In Idols, she was served off by judges by Gordon and Jerney Kaagman, but now the female DJ Iane wins the DJ competition of the world-famous Café Mambo.
The female DJ, singer and songwriter with Indonesian roots Iane Dahlia, is forced to flee her violent partner and ends up in a shelter with her two young children. In a foreign city, without money, work or speaking the Dutch language, and under constant threat from her ex-partner, she decides to start her life anew – and with music. She develops as a singer, songwriter and female DJ. A few years later, and this power woman flies to Ibiza as the winner of the Café Mambo DJ competition – to perform an unforgettable set behind the coveted turntables of the world-famous café. A crowning achievement and victory over everyone who did not believe in her – including Gordon and Jerney Kaagman who heavily criticized her during her participation in the TV show Idols. For iAne, one of the few female DJs in our country, a dream comes true.
Regained self-confidence
iAne grew up in Padang, Indonesia, surrounded by a loving and musical family. Praised for her warm voice, she records her first studio album at age 10, quickly followed by several appearances on Indonesian television. At 18, she moves to the Netherlands, a world of difference. Her participation in the Dutch Idols ends in a deception – the criticism from judges Gordon and Jerney Kaagman comes down hard. Then iAne falls victim to her violent, abusive husband. After a few years, she gathers all her courage, packs her things and flees with her two young children to a safe house for women. She seeks refuge and consciously chooses a safe future for her and her children. After two years of intense psychotherapy, extensive coaching and regaining her self-confidence, she emerges from the ordeal extremely strong. She works her ass off to be and remain financially independent. And in all this time there is and remains the music. And that’s where she wants to grow.
Working hard
In 2012 she meets her new partner, saxophonist Rody Mulder, with whom she expands her performances and starts recording her own singles. First in her native language, Indonesian, but then also in English. With complete dedication she throws herself into a DJ course and starts performing as a singer as well as a DJ. That is often a big challenge, with 3 babysitters on rotating shifts so she can take on every gig. It’s hard work: in addition to running a household with young children, she has to deal with her ex’s financial debts, takes singing and speech lessons to improve her English pronunciation, tries to master the DJ profession, and often performs at night to earn money. But all that energy and dedication is paying off.
The road to Mambo
Soon she gets her own DJ residency – for six months she takes the booth at Club Dauphine in Amsterdam on Fridays. During one of these regular DJ nights, a visitor says, “You play really well, much better than the DJs in Cafe Mambo in Ibiza.” iAne gladly accepts the compliment, but has to google this famous cafe at home. Unconsciously, DJing at that coveted spot becomes a goal for the young DJ. iAne meanwhile builds a solid fan base at home and abroad, performing at various festivals, including Amsterdam Dance Event.
From victim to power woman
In August, iAne seizes her chance by entering an international DJ competition organized by Café Mambo Ibiza – a second home for famous DJs such as Steve Aoki, Fisher, Camelphat, Carl Cox and Pete Tong, who often head there for a long night of partying on the Spanish party island. Hundreds of DJs compete in the competition, which can win a trip and stay plus perform at the famed cafe. But in the end, iAne is chosen out of more than 350 participants – and she will be spinning the stars at Café Mambo in early October. A dream come true, and therefore hopefully also an inspiration for all women who face big challenges, intense circumstances and financial constraints in their lives. iAne: “I hope my story shows that with fighting spirit, dedication and hard work you can elevator yourself from victim to power woman.” Listen to the competition’s winning track here.