DJ Cheriana Gets Back to Her Roots!

Music has always been a part of Cheriana's family, having a Jamaican mother, whose family exposed her to Reggae, Ska, Funk, Soul, Disco and Hip Hop at an early age. Songs were the focus in the house so she caught the fever. This expanded into Rock, House and Dance (Really, just about anything that was good!) leading to her study and perform Acting, African Dancing and Singing, and finally to DJing as an inevitable step.

Finally, Cheriana got a break to start DJing at well-known KANE on Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles. "Kane was one part 60's Vegas Rat Pack, one part 70's Super Fly cool. We had a female, Cleopatra Jones-type DJ playing nothing but funk, flanked by two dancers in bra and panties doing jazzy go-go." Says Ivan Kane. The intimate venue, a kind of sweaty house of soul, drew an A-list crowd of celebrities lined up around the block.

After a while, she left for an opportunity to go to Senegal, West Africa and dance Sabar and study polyrhythm. Upon returning to Los Angeles, she brought back some African vibes with live drummers on her House music sets.

She was frequently warm up DJ at the Legendary Mandalay Restaurant/Lounge where the likes of Madonna, Dr Dre, Mariah Carey, Giselle, Pharrel and Salma Hayek etc. used to attend.

In between, were a few years of overseas gig's singing with bands, always staying connected to the music. Her work includes Toronto-based fashion events as well as producing the first ever music concert, on 2 stages, for the 175th Anniversary of the University of Toronto.

After residence at the new CityMaxx Lounge, she has left Dubai to be the resident DJ at the newly opened Grand Millennium in Abu Dhabi. By bringing a soulful mix of Chill Lounge, 80's Electro, Deep and Minimal House to Relexions Lounge, her party will be unlike anything in Abu Dhabi.

She is currently singing and co-producing tracks for an independent label. " When I DJ or just walk down the street, I am always hearing some other beat or lyric in my head. There is so much inspiration around!"

DJ CHERIANA believes that all the artistic ways she has expressed herself in the past allow her to connect to the music on so many levels. "When I hear a proper tune, I get so excited and overwhelmed. There are so many things I want to do to connect to it!"

Written By Becky Gaines

BECKY GAINES