If you’re an industry insider in Dubai—and, honestly, even if you’re not—you’ve probably found yourself grooving to one of DJ Sonya’s sets. Since swapping Poland’s Baltic coast for the Gulf, she’s become Dubai’s go‑to mood‑maker. For Issue 002, she opens up about everything you don’t yet know, from the inspiration behind her style to the ’00s R&B‑meets‑Afro‑tech blend that defines her sets. And to make sliding back into routine a little easier, she’s curated a Soigné × Sonya playlist perfect for softening post‑holiday blues and powering you through that first back-to-work email.
You grew up on Poland’s Baltic coast and now call Dubai home. What has that journey looked like?
You know, the thing is, every place I’ve lived has shaped me in some way. I always try to stay open and look for the positive, because each place carries its own energy, and if you pay attention, it teaches you something.
Poland gave me such a strong foundation. I had the most beautiful childhood – one of those you look back on with so much appreciation. Life 25 years ago felt like a completely different world, and I feel lucky to have experienced that version of it. Poland made me who I am and in many ways, what I’m not. And I love it for all of it.
Growing up in Poland, I was an adventurous kid. During my school years, I developed a strong passion for entertainment and self-expression. That passion led me to choreograph large stage productions, which really set the foundation for everything that came next. Eventually, my journey took me to the United States, where I pursued DJ classes at the Scratch DJ Academy in Los Angeles and Columbia College in Chicago.
When I moved to the US, the shift in energy was so strong. In Central and Eastern Europe, we can be a bit closed off; we feel things deeply, but we don’t always show it. In the US, I learned to adopt a more open and positive outlook, and that really stayed with me.
Moving to Dubai has been a huge part of my growth, not just professionally, but personally too. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me dream bigger. The pace is fast, the ambition is contagious, and the mix of cultures constantly teaches you something new. I feel like I’ve already lived five lives because the world has changed so much, and so have I. But I carry a little piece of each place with me – and that’s the beauty of the journey.
Your sets are as recognisable for fashion as for beats. What drives your fashion sense?
Honestly? References I have in my head! I grew up in a time when all the things we wanted to wear weren’t really available in my country, so we had to get creative and make something out of nothing. I studied every music video, every TV show, had cutouts from magazines pinned up for outfit and hairstyle inspo. I basically grew up on stage, so performance and fashion are in my blood at this point. Recently I did a shoot for the Cadillac Escalade and wanted to bring back that early 2000s velour vibe – the kind J.Lo used to wear. Velour tracksuits were everywhere from 2001 to 2006. Juicy Couture made them iconic, and celebs like J.Lo, Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and Kim K turned them into a glam-lounge uniform. It wasn’t about minimalism – it was attitude, rhinestones, curves, logos, and that “main character in a music video” energy. If you were a video girl in 2003, you were 100% in a velour set. And when I posted the photos from that shoot, my friend messaged me: “This is how I remember you from middle school.” No lies were told. Every day was a music video for me.
That said, I feel comfortable in different styles, I can rock pretty much anything. It’s all about the mood, the moment, and the message I want to send.
Share three local places that keep your creative battery charged.
I’d love to say I’m always out discovering hidden gems like a true city sweetheart but the reality is, my schedule doesn’t leave much room for wandering.
Mornings are usually for workouts, then it’s straight into meetings, getting ready, and DJing at night. That’s pretty much the rhythm. But when I do get a slow Sunday to stroll around, I genuinely feel like a tourist in my own city and I fall in love with it all over again.
For a morning coffee or run, BARE is my go-to (their vibe is unmatched), and I love heading to Kite Beach to reset. I recently tried the matcha at Knot and it was so good. Late-night bite? Dampa Seafood, I’m obsessed with their Cajun sauce; and Daikan for ramen cravings.
Which brand collab has been the most memorable?
I had the chance to work with Nike for a couple of years, and we created some really powerful projects together. One of the most memorable was co-creating the soundtrack for Air Max Day which ended up being featured on the Burj Khalifa. Hearing and seeing my work projected on the tallest building in the world was one of those surreal, pinch- me moments.
Also, one of the sickest collabs I’ve done, teamed up with Cadillac for the 25th anniversary of the Escalade. I played a live DJ set during a 5-course fine dining experience, with each course paired to a different generation of the Escalade and its hip-hop era.
What are 3 unknown fun facts about DJ Sonya?
• Back in the early 2000s—peak MySpace days—almost nothing fashion- forward was available in Poland. Sites like Karmaloop and Dr. Jays, iconic street-wear hubs for oversized hoodies, graphic tees, Baby Phat, Akademiks, and Rocawear, wouldn’t ship there. So I found a guy on eBay, offered him a commission, and had him place my orders just to get them across the border. My fashion game was pure hustle, but I was determined.
• I have a master’s degree in linguistics, which feels like a fun plot twist now. Looking back, I always say, make better choices, that’s five years of your life! But hey, it gave me discipline, perspective, and a great appreciation for language… which maybe helps when I’m mixing vocals, right?
• I started working officially at 14, and in Poland that means I’ve already earned my retirement – just too young to cash out!
What do you love the most about being a female DJ?
There are so many things I love about DJing itself: the music, the energy, the creativity—but when it comes to being a female DJ, what stands out most for me is representation. I’ll never forget DJing in Saudi Arabia, being the only woman on the lineup, and seeing the way young girls and women looked at me – with so much pride and support. That moment is something I’ll always carry with me.
I truly believe DJing is about having an ear for music, reading a crowd, and knowing how to create an atmosphere. Those are skills that are completely genderless. But being a woman in this space naturally brings a feminine energy and style to what I do, both musically and visually. I love working with female-focused brands. It feels so aligned: I get to represent their vision while doing what I love, and it just makes sense.
One of the most fulfilling parts is the messages I receive, especially from moms who share my story with their daughters. A friend from my hometown once messaged me saying how her young daughter looks up to me. That kind of impact is something you don’t even realize until it reaches you directly.
