Bonny M | August 22, 2025
Hailing from the East Coast of the United States, DJ Tausi is not just a name behind the decks, it’s a presence, a story, and a journey spanning continents. Born and raised in North Carolina, Tausi’s roots stretch deep into Africa: her mother from Tanzania and her father from Malawi. Growing up in a household immersed in African culture, community, and music, she developed an early love for sound that would shape her creative path.
“Tausi,” her middle name meaning “peacock” in Swahili, symbolizes beauty, transformation, and presence, all of which she embodies through her music. Raised by a single mother, music became her teacher, escape, and companion. From Bongo Flava to South African pop, reggae to 80s and 90s R&B, the sounds in her childhood home formed a sonic foundation that would eventually fuel her DJ sets.
“I was surrounded by rhythm, feeling, and storytelling,” Tausi explains. “Music saved my life. And now, I use it to help others feel seen, free, and joyful.” From piano and trumpet lessons to recording songs off Limewire, she gradually moved from self-expression to professional artistry, eventually studying music engineering at Playground Studios. DJing became the bridge between her early experiences and her evolving sound, a way to translate internal emotion into external energy.
DJ Tausi’s sets are intentional journeys through rhythm, nostalgia, and culture. She blends Amapiano, soulful house, jungle/dnb, Afrobeats, reggae, Miami bass, Jersey Club, and NOLA bounce into a fluid narrative of sound. “Whether you’re dancing hard, vibing in the car, or zoning in with headphones, I want the music to hit you, in the chest and the hips,” she says. Each transition is meticulously curated, combining deep emotion with high energy, guiding listeners through moments of tension, release, and transcendence.
For Tausi, music is more than entertainment, it’s connection. “Growing up as an only child, music was my safe space, my compass, my way to stay connected to the world around me,” she reflects. “That energy never left. When I DJ, I bring all of that history with me.”
Her first live set at an open decks night in Durham’s Pinhook was nerve-wracking, but it ignited her confidence. Supported by friend and producer Marv Krown, Tausi stepped into the spotlight, learning to trust the music and herself. That night led to a paid gig at House of Her, a women-only DJ event, followed by performances at Dyke Night in Durham, and soon, her first set in New York. Each opportunity marked a turning point, pushing her further into the spotlight while affirming her purpose.
“I care about the energy I bring, the stories I tell, and the experience I’m creating,” she says. “I’m not afraid to get soft, spiritual, gritty, or experimental in a set. That duality, being deeply rooted but completely unexpected, is what defines my sound.”
DJ Tausi draws inspiration locally and globally, from the African diaspora to the U.S. East Coast, from jazz and reggae to Baile Funk, Amapiano, and NOLA bounce. Her sound is a reflection of both memory and movement, carefully curated to make listeners feel good, seen, inspired, and grounded. “Every mix I create is a reflection of the sonic places I’ve visited, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually,” she says.
Visibility was one of Tausi’s biggest hurdles. Sharing her art publicly, she faced vulnerability and fear of judgment. But pushing through built connection, trust, and growth. Today, she continues to expand her reach through her weekly mix series Auric Sol Radio on SoundCloud, Mixcloud, and YouTube, sharing snippets on Instagram and TikTok, growing a global audience organically.
Looking ahead, Tausi’s ambitions are expansive yet rooted in purpose. From live shows across cities to international travels, she’s building a sustainable brand and platform. “I want to create spaces that move people from the inside out,” she explains. “This is just the beginning.”
Through her decks, DJ Tausi isn’t just playing music, she’s telling stories, bridging cultures, and inviting listeners into a world where rhythm, soul, and movement converge.