For many women artists on the rise, it is not where you come from, but what you do with such musical gifts that will determine where you will go, Xenia Ghali, a classically trained musician turned DJ superstar once said in an interview as she talked about how starting her own label due to lack of opportunity eventually took her career off the ground. ALSO READ: Tracing the journey of female disc jockeys in Rwanda In Kigali, Liliane Tuyambaze, commonly known as DJ Crush, also seems undiscouraged as she works hard, believing, just like Xenia, that gender has absolutely nothing to do with ability, and potential. The 22-year-old up-and-coming disc jockey has quickly become one of Rwanda’s rising stars in the music industry. From humble beginnings mixing tracks at school events, DJ Crush has risen quickly to performing at some of the nation’s biggest stages, including big game events. ALSO READ: Who is DJ Brian, the new boy taking over Kigali’s party nightlife? Her passion for music, combined with her youthful energy and unique style, made her a standout talent in the competitive world of DJing. Born and raised in Huye District, DJ Crush, whose catchy stage name is as memorable as her beats, began her journey into the world of DJing at the young age of 12, while still in secondary school. “I started in level two of high school (S2) at Ecole Secondaire de Gikonko in Gisagara District, without really knowing how to mix songs. But my love for music led my fellow students to vote for me as the school DJ and information prefect. Even though I was shy and not very skilled at the time, I gradually improved my abilities,” she told The New Times in an interview. ALSO READ: The top female DJs in Rwanda As she advanced through high school, her talent became well-known. By 2021, DJ Crush had become the go-to DJ for children’s events. By the time she finished high school, later that year, she was ready to take her skills to a larger audience. Her first gig out of school was in a bar in Kicukiro, in Kigali, where she managed to land a 30-minute set by pretending to be a seasoned professional. “I called my friends to come and hype me up because it was my first time performing for an adult audience. Their vigour made the bar owners think people loved my music, and the crowd really enjoyed the night! I ended up delivering better than the regular DJ they had at the time. Although I was nervous, it went incredibly well. That bar kept calling me back, and after that, other offers started rolling in.” DJ Crush said that what sets her apart from many of her peers is her focus on Afrobeat and Amapiano, genres that resonate deeply with both the youth and older audiences. “Afrobeat connects with everyone, while Amapiano is full of youthful energy. It’s a perfect mix for me,” she explained. ALSO READ: Amapiano fever: How Kigali became a magnet for global DJs, artistes However, the journey has not been without challenges. “In the highly competitive world of DJs, jealousy was one of the main issues I met on my journey,” she said. “Many in the industry do not want you to succeed or be better than them. But I have learned to focus on my growth and stay true to my passion, no matter what I am told, and it really worked for me.” One lesson DJ Crush learned early on is the importance of using her own equipment. After another DJ once lent her faulty gear, causing her to mess up a set, she vowed never to rely on other people’s instruments again ever since. Today, her laptop and controller are her most trusted companions on stage. Her breakthrough moment came during the Keza Campout Experience and the 2024 Tour du Rwanda Finals. “Keza Campout was my favourite, I prepared well and brought dancers to accompany me on stage. It was an unexpected twist for the audience, and they loved it. Now, I never perform without my dancers because they add a vibe no one could have expected.” To keep up with new music, DJ Crush stays plugged into YouTube and TikTok, where she tracks the latest trends and song challenges. “TikTok really helps me understand which parts of songs people love the most. It is a great tool for DJs to know where to cut or drop a beat.” Despite her growing fame, DJ Crush’ s playful, kid-like outfits have become a signature look, especially at children's festivals where she often performs, or when she can choose her own attire. On certain stages, she adapts her own style, opting for more appropriate attire to match the event's theme. For young girls aspiring to break into the music industry, DJ Crush offers some straightforward advice. “Hustle hard and don’t give up,” she noted. “Money comes with experience. I started by earning Rwf50,000 per performance, but now, with more experience, I started earning around Rwf500,000 per show! So, one can really make a living from this, and it is fun.” Looking ahead, DJ Crush has her sights set on international stages, with upcoming performances in Dubai and Kampala. “I am grateful to my fans. They are the reason I am where I am today. The more they support me, the more gigs I get, it’s really been them ever since.” As she continues to rise, DJ Crush said that she is a “living example of how passion, persistence, and a love for music,” can take you from the school hallways to the spotlight.
