IRMA: "Love covers everything and turns work into art"

Irma Tokarieva is a talented DJ, dancer, and model based in Dubai, where she has established herself as a key figure in the local electronic music and arts scene. Specializing in house, techno, and EDM, Irma combines her passion for music and dance with a strong stage presence, quickly winning over audiences at major events and venues. In addition to her performance career, she is the owner and Casting Director of ICD Agency, helping discover and promote new talents in the entertainment industry. With her versatility and integrated approach to music, movement, and fashion, Irma is a growing global artist to watch.

Irma, how has your experience growing up in Ukraine influenced your musical style, and how has it evolved since moving to Dubai?

Growing up in Ukraine had a strong influence on my musical mindset. Dance played a huge role in my life. Through movement, I learned to experience music with my whole body, to feel rhythm on a deeper level, and to express emotions without words. Dance gave me the courage to show up, to be different, to be real, and to not be afraid to sound loud — both in movement and in music.

After moving to Dubai, my career naturally evolved from a professional dancer and choreographer into a DJ. Deep inside, I felt that I was meant not only to dance on stage, but to create a stage made of people — to shape the space, guide the dancefloor, and direct energy. For a long time, friends and colleagues kept telling me that I was born to be a DJ and wondered why I hadn’t started earlier.

Music had always been my dream, but I kept finding hundreds of reasons not to begin. Dubai became the place where ignoring that calling was no longer possible. It is an incredibly multicultural city, full of rhythm, movement, and constant growth — a city that pushes you to step beyond your limits and evolve. At some point, every event, meeting, and sign led to one clear message: you must be a DJ. My musical taste and sense of style never left people indifferent.

I started learning, took lessons from two DJs, and practiced a minimum of eight hours a day. Everything felt surprisingly natural — as if I had done this before and simply forgotten. Time flew by, because when you do something with genuine love and curiosity, it feels like pure pleasure. After just one month of practice, I was invited to perform at my first serious event. I didn’t fully believe in myself yet, but I had immense support from my friends, family, and colleagues — and I simply couldn’t let them down.

Today, my style is techno and house. For me, it is a fusion of two worlds: the emotional depth of my Ukrainian roots and the warm, global, high-energy vibe of Dubai. There is now much more music in my home and in my life. I always strive to create a musical journey — soulful, powerful, and deeply connected to people.

Every performance is a ritual for me. I approach each set with great care and respect. When I moved to Dubai, I could never have imagined that my life would transform so quickly — from a professional dancer into a DJ. And today, just five months after starting my training, I am already performing at major and high-responsibility events.

Every single day, I thank God for pushing me to take this step and step into the world of DJing.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a female DJ in such a competitive international market like Dubai?

Dubai is a multicultural city. What resonates with one audience may not work with another. You have to be extremely adaptable, while still staying true to yourself and your musical identity.

We often see exclusive event highlights on your socials — what has been the most memorable party or festival you’ve played at so far?

I especially enjoy working with automotive brands — at showroom openings, new model premieres, and private presentations. It’s my natural vibe: speed, style, and complete control of the atmosphere.

I always curate my playlists with jeweler-level precision — tailored to the brand’s character, the lines of the car, and the mood of the room. And when I’m behind the decks, luxury is no longer just in the cars. It’s in the sound.

Dubai is such a multicultural city — how do you incorporate different global influences into your music selection?

Dubai is a truly multicultural city, and I see that as a dialogue rather than a challenge. For me, incorporating global influences is about listening — to the room, people,  the energy, and the cultural diversity of the audience.

I don’t try to mix everything at once. I stay rooted in my own sound, but I subtly weave in elements that resonate across cultures — organic textures, melodic lines, or ethnic accents that feel natural rather than forced.

Music becomes a shared language. When it’s honest and well-balanced, people from completely different backgrounds can connect through the same rhythm.

What inspires you daily, both in music and in life, and what exciting projects can your fans expect from you in the near future?

I’ve always been inspired by people — and only people! I have many idols I follow, and once they were in my position, just starting out, and today they are at a global level. It reminds me that the most important thing is not to stay passive, but to act, and to do it purely out of love for what you do. Love covers everything and turns work into art.

My next step is producing. I dream of releasing my first track in Melodic Techno, one that will touch people down to their fingertips and move their entire body. I used to convey emotions through the stage and my dance, but now I want to reach people even deeper — through sound, through atmosphere, through every beat.

Fans can expect a musical project that blends my on-stage energy with my personal musical signature — honest and emotional. This won’t just be music — it will be a journey you can feel with your whole body.

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