DJ Shortie: Spinning Global Beats, Breaking Barriers, and Building Her Legacy

A Sound That Travels

Born in France to Congolese and Senegalese parents, Gladys Jani, known professionally as DJ Shortie, has carved out a lane where culture, creativity, and confidence collide. As an international DJ, sound engineer, and producer, she has taken her passion for music across borders—from Paris to Ghana, Senegal to the United States.

Her music isn’t just about beats and transitions; it’s a living archive of where she’s been and who she’s becoming. Blending Afro-house, amapiano, soulful house, and hip-hop, DJ Shortie creates sonic experiences that speak to movement, ancestry, and joy.

But her story is more than her setlist. It’s about overcoming challenges, claiming space in male-dominated industries, and empowering others—especially women—to own their rhythm and raise their voices.

Early Inspiration, Global Ambition

Music has always been part of Gladys’ world. From the rhythms of her African roots to the pulse of urban European soundscapes, she absorbed a range of influences from a young age. What began as a curiosity quickly became a calling.

She started by learning sound engineering and music production, mastering both the creative and technical sides of the industry. Her ability to build entire soundscapes from scratch gave her an edge in a field that often separates artistry from execution.

But the DJ booth called to her. She loved not just producing music, but performing it—shaping the energy of a crowd, telling a story through sound, and offering moments of escape and elevation.

Finding Her Voice in Male Spaces

As a Black woman in electronic music, DJ Shortie faced barriers many can’t see but feel. In predominantly male settings, she had to prove herself not just through talent but through tenacity. Her gender, her race, and her confidence made her stand out—and sometimes, made her a target.

Rather than shrink, she chose to shine.

She poured herself into mastering her craft, building her network, and uplifting others along the way. Her sets speak for themselves, blending high energy and emotional range with seamless transitions and genre-defying selections.

She’s also passionate about creating safe and inclusive environments for other women creatives, particularly in regions where patriarchy still limits access to platforms.

Cultural Exchange Through Music

One of DJ Shortie’s greatest strengths is her ability to create bridges between continents and communities. Fluent in both French and English, and culturally rooted in both Europe and West Africa, she uses music to foster dialogue.

Her playlists often blend Afro-house and amapiano with elements of hip-hop, house, and soul—pulling together a global palette of sound. Whether she’s spinning in Accra or Atlanta, Paris or Dakar, her music feels both rooted and borderless.

She doesn’t just play for the crowd—she plays with purpose.

Healing Through Sound

For DJ Shortie, music isn’t just an art form—it’s therapy. After a difficult breakup and facing mental health struggles, she returned to her decks with new energy and focus. Music helped her find herself again.

She now integrates sound healing principles into her mixes, producing intentional sets for mindfulness, empowerment, and self-reflection. Her journey has made her more than a DJ—she’s a guide through soundscapes of renewal.

She encourages others to explore their voice, to speak their truth, and to embrace healing in all its forms.

Mentorship and Mission

Outside the booth, DJ Shortie mentors aspiring DJs and producers, especially women of color who are often overlooked in the global music scene. Through workshops and one-on-one coaching, she teaches not only mixing and equipment but confidence, branding, and business strategy.

Her message is clear: you don’t have to ask for permission to show up.

With each event, mix, or production, she reminds others that creativity is a right—not a luxury.