London


<p>Party season&#8217;s here and who better to rock the dance floor than Tedankay Gassama, AKA DJ&nbsp;China&nbsp;L’One, an entrepreneur, top London DJ and founder of black-owned, all-female&nbsp;DJ agency&nbsp;<em><a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC1UvpriRPaFsrBwHrbScrQn39V2Ak6G-2Bczgvkn5fJnQ1oGPA_SPepmuwpbmUTTZmkZxrUJMs30GQ0m-2FTtD-2BX8GVkn94k5htRgV04BcTz2ajO8ebMxBz7pvvNKWnD8iE6GOPok3FbZCeKIyt1pX2EuA238FMs8r1lPHtLLGtr8d19SBdjxzC6hqBqE9fLR1FwsQyOInlz-2B1Hn8JU-2B-2FJX1k3CAvTIBAGv-2FYucLsJaxgayp7H1Jmz6FFOMp047W08rC6U48OLk2cPe7oZ83jFtxVZiY59EES-2Byb1A9t-2FJ0GvZizjFRFz6hT9n1QhKgrGSMQfBbk8q906wY4rKbnkaUF-2BCunSh3ZYwQcW-2BtvRsHk66CZnwV8K-2FglXypK4FkvePGRu3jf-2BgrbMxsPh4dL5vm7pjWORjqI-3D" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">We Run the World</a></em>. </p>



<p>You might have caught her playing in some of the city&#8217;s top clubs (Pacha, Ministry of Sound) and haute events &#8211; everything from London Fashion Week to the BBC &#8211; however it&#8217;s her continued drive to ensure more women are represented in the music industry, and to keep them safe in clubs and bars, that&#8217;s most inspiring of all. </p>



<p>Muddy sat down with the musical powerhouse to find out firsthand why she believes women behind the decks can transform a room’s atmosphere, and make us all feel safer on a night out in London. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="986" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/489376137_2203002053450451_5513546077162677932_n-1024x986.jpg" alt="DJ China L'One " class="wp-image-16754" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/489376137_2203002053450451_5513546077162677932_n-1024x986.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/489376137_2203002053450451_5513546077162677932_n-300x289.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/489376137_2203002053450451_5513546077162677932_n-768x739.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/489376137_2203002053450451_5513546077162677932_n.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hi-china-can-you-tell-us-how-you-got-started-in-the-music-industry"><strong>Hi China, can you tell us how you got started in the music industry?</strong></h2>



<p>Growing up, I was initially focused on singing and performance. I pursued vocal training, sang and rapped, and also earned a BA in Music Technology, which gave me a strong technical foundation. However, my journey into DJing was actually quite accidental! It happened when I stepped in to save a friend’s birthday party. The booked DJ wasn’t reading the room well, so I took over the decks. I thought, “I can select better songs to make people dance”, and it worked! That moment ignited a passion that quickly shifted my career path.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-been-your-career-highlight-so-far"><strong>What&#8217;s been your career highlight so far?</strong></h2>



<p>Definitely the opportunity to DJ in so many different parts of the world. This year alone, I’ve played in over 10 cities across Europe and four in the UK, including incredible events in Berlin, Madrid, Serris, Valencia, Belgium, Wales, Newcastle, and Leicester, to name just a few. Experiencing such diverse crowds and cultures has been truly unforgettable.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ever-been-star-struck-at-an-event-you-re-djing-at"><strong>Ever been star-struck at an event you&#8217;re DJing at?</strong></h2>



<p>Oh yes, absolutely. I was playing a set when football star Eric Cantona came right up to the booth! I honestly couldn’t believe it &#8211; that was a truly star-struck moment for me.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1012" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/482006783_2176590749424915_2108270571600846259_n-1024x1012.jpg" alt="DJ China L'One " class="wp-image-16755" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/482006783_2176590749424915_2108270571600846259_n-1024x1012.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/482006783_2176590749424915_2108270571600846259_n-300x297.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/482006783_2176590749424915_2108270571600846259_n-768x759.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/482006783_2176590749424915_2108270571600846259_n.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-inspired-you-to-set-up-we-run-the-world-female-dj-agency"><strong>What inspired you to set up We Run the World Female DJ Agency?</strong></h2>



<p>The agency was born out of necessity and a desire to create change. Back in 2012, when I launched it, there was a stark disparity in bookings &#8211; female DJs simply weren’t getting the same opportunities as their male counterparts. I wanted to actively raise awareness and visibility for talented women in the industry, ensuring they were being booked and fairly compensated.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-the-industry-changing-are-more-women-running-the-music-world-now"><strong>Is the industry changing &#8211; are more women running the music world now?</strong></h2>



