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Eden Jays, a 28-year-old DJ from Aix-en-Provence, confidently mixes tracks on a trendy Côte d’Azur restaurant’s terrace. Clad in sunglasses and a sleek black polo, the scene might seem ordinary except for one detail: the audience can see him, but he cannot see them.
In 2020, a kidney transplant resulted in Jays’ loss of vision. Yet, he radiates boundless optimism. “Life is not always predictable; challenges arise, and we must adapt,” he told AFP with an infectious smile.
On this particular August evening, Jays was performing at an upscale beachside restaurant in Le Lavandou (Var). Dressed in jeans, white sneakers, and his signature polo, one wouldn’t initially distinguish him from any other DJ. The sunglasses at night might raise eyebrows, but in nightlife, such fashion choices are commonplace.
Many patrons didn’t notice his entrance with a guiding cane, assisted by close acquaintances. Yet, Jays independently connected his mixing table cables and strategically placed USB keys on the night playlists. As the deep house ambiance filled the air, most remained oblivious to his visual impairment.
“People at restaurants often don’t realize my disability. Sometimes I get asked why I don’t make eye contact. When I explain, they instantly understand,” remarked Jays. Challenges arise during events like weddings when guests make song requests on the spot. This is when one of his assistants steps in to find the track.
These assistants play a pivotal role, not only logistically but also in gauging the audience’s response, effectively acting as Jays’ eyes. Silham Elgaual, an old friend and aide, said, “You have to monitor the crowd’s reaction and relay it to him.”
Before losing his vision, Adnan Marfak, his offstage name, had already begun his professional DJing journey. Adapting to his new reality wasn’t easy. “Accepting my situation, especially using a cane for the first time, was tough,” he reflected. But music became his guiding light. “Having a passion distracts you. Even if I can’t see people, they can hear me. It’s an art form that connects us.”
Florence Pieule, a volunteer at the Valentin Haüy association for the visually impaired, where Jays is a member, described him as “sociable, positive, and proactive, never allowing himself to be defeated.”
Inspired by DJs like Pete Tong, Kungs, and his idol, Bob Sinclar, Jays’ love for house music has deep roots. His mother’s piano melodies and Boney M.’s tunes shaped his early years. At 13, a DJ performance at a local party mesmerized him with continuous music.
Coming from a privileged background—his father was the director of a nuclear plant in Morocco where the family lived for eight years—Jays pursued a double path, attending a DJ school in Aix while also completing his studies. This fall, he plans to join the renowned UCPA DJ school to enhance his entrepreneurial and management skills.
Jays isn’t alone in overcoming challenges in the DJ world. Swiss DJ HardcoreHead has a movement impairment; DJ Ridooo uses his nose in lieu of his fingers; and Pone, former Fonky Family group member and diagnosed with Charcot’s disease, composes music using only his eyes.
With hopes set high, Jays is preparing to release an EP with five tracks. “We’ll see how it goes!” he quipped.
With AFP
