Tango in the Spring: 1-4 October 2010 Canberra Australia

DJ interview: Nadim Sawaya

Nadim Sawaya is from Melbourne, and one of the driving forces behind Melbourne Tango. Many people from Canberra probably know Nadim as he DJed at BASH 2008 (Bundanoon) and ran a DJ workshop. He is also one of the favourite DJs in Sydney, being invited to DJ at special events such as Sydney International Tango festival.

I feel a sense of history and tradition in dj’ing

What first made you interested in Tango DJing?

I wanted to understand what the songs were about lyrically as well as what was the motivation for them being written, so that led me into DJing. It also added another dimension to my tango instead of just the dance component.

What do you like best about DJing?

I feel a sense of history and tradition in dj’ing. I like also seeing people enjoy a particular tanda.

What do you consider when selecting music to play?

The milonga space, the audience and also what kind of energy I want to create.

What music won’t you play at a milonga?

Astor Piazzolla and Salgan (although I love listening to Piazzolla)

How much do you dance when you DJ?

I will dance about half of the night.

What is your current favourite tango song?

Can I chose two?! Noches de colon (Tanturi) and Tigre Viejo (Fresedo)

abrazos,

Nadim