A truly cosmic star of DJ booths across the city, Zoobiana has got many Pride events to add to your calendar. [Cover photo: SASSS WORLD]
Thotyssey: Hi Zoobiana, Happy Pride Month! You’ve got lots of gigs coming up, but will you have time in June to just have gay fun around town?
Zoobiana: Happy Pride! Hi gay, haha! I do have a lot of gigs upcoming, but I plan to go to the beach, hang out in my newly upgraded backyard, and hang out with my friends.
A backyard sounds wonderful for this time of year! Do you live in New York?
I do! I live in Flatbush. Definitely trying to crank up the grill and the fire pit. Maybe even a hot tub? We’ll see, lol.
When you and you’re friends gather for house parties and such, are you usually the DJ?
Usually–if the equipment is available, absolutely. Between my partner (also a DJ) and I, someone is definitely jumping on at some point.
Where’s your original hometown, and was music always a part of your life?
I grew up mainly in the south — originally from Atlanta, GA, high school in Chapel Hill, NC. My mother (from the Bronx) is a musician and vocalist, and has always exposed me with to best, most classic, and modern music from a young age. Everything from Fela Kuti, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, to eclectic artists like Daft Punk and Jamiroquai, and neo soul artists like Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Erykah Badu, and Sade.
How and when did you begin as a DJ?
I moved to NYC in 2019. I was constantly going to parties and events and being underwhelmed by the DJs (no shade! Lol). But as a person who loved music and already heard blends in my head, made playlists, and was considered the friend who needs to be on the aux, it got me thinking. I went home to visit my mom later that year, and she had randomly gifted me a DJ board–knowing nothing of my plans to begin. Then I began dating someone who DJed as a hobby! They taught me the basics, and it was up from there. In 2020, I DJed a few friends’ outdoor parties (pandemic times), and in August of 2021 I had my first paid gig at Father Knows Best.
You’re all over the place now! I’m sure it’s a whole bunch of things, but what do you think the key is to expanding your reach the way you did?
I have been very fortunate to have a huge community of DJs and music lovers in my circle. I did a lot of networking and socializing. I also pride myself on playing really nostalgic sets–playing songs people haven’t heard in forever, and not just the Top 40 or popular songs from today. I think folks really enjoy being transported, and that’s what I do best. But I think the best thing I did was start my own event “Zodiac Aphrodisiac.” People love astrology, and people love to see you doing your own thing! So I think it was a combination of doing something really different and putting myself out there. Word of mouth does its thing, but so does putting in the work of getting to know your community.
What’s your favorite vibe, musical genres, etc. to present on a DJ Zoobiana night that you have complete creative control over?
Nostalgia is a big part of the Zoobiana brand. I love to play theme songs from shows, commercials, and just anything super recognizable, relatable, and different from what you hear the club usually. I love hip hop, r&b, soul, pop, remixes, mashups… just bad bitch music, lol. I’m truly an open format DJ, and usually play many genres in a set.
Tell us more about your monthly party “Zodiac Aphrodisiac” which returns to Brooklyn sapphic destination The Bush for a June 14 Gemini edition! How did this begin, and how is it going?
“Zodiac Aphrodisiac” began as an idea for a Spotify playlist! I am a Cancer Sun, and I noticed that I love a bunch of Cancer artists i.e. Ariana Grande, Missy Elliot, 50 Cent, Lil Kim, Solange, Fantasia, etc. But as I made this playlist, I was also realizing that as a new DJ, it was hard to get people to book me and give me a chance to build my reputation up and get myself out there. My best friend, who was also lowkey managing me, pushed me to start my own event to gain an audience–and honestly, respect– from other curators.
So, we (me, my friend and sister (resident host of “ZA,” Abeo), had the idea to celebrate each star sign every month and only play artists who are the current sign. Once the event grew, we were able to hire DJs and hosts of the current sign as well. We bounced from venue to venue trying to find a permanent home for “ZA,” and finally were able to give the astrology girls what they needed at The Bush! We have grown so much there, and we will be there every second Saturday for the rest of 2025!
I have always been passionate about astrology from a young age, so this was something that felt kismet! (Not just to push my career lol, but it definitely helped). We only play artists who are the current sign as well! We provide a list and print out the heads of the artists as church fans because it gets hot on that dance floor!
Your DJ Pride Month begins big time this week! Thursday, you have a short set during a yoga class on the Vacations BK rooftop.
Yes! Funnily enough my sister is also a certified yoga instructor, so I’ve been into yoga. But this will be my first time DJing a yoga class! It’s gonna be super cute! Every first Thursday at vacations from 7-9! I’ll be with them all summer.
Then Friday you’re doing double duty: starting with a 5pm “Pride Month Kickoff” on a Brooklyn rooftop!
Yes! I’m with Support Women DJs at Sultan Room from 9:30 to 11pm. Then, “Out & Abt” at 3 Dollar Bill from 12 to 2am. Both will be very fun events.
Your Pride Week gigs begin on Thursday, June 26th!
I’m playing a QBIPOC event care of Rizz NYC. It’s one of my monthly residencies and run by the lovely @ashantiology. It’s Juke Joint themed (go see Sinners if you haven’t!) and will also be celebrating Ashanti’s birthday.
Later then night (10pm) you’ll join “Futch” at 3 Dollar Bill’s 9 Bob Note! “Futch” is growing to be a very popular event for the ladies and femmes of NYC.
Absolutely! “Futch” is really cute and constantly growing. The curator, JPan, is such a kind individual and fun DJ that puts in the work–so that makes working with “Futch” that much more rewarding to be a part of.
Then it’s another double header for you on Pride Sunday!
Yes, [first up is] Whitney Day’s “Queer Garden” [at Vacations BK] during daytime!
And “Reunited Pride” on Pride Sunday at HK Hall looks epic!
Yup, super excited to be working an official NYC Pride event! I’m at HK closing 10pm to 12am.
Is there anything else you wanna plug or mention?
I want to definitely encourage people to come to “Zodiac Aphrodisiac”— every second Saturday at The Bush! You do not have to be the current sign to celebrate! And I want to plug my sister Abeo as an incredible party host. Hire her to get and keep your parties lit AF!
And finally: what’s your best advice for a new DJ on the scene who wants to make it big in NYC?
The beginning is hard! Don’t let that discourage you. Dig deep and figure out what you want to do in the community, and how you want to use your music to transport people to a place where they can forget about real life for a few hours. Build connections, go support other DJs, make friends, make content, share and document your story (I’m still working on this, lol)! Lastly, don’t forget to have fun! This shit is supposed to be fun!
Happy Pride, Zoobiana!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for DJ Zoobiana’s upcoming appearances, and follow her on Instagram, LinkTree and SoundCloud.
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