel special like they’re part of something bigger.
Urban DJs face some unique challenges. What have you faced, and how do you navigate them?
Sherlyn: One big challenge is staying relevant. Urban music changes fast. What’s trending one month might feel old the next. So, I constantly update my sets to keep things fresh and stay ahead of what’s coming next. Access to the latest tracks can also be tough. I have to get creative with sourcing and finding music that won’t always be available here. Another big one is standing out, especially as a female DJ in a male-dominated field. But I’ve always focused on building a unique style and brand.
What would you say is the secret behind creating that high-energy vibe you bring to your performances?
Sherlyn: It’s all about energy. People can feel when you’re really in the moment, and that excitement becomes contagious. I choose tracks that resonate with both me and the crowd so I feel connected to what I’m playing. There’s no trick other than being genuine—if I’m dancing, they’re dancing. The connection with the crowd has to feel real, and the music does the rest.
Speaking of connection, the diversity in urban music audiences must be challenging. How do you manage those varying tastes?
Sherlyn: Urban music attracts people from everywhere, and they come in with their own tastes. Some prefer hip-hop; others lean towards R&B or Latin. My goal is to bring a blend that can satisfy different tastes without losing the core energy. The mix has to feel like a story that flows. If people feel that it doesn’t matter what genre is playing—they connect with it. It’s about reading the crowd and shifting with the vibe.
With all these accomplishments, do you have any advice for upcoming DJs, especially those who want to enter urban contemporary?
Sherlyn: If you’re serious about DJing, find your voice. Know your sound and stand by it. There will always be trends, but if you don’t have your own style, it’s easy to get lost. Put in the work, learn the techniques, and stay true to what you want to bring to the crowd. The energy, the presence—that all comes from you. So, be yourself and own it.
With such a packed schedule, how do you keep things balanced and make space for growth?
Sherlyn: It’s a challenge, but I always make room for growth. There’s still so much I want to accomplish. Each performance teaches me something new. Staying open to change keeps me grounded and keeps me moving forward. There are goals I’m yet to reach, and I can’t wait to see where the road goes next.
Sherlyn, you’ve got international offers as well, but you’re focusing more on private events. Why is that?
Sherlyn: Private events bring a different vibe. There’s a level of freedom and connection you get with a smaller crowd. It’s more personal, more in tune with what people want at that moment. For now, that’s the direction I’m drawn to, and it feels good to create those unique experiences.
Sherlyn, Mystic Family Event sounds like it goes beyond just music. Can you talk about what it’s like managing such a diverse group of performers, from DJs to acrobats and dancers?
Sherlyn: Mystic Family is definitely a mix of talents. Managing musicians, dancers, fire performers, and acrobats keeps things dynamic. Everyone brings their own style, so part of my role is bringing that all together to create a unified show. We think of it as storytelling—each person’s art adds to that story. I’m proud of the team because they’re as dedicated as I am to creating something memorable every time we hit the stage.
You mentioned that Mystic Family has a villa in Dubai where everything happens. What’s it like to have a space dedicated to your art?
Sherlyn: The villa has become our creative hub and where all the magic happens. We have space for practicing, costume design, and DJ training. It’s where we come together, brainstorm, try new things, and prepare for the next big show. Having that kind of space makes a difference, and it feels like home for the Mystic Family.
What’s next for you and Mystic Family? Are any projects in the works?
Sherlyn: Mystic Family is expanding. We’re planning more events and looking at collaborations with international artists. I focus on bringing a fresh, engaging urban music experience to Dubai and maybe even beyond. Every day brings new ideas and inspirations, so I look forward to where it all leads.
