DJ Akki Antony Abraham, more commonly known as DJ Akki, has established himself as a key figure in Bahrain’s growing music scene. In an exclusive chat with Kristian Harrison, DJ Akki shares how his love for music started at a young age and developed into a thriving career that has taken him from India to Bahrain, all while balancing a full-time job in the shipping industry.
DJ Akki’s journey into music actually began with a passion for playing drums during his teenage years, but it wasn’t long before DJing captured his imagination. “I started DJing at the age of 16,” he recalls. “I had my first gig at a premium club in Kochi, India. It was a memorable one; they almost didn’t let me in because I was too young, but they gave me a chance! In fact, DJing became a great way to get myself invited to places I normally couldn’t go to!”
Driven by an ambition to constantly improve, DJ Akki threw himself into learning the ropes, attending DJ classes in his native Kochi and making connections with seasoned professionals in the industry. His hands-on learning approach and thirst for knowledge led him to work alongside some of India’s top DJs, and he’s never stopped evolving. “Every month, new music comes out, new equipment gets introduced, and we have to study it all on YouTube or from other professionals,” DJ Akki explains. He credits this continuous learning with keeping his skills sharp and relevant in an ever-changing industry.
After establishing a name for himself in India, DJ Akki’s career took him to Bahrain, where he continues to thrive. “I moved to Bahrain after spending some time in Canada, where I also performed,” he says, adding that he has played at some of the most popular venues in Bahrain, including Black Angus Seef and Liv. In addition to his DJ gigs, DJ Akki balances a full-time job in the shipping industry. While some might find this juggling act challenging, he enjoys it. “It’s actually a great balance. I have two incomes and the chance to meet new people and be creative,” he says. DJ Akki is a regular performer at Bollywood Beats at the Juffair Grand Hotel, playing most Thursdays and Fridays, and he appreciates the flexibility this allows him. “We have a WhatsApp group, and if I’m available, I’ll join in. It’s a fun way to stay involved.”
DJ Akki’s love for music is rooted in his versatility as a performer. “I consider myself an open-format DJ,” he explains. “Whether it’s Bollywood, techno or house music, I can adjust my set to the crowd’s preferences.” His adaptability has meant that over the years, he has also worked on media shows in India, providing background scores for celebrity shows and interactive events. One of his favourite gigs was working with one of India’s best stunt riding teams, Ghost Ryderz, travelling all around the country with them for four years.
Looking ahead, DJ Akki has ambitious plans for the future. He hopes to focus more on techno music, his favourite, and to refine his craft in that specific genre. “There’s a lot of potential for growth in Bahrain,” he says, adding that the country’s expanding entertainment industry could benefit from more music festivals and large-scale events. “We’ve had big acts come through Bahrain, and I think there’s a great space for even more festivals, like the ones happening in Saudi Arabia,” he says. As for his ultimate dream? “My biggest ambition is to attend or even perform at Tomorrowland or Ultra Music Festival,” he says, smiling.
To check out some of DJ Akki’s music, follow him on Instagram @djakki_
