In a darkened room, illuminated only by scattered fluorescent lighting, a crowd grooves and moves to the beats of the female DJs conquering the stage. In an industry that has long been dominated by men, a generation of women DJs are not only shaking the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) music scene with their experimental sounds, but they are also working to create more inclusive spaces and dance floors for women performers and young party-goers alike. In boiler rooms and on grand international stages, MENA women are taking center stage — whether in the techno and deep house or R&B, and funk. From Cairo to Palestine, here are some women DJs dominating the regional and international scenes—one record spin at a time. NOORIYAH Born in Saudi Arabia and raised in Japan, Nooriyah has left influences in more places than one. As a DJ, audio producer, and presenter, Nooriyah has played on some of the biggest stages in the UK, and has also been a presenter for BBC Studios, Westside, Balamii, and Plus 1. Nooriyah also mixes her music with Middle East and North African influences, as her sets often…
