As this summer heats up, Black and Queer folks are doing what they do best: celebrating their existence and prioritizing their joy. From Juneteenth celebrations to Pride parties to the alluring vibes that await in July, they’re living their best lives this summer. And at the center of these cathartic experiences? DJs.
Controlling the vibe and energy of the party, DJs are the heart and soul of any great club experience. During a time when happiness seems to be in short supply, we had the opportunity to sit down with four amazing DJs who are keeping the vibes high all summer 2025. Sydney Love aka SYDNIVERSE, Geneva Love Frazier aka SEXINCHURCH, Zuri aka Zoobiana and Adrienne Ego all discuss the importance of the Black and queer experience in the music space and what they each individually contribute to it. Even when the world seems bleak, these four DJs are giving their communities the opportunity to release their inhibitions and be their most authentic selves.
Geneva Love Frazier aka SEXINCHURCH
“As a Black queer person, I have a lot of rage and when I play, I release that rage.”
Calling herself “DJ SEXINCHURCH,” Geneva Love Frazier says that DJs are the “praise and worship leaders of the club.” She considers herself and other DJs responsible for “facilitating the congregation of different identities,” a calling that she does not take lightly. An open-format DJ playing everything from house music to old-school R&B, she aims to create a safe space for Black and queer people to exist and express themselves. She says that she has “a lot of rage,” and when she DJs, she is able to not only release her own rage but take on that of her proverbial congregants and release their rage as well.
In creating this safe space, Geneva honors the club culture that came before her. “For Black and queer bodies, the club has always been a safe space, and nightlife has always been a safe space, so DJs have the responsibility of making sure that experience is beautiful across the board.” She notes that her favorite moment is when she sees everyone in the club come out of their bodies and simply enjoy the experience. “It’s no longer a matter of who’s watching who, who has on the best garb—it’s just about being present and being free. That is what I live for.”
Zuri aka Zoobiana
“For black & queer people, life can just feel so heavy and when I’m in a space where I control the vibe, it’s my responsibility to remind people of a time where they had just pure joy.”
Flip phones and low-rise jeans are coming back, which means that nostalgia is trending yet again. But for DJ Zuri, nostalgia is more than a trend; it’s a prerequisite to being your best self. Despite being an open-format DJ and playing a variety of music, every time she steps behind a DJ booth, Zuri’s mission is the same: “Transport people back to a time where they had no worries.” She recognizes that for Black and queer people, the weight of life can feel oppressive, so she takes it upon herself to ensure that when people hear her sets, they are taken back to a time when they just felt pure joy.
By tapping into this nostalgia, Zuri allows people to fall back in love with a simpler version of themselves, thereby allowing them to be the best version that they can be. “Black women and queer people are trailblazers,” she says. “There’s different event concepts that are being made, different connections with the community, and people are starting to be excited about nightlife in a different way.” When allowed to experience unencumbered, pure, unadulterated joy, like the kind that Zuri provides, Black women and queer people can continue to show up in the world doing their best and most necessary work.
Sydney Love aka SYDNIVERSE
“I play for the people who just weren’t seen and that grew up feeling like they didn’t have a place.”
Nigerian and proud, Sydney Love aka SYDNIVERSE wants people to experience a “night in Lagos” every time she gets behind the booth. Sydney is a self-proclaimed afrobeats DJ, specializing in Afrobeats, Afrohouse, Amapiano, and more. “Anything that gets people to move that’s African roots based, that’s me.” She describes the culture in Nigeria as nonstop, and wants to give people a chance to experience the culture she knows and loves. “The vibes there are nonstop, high energy, dance music, and a lot of people might not get the opportunity to experience something like that.
For some, Sydney’s mission to give people a night in Lagos, Nigeria, allows them to be transported back home for a few hours. “People will stay to the end and come up to me and say ‘thank you so much, I haven’t been home and this is the first time I’ve felt like I’ve been connected around people.’ Those conversations always push me forward.” Driven by the culture that shaped her and influences her sets, Sydney also strives to make each and every person at her parties feel loved and seen. She explained to us that growing up she often felt unseen, and she never wants people to feel that way when she’s DJing.
Adrienne Ego
“Being a Black woman in the music world is a lovely experience, and I personally want to give the space for people to catch a vibe.”
For Miss Adrienne Ego, being a DJ is synonymous with authenticity. “I always want to enter the space and be myself,” she tells GROWN. As an open-format DJ, she describes her sound as “expressive and vibey,” as she masterfully blends Afrobeats with other music genres that allow people to “catch a vibe.”
As a Black woman, Adrienne understands firsthand that life be lifeing. “I personally want to give the space to decompress and let go of the worries from the day.
Over all Black women DJs are shifting the soundscape—making dance floors feel like home, protest, and celebration all at once.
In addition to these four powerhouses, here’s a curated rundown of 20 DJs who are the ones to want to catch a vibe in New York City and beyond. From established icons to rising talent, these artists are defining what it means to move a crowd. Tap in below and check them out!
- DjMissmilan– @djmissmilan
- Kendollaz – @djkendollaz
- Daniro – @highlysensitiveblackwomen
- Zora – @Ctrlzora
- Akua – @akua_b_
- Archangel @archangeldj
- DJ Spinelli @spinelli.nyc
- Dj Enophoria @enophoria
- Angel & Dren @angelanddren
- DJ Miss Parker @thebussycatdoll
- Kiyjayh @kiyjayh.jane
- Natasha Diggs @natashadiggs
- Lita Da Doll @stemmequeensupreme
- Emperatriz @everythingempy
- Pinkyy @iampinkyyyyyyy
- Doula @ddddoula
- Chvmeleon @dj.chvmeleon
- Dylan Ali @dylanali_
- Bodegaparty @bodegapartyy
- Honey Bun @samtaylor24
CREDITS
Director & Executive Producer: Skylar Rochon
Creative Director & Photographer: Ni’jai
DP & Editor: Avery Johnson
Producer: Kaya Nova
Photo Assistant: Jazmine Nieves
Studio: My Cousins Studio
