Meet DJ STALIET | DJ I Producer I Promoter

We had the good fortune of connecting with DJ STALIET and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi DJ, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Many people assume that being a DJ is simply about showing up and pressing play, but it’s much more complex than that. What usually goes unnoticed is the extensive preparation, careful curation, and quick adaptability required to craft a great set. It’s about reading the room, shifting the crowd’s energy, and taking people on a musical journey without them even realizing it. Besides the performance itself, there’s the “behind the scenes grind”, the business side of things. That’s the branding, networking, promoting your work while staying up to date with new music from around the world, and still finding time to practice. What looks like a party is actually a blend of art, skill, strategy, and passion.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart is that my mixes are more than just music, they’re experiences. I don’t stick to one lane or one sound. I blend Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, Reggae, Soca, Hip Hop, and Latin genres like they were always meant to be together. I think of it as a musical passport stamping. I want you to feel like you’ve traveled the world by the end of my set. I also bring my own vibe and energy to the DJ booth. Whether it’s a festival crowd, a lounge, or an intimate party/wedding, I make sure the people in that space leave feeling like they’ve been part of something special.

One of my proudest achievements is returning to the DJ scene after taking some time away due to medical issues and finding that my passion for music not only survived but evolved. Before, I was just doing mixes and trying to build a name for myself, now I’ve come back with a bigger vision and global goals. Hearing people vibe to my sets and tell me that they felt transported, is the best feedback ever.

What excites me most about the future is expansion. I envision myself doing more than just playing gigs but producing more of my own music. I’m also eager to tour internationally and collaborate with artists from different cultures. At the end of the day, my one true goal is to curate events that connect people across the world and I honestly feel like I am just getting started.

Getting to where I am today professionally hasn’t been easy. There have been plenty of obstacles. I started out years ago making mixes and trying to build momentum but life took me in a different direction for a while. Having to step away was the worst, and coming back meant I had to reintroduce myself to an industry that had already evolved.

One of my biggest challenges was rebuilding my presence while trying to stay true to my style. There is always pressure to follow trends so I had to learn how to blend what’s current with what I already know and with what’s authentic. I also had to get comfortable with “the new DJ Business” which includes content creation and things that go way beyond just playing music.

What got me through was persistence, curiosity and remembering why I started DJing, the love of creating moments through music. Every challenge so far has made me sharper, more intentional and more excited for what’s ahead.

One of my biggest lessons I’ve learned is that talent will open doors, but consistency keeps them open. You can have the hottest sets with the best transitions but if you’re not showing up, networking and engaging with your audience, you’ll get lost in the noise. I’ve also learned the importance of staying true to my sound while still being adaptable. Music is always evolving, and as a DJ you must learn to evolve with it. For me that means keeping my fusion style at the core no matter what’s trending. I’ve learned that your network is just as valuable if not more than your skillset. Some of my best opportunities have come from relationships that I’ve built over time. Lastly practice! Practice…Practice…Practice!

What I want the world to know is that I am here to create more than just playlists, I am here to curate experiences. Every mix, every set, every drop I play is designed to take people on a musical journey. I also want people to understand that music is a universal language that transcends borders and connects cultures. It has the unique power to bring people together, bridging differences and fostering understanding in ways words often cannot.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For a week long trip, I’d start by taking my bestie to my favorite Marsicos “El Rey De Los Ostiones.” Since we’re both originally from the Caribbean and obsessed with fresh seafood (especially oysters) that would definitely be our first stop.

Day 2: We’d hit up Fashion Square Mall for some shopping, then head to Old Town Scottsdale to soak in the local history and vibe (lol, IYKYK). For dinner, we’d check out Ocean 44 for more seafood and great vibes.

Day 3: Time to get outside! So depending on the weather, we’d go hiking at North Mountain, followed by a relaxing day at Lake Pleasant. It’s so much nicer and quieter during the week, perfect for recharging and connecting with nature.

Day 4: This lands right in the middle of the trip and also marks the start of my DJ work week. We’d probably head over to Melrose for a drag show, then hit my residency. It’s a fantastic way to experience the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.

Day 5: I’d take my bestie to a more laid back spot like my favorite hookah spot; Sahara Hookah Lounge in Glendale. I love their vibe, and the DJ spins a lot of Afrobeats and reggae.

Day 6: I’d bring my bestie to wherever I’m spinning that weekend so most likely Barsmith or Sugarcane Lounge downtown. That’s where I get to showcase a bit of my global sound.

Day 7: We’d spend the day recovering from the turnt up night, probably DoorDash some food and just relax. Later, we’d hit up Samsara for more hookah and some late day party vibes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m truly grateful for the incredible support and guidance I’ve received along my journey. If I were to dedicate a shoutout, it would go to my ‘Black Staliet International Crew’, My ‘Urso Maja’ management team, and my Mother who has been a constant source of mentorship and encouragement. Their belief in me, even during challenging times, has been instrumental in helping me grow both personally and professionally.
Beyond that, I want to recognize my broader community of DJ and promoter friends, family, and colleagues who have cheered me on, offered advice, and pushed me to keep evolving. I also owe a lot to my Afro AZ family that provided valuable insights and inspiration when I needed it most.
Success is never a solo endeavor, and I’m deeply thankful for everyone who has played a role in shaping my path.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djladystaliet

Twitter: https://x.com/DJLadyStaliet

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/djladystaliet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DJLadyStaliet

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@djstaliet

Other: TIKTOK: @djstalietx2

Image Credits
Image Credit: Shotbydub (Adrian Rios)
& Mirror Mom