Turning passion into purpose, beats into energy and a childhood dream into reality.
Some people spend years searching for their calling; others recognise it the moment everything finally falls into place. For Noha Abdullah Nasser, better known as DJ Unicorn, music was never simply something playing in the background, it was a constant companion long before she ever stepped behind the decks.
From childhood through her teenage years, music was woven into Noha’s everyday life, even becoming her unlikely soundtrack while studying for final exams. Yet academically, her journey initially pointed in a very different direction. With a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a diploma in Banking and Finance, she followed a conventional path far removed from beats, playlists and packed venues. But the corporate world never quite felt like home. The moment she decided to learn how to DJ, something changed: she had found the space where she could truly be herself.
Today, as DJ Unicorn, Noha has carved out her own identity within Kuwait’s evolving electronic music scene, bringing together Tech House, Afro House and EDM with a personality defined by colour, happiness and positive energy. Even the name ‘Unicorn’ is deeply personal – a nickname given to her by close friends because of her lifelong love of colourful hair.
Her journey has also been one of challenging expectations. As a Gulf woman pursuing an unconventional career, Noha turned early rejection and doubt into motivation, allowing resistance to strengthen rather than silence her ambition.
In this conversation with CP Magazine, Noha introduces us to the woman behind DJ Unicorn, the dreamer, the professional and the personality behind the music.
For readers discovering you for the first time, how would you introduce yourself beyond the name DJ Unicorn?
Beyond the stage name, I am simply someone who deeply loves life and music. I am driven by energy, passion and an unwavering determination to achieve my goals. At the same time, I cherish living a normal, grounded life and I always make sure to keep my inner child alive and embrace those playful moments whenever I can.
Tell us a little about your childhood. Was music always part of your life, or did it find you later?
Music has actually been a massive part of my life ever since I was a child and throughout my teenage years. I think I was probably the only person who actually listened to music while studying for final exams, just to focus and get through the material better!
What did you study, and did your education contribute in any way to the person or artist you have become today?
My academic background is actually worlds away from music, I hold a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a diploma in Banking and Finance. But despite that path, I never really felt like I found my true self in the corporate world. Everything clicked, and I finally found who I am the exact moment I decided to learn how to DJ.
Before becoming a DJ, what career did you imagine yourself pursuing?
I always imagined myself following one of two paths: either becoming a DJ or pursuing interior architecture and design.
Every stage name has a story. Why did you choose the name DJ Unicorn, and what does the unicorn symbol represent to you personally?
To be honest, the answer to this might make you smile because I didn’t actually choose the name ‘DJ Unicorn’ for myself, my close friends did. Ever since I was little, I’ve loved dyeing my hair in crazy colours, so my friends started calling me ‘Unicorn’ because of it. When I finally took the step to become a DJ, they were the ones who suggested I use that name. As for the unicorn itself, I see it as light, colours and pure joy after the rain and clouds. It feels like something out of a daydream, but to me, it truly represents happiness.
Was there a defining moment when you realised DJing was more than a hobby and could become your profession?
Yes, there was a specific moment when I realised I was truly made for this. Early in my career, I performed at the grand opening of a well-known restaurant in Kuwait. Seeing people completely enjoying themselves and getting lost in the music I curated and then immediately receiving multiple booking requests from that same venue and others right afterwards, was a turning point. That was the exact moment it hit me: this is who I am, and this is my true calling.
Electronic music covers countless genres. What first attracted you to Afro House, Tech House and EDM, and what emotions do these genres allow you to express?
We live in a digital world where everything around us has become electronic, including music, which naturally drew me towards this field. However, at the same time, I deeply love listening to music released in the ’80s and early ’90s. The authentic sound of real musical instruments and live playing is something no technology can ever replicate or replace. I chose Tech House and Afro House because this kind of music is all about bringing happiness and awakening positive emotions within a person. It features rhythms that automatically make your body move and have the incredible power to wash away any negative energy inside you.
Kuwait has developed a vibrant entertainment scene over the past decade. How have you seen the local DJ and electronic music community evolve since you started?
There has been a massive evolution in the music scene, especially electronic music here in Kuwait. Everyone now has an incredible amount of knowledge and awareness about this genre. There is a strong cultural openness and huge demand for this type of music across a wide audience, and I believe social media has played a major role in driving this rapid growth and development.
