Scheila Santos On Breaking Barriers In A Male-dominated Music Scene

From Brazil To London, The DJ Reflects On Resilience, Respect, And The Quiet Revolution Of Women Behind The Decks.

At 34, Brazilian-born DJ Scheila Santos has found her rhythm in London’s vibrant electronic scene. Her journey from Brazil to the heart of Europe’s club culture has been shaped by passion, perseverance, and the quiet courage it takes to stand out in a space still marked by gender imbalance.

Although she’s earned her place commanding the decks in some of London’s most dynamic venues, Scheila is candid about the challenges that come with the territory. “There’s a certain glamour people associate with DJs,” she says, “but few imagine what happens behind the scenes. At many events, I’m still greeted as someone’s girlfriend, not as the artist they hired.”

The numbers tell a larger story. According to a female pressure report, only 26.9 percent of electronic music festival lineups between 2020 and 2021 featured women. A separate study from the University of Portsmouth found that fewer than 10 percent of DJs and just 5 percent of producers recognized worldwide are female. For Scheila, these statistics are not abstract—they are lived experience.

Her sound, a sophisticated blend of afro-house and afro-tech, carries both energy and intent. Yet, even as her sets draw crowds, she’s faced moments of disrespect. “When a woman is behind the decks, it’s as if she constantly has to prove she knows what she’s doing,” she says. “I’ve heard jokes about my body while performing and been asked if I’m really the DJ or just there to attract attention. It’s a competitive space—and gender still plays a role.”

Over the years, Scheila has developed her own ways to stay grounded and safe. “I always travel with someone I trust, avoid drinking, and keep everything organized so I don’t have to rely on anyone. It may sound excessive, but when you’ve experienced harassment, you learn how important it is to protect yourself.”

One incident still lingers in her memory: “During a festival, a colleague hugged me too tightly and whispered things in my ear. I froze. I knew that if I reacted strongly, it might cost me future opportunities. I went back to the hotel, shattered and thought—why should I have to choose between defending myself and doing what I love?”

Despite the hardships, her perspective remains hopeful. “I’m seeing more women on stage, managing events, and working behind the scenes. There’s more sisterhood now. We share contacts, talk about what we face, and refuse to stay silent.”

For Scheila, actual progress means more than visibility—it means equality. “I don’t want to be treated differently because I’m a woman. I want to be recognized for my sound and the energy I bring to the dance floor. If I can inspire other girls to believe they belong here too, then it’s all worth it.”

Her goal is clear: to help create a fairer path for those who follow. “I don’t need medals for surviving what I’ve endured. I want real change. I want to walk into the booth, play my set, and leave without anyone questioning why I’m there. Until that day comes, I’ll keep doing what I love—with my head held high and music as my voice.”