“I want to help people through tough times”: six-year-old becomes world’s youngest DJ
Growing up in a house that’s always filled with music, it came as no surprise when Illumi Maeda (Japan) decided she wanted to become a DJ.
What no one could have anticipated, however, is that her journey would start at just three years old – or that, at the age of 6 years and 99 days, she would become the world’s youngest female club DJ.
To break the record, Illumi performed for over an hour at a club in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan, in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
When asked about her experience, she said: “It was a very hectic day, and we had some problems with the equipment. I felt nervous, but I’m really glad I managed to do it!”
Now, the musical wunderkind known as DJ ILLU dreams of performing for much larger crowds and turning her passion into a lifelong career. “I’d love to DJ at different festivals around the world,” she explained, “and try for another Guinness World Records title in a new DJ-related category. I also want to open an ice cream shop and DJ there too!”
Ice cream and music played by a record-breaking artist? Count us in.
Read more stories about record-breaking artists in our Arts and Entertainment section.
Looking back at the moment she started experimenting with DJing, young Illumi recalled: “My family has always loved music of all kinds. One unforgettable memory is dancing to classical music with my great-grandpa and great-grandma. My mum has always played lots of different genres at home and in the car, so I’ve grown up surrounded by music.
“[…] [My mum] loves dancing and listening to music while doing things around the house. Our home has always had a party atmosphere, which is probably a little unusual in Japan! Mum often invited friends from different countries over, so parties and music were a normal part of my life.
“When I felt low or didn’t have much energy, listening to Avicii would lift my spirits. That made me realize how powerful and important music can be. I got into DJing when some of my mum’s DJ friends started teaching me little by little!”
Her love for DJing has been growing every day since.
“I love seeing everyone get into the music, dance, and have fun,” she said. “I think people should feel free to express themselves. I also love it when the sounds blend together beautifully, or when I follow my instincts and the mix turns out really well. I think I’ll discover more challenges as I keep learning!”
Illumi believes in the healing powers of music and hopes to use her talent to help people around her: “I want to become a DJ who makes music that lifts people’s spirits, brings them comfort, and helps them through difficult times, wherever they are in the world.”
And when it comes to becoming a world record holder, she said that it still hasn’t really sunk in and that, although she’s very happy, she also feels a little pressure to keep working hard and getting better.
When she’s not playing music or breaking records, the young DJ’s life isn’t all that different from any other six-year-olds: “I go to an international school, and after school I do my homework, listen to music, dance, and enjoy DJing.”
And despite what you might think, DJing is far from her only passion – she also loves dancing, maths, snowboarding, snorkelling, and travelling.
But if there is one thing she can’t live without, it’s a good party: “If there’s a party, I want to be there – wherever it is!”
We can’t wait to see what little Illumi is going to achieve next. Congratulations, you are Officially Amazing!