As a female DJ in the Gulf region, have you encountered any unique challenges, and how did you overcome them?
I faced so many challenges, especially at the very beginning. Being a Gulf woman working as a DJ came with a lot of initial rejection and plenty of voices telling me I wouldn’t succeed in this field. But instead of stopping me, that pushback became my greatest motivation to prove them wrong. I channelled all my energy into focusing and working even harder to show people that women can achieve incredible success in this profession too.
What has been the most unforgettable performance of your career so far, and what made that night so special?
Every performance and venue has its own unique vibe. But to be specific, one event that stands out the most to me was playing at the grand opening of the very first ULTA Beauty store in Kuwait, marking their first branch in the entire Middle East, with Bella Hadid in attendance. Performing in front of a massive crowd of around 250,000 people was incredible, and I consider being part of such an event a major milestone in my career.
How much preparation goes into a typical DJ set? Do you carefully plan your playlists, or do you prefer reading the crowd and improvising?
For this, I would choose both approaches because every venue and occasion has its own rules and a specific style of music that fits it. There are certain venues where I prefer to carefully prepare a playlist beforehand. On the other hand, there are places where I prefer to read the crowd in real time, sensing their energy and figuring out exactly what kind of music will capture their attention and connect with them the most.
Your social media presents a colourful, energetic and approachable personality. How different is the person behind the decks from the person off stage?
I am the exact same person whether I’m behind the DJ decks or living my everyday life. This is simply who I am, and I could never pretend to be someone else. That’s why I made sure my authentic, natural personality is exactly the same one people see in my DJ persona. In this field, the fundamental key to success is giving people happiness and positive energy.
What is the biggest misconception people have about being a professional DJ?
People often have this misconception that being a DJ is an easy, fun job with stress-free, easy money and zero commitment. But that is so far from the truth. Being a DJ means you have to be completely committed to your schedule under any circumstances; there are people and an entire event relying on you. No matter what personal hardships or exhaustion you might be going through, you have to leave it all behind the moment you step up because the crowd is waiting for you to lift them up. On top of that, preparing your sets, listening to a thousand tracks just to handpick twenty, and trying to satisfy so many different musical tastes in a room is genuinely hard work.
Every DJ has that one track guaranteed to transform the atmosphere. Which song never fails to ignite a crowd for you?
‘Gasolina’ by Daddy Yankee, including all its remixes, and ‘I Adore You’ by HUGEL.
With streaming platforms giving listeners access to virtually every song imaginable, what do you believe still separates an exceptional DJ from someone who simply plays music?
An exceptional DJ isn’t just someone who plays music; it’s someone who can truly read the crowd. They are the ones who play those tracks people didn’t even realise they wanted to hear at that exact moment, the unexpected songs they didn’t know they needed.
Outside of music, what hobbies or passions help you relax and recharge?
Travelling, reading, going to the beach, watching a movie and playing with my dogs!
If you could perform at any festival or venue in the world, which would be at the top of your list?
Tomorrowland or Ibiza.
For young women in Kuwait and across the region who dream of entering the electronic music industry, what advice would you give them?
Do what you want, what feels right for you, and what makes you feel both proud and happy at the same time. The mistake isn’t in the field of work itself, but the greatest injustice a person can do to themselves is failing to work towards their dream or ending up as someone they never wanted to be. You are strong, you can reach what you dream of, and you can achieve your goal, not just in the DJ world, but across every aspect of your life. It’s never too late!
What exciting projects, new music or performances can your fans look forward to over the coming months?
Due to the current political climate, many events and schedules can fluctuate and aren’t always set in stone. However, I consistently perform at Mei Li restaurant on a monthly basis, which keeps me grounded in the live music scene.
If you could describe your entire musical journey in just a few words, what would they be?
A dream came true.
Your message for us at CP Magazine.
I truly appreciate magazines that care about art and music, trying to convey a natural, living picture of people who have succeeded in their respective fields, while featuring so many fascinating topics and success stories. You are the best, and I hope you continue for generations to come. Thank you for having me and for making me a part of this beautiful journey with you.
Interview, Concept & Styling: Jameel Arif (@jameelarif)
Photography: Hamed (@hamedvisuals)