<p>We are definitely not where we need to be yet, but we’re not where we used to be! We&#8217;ve made progress, and I see more women in prominent roles, but significant work still needs to be done to achieve true equality. We are getting there, slowly but surely.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/463740103_8675639402493817_4753587190008470924_n-1024x768.jpg" alt="DJ China 'One" class="wp-image-16756" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/463740103_8675639402493817_4753587190008470924_n-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/463740103_8675639402493817_4753587190008470924_n-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/463740103_8675639402493817_4753587190008470924_n-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/463740103_8675639402493817_4753587190008470924_n.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-are-female-djs-helping-to-redefine-london-s-nightlife"><strong>How are female DJs helping to redefine London&#8217;s nightlife?</strong></h2>



<p>They are bringing fresh musical perspectives by blending genres, creating unique sonic landscapes, and most importantly, actively challenging the historically male-dominated industry norms that have long defined the scene.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-and-how-are-female-djs-making-london-s-nightlife-safer"><strong>And how are female DJs making London&#8217;s nightlife safer?</strong></h2>



<p>They are the driving force behind powerful collectives that prioritise robust safe space policies for marginalised groups. Their visibility and advocacy encourages more inclusive venue staffing and promotes a much-needed culture of accountability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-other-than-london-which-city-in-the-world-has-the-best-nightlife-scene"><strong>Other than London, which city in the world has the best nightlife scene?</strong></h2>



<p>The consensus often points to Berlin, Germany. However, other strong contenders with incredible scenes are New York City, Ibiza, Spain, and Bangkok, Thailand.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/476075410_1220662679624542_853488449219511126_n-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="DJ China L'One " class="wp-image-16758" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/476075410_1220662679624542_853488449219511126_n-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/476075410_1220662679624542_853488449219511126_n-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/476075410_1220662679624542_853488449219511126_n-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/london/wp-content/uploads/sites/24/2025/12/476075410_1220662679624542_853488449219511126_n-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-advice-do-you-have-for-younger-female-djs-just-starting-out"><strong>What advice do you have for younger female DJs just starting out?</strong></h2>



<p>My advice is to practice constantly and truly know your music inside and out. Network strategically by attending events and genuinely supporting other DJs in your scene. Crucially, focus on connecting with your crowd &#8211;&nbsp; that connection is what helps you build a powerful and exciting set.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-less-than-a-month-until-christmas-what-s-in-your-diary-for-the-next-few-weeks"><strong>It&#8217;s less than a month until Christmas &#8211; what&#8217;s in your diary for the next few weeks?!</strong></h2>



<p>I&#8217;m focused on planning and setting ambitious goals for 2026, both for my personal DJ career and for the strategic direction of We Run the World Female DJ Agency.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-china-l-one-s-london">China L&#8217;One&#8217;s London </h2>



<p><strong>Favourite Restaurant</strong>: The <a href="https://ivycollection.com/restaurants-near-me/the-ivy-london/the-ivy-victoria-brasserie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ivy Victoria </a>&#8211; I’m there all the time! It’s conveniently about 20 minutes from my home, and I love the ambience, the food, and the overall energy.</p>



<p><strong>Favourite Ba</strong>r: <a href="https://www.parkplazawestminsterbridge.com/restaurant-bars/primo-bar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Primo Bar</a>, Westminster. They often have live music, and it’s a wonderful atmosphere to be in.</p>



<p><strong>Favourite Clu</strong>b: <a href="https://www.ministryofsound.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ministry Of Sound</a>. I&#8217;ve DJ&#8217;d there a few times and it&#8217;s iconic, so many legends have played there!</p>



<p><strong>Favourite Brunch Spot</strong>: <a href="https://www.ministryofsound.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duck &amp; Waffle</a>, it’s a fantastic spot serving amazing food with an incredible view!</p>



<p><strong>Favourite Hotel</strong>: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lonhitw-london-hilton-on-park-lane/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hilton Park Lane</a> &#8211; it’s always reliable and comfortable.</p>



<p><strong>Favourite Store</strong>: <a href="https://www.harrods.com/en-gb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harrods</a> in Knightsbridge, it&#8217;s a shopping institution!</p>



<p><strong>Favourite Free Thing to Do</strong>: Go to <a href="https://www.lfm.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farmers’ markets</a> on Saturdays. It’s a lovely way to start the weekend, finding fresh produce and enjoying the local community.</p>



<p><em>Listen to Muddy&#8217;s<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ctqNBClgephViX0LkgwBU?si=7MyPdmokRW6lSr3GD4EOXA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Christmas Spotify playlist</a>, specially picked by DJ L&#8217;One herself. Expect all the festive fuelled bangers here. </em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-muddy-meets">MORE MUDDY MEETS…</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://london.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/muddy-meets-marianna-davis-personal-stylist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy meets: Personal Stylist Marianna Davis</a></li>



<li><a href="https://london.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/ebay-style-director-amy-bannerman/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy meets: Amy Bannerman, eBay&#8217;s pre-loved style director </a></li>



<li><a href="https://london.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/fashion/london-fashion-week-2/">London Fashion Week: Designers to have on your radar</a></li>
</ul>


Muddy meets: London-based DJ China L’One

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