Starting his career in 1999, DJ Thomas has forged a strong reputation for himself in Bahrain by playing vibrant music and engaging his audiences. He spoke to Kristian Harrison about his connection to the Kingdom and his exciting journey to date.
“I was given the opportunity to play at a pub called Spanish Fly in Hyderabad, my birthplace,” reflects DJ Thomas on his breakthrough. “It was one of the most exciting times of my life, as I had no idea what was in store for me.” Coming from a family that loved music, he grabbed the chance with both hands and never looked back. “At the time, resources to gather music were scarce compared to now. It was a challenge, but the determination and love for music kept me going,” he says.
Having visited Bahrain during his childhood, he always had a special connection with the island. “My family lived here, and I would visit every year during the holidays,” he shares. In 2006, he moved to Bahrain permanently and landed his first residency at Z-Club in Pars Hotel, Juffair. “I’ve also played at Brazil Lounge in Adliya and Cocoon Lounge, creating some unforgettable memories,” he adds.
Reflecting on Bahrain’s music scene, Thomas notes how it has evolved over the years. “When I started DJing here, there were fewer DJs and venues. Now, the scene has grown immensely, offering people a variety of options for nightlife. But with this growth comes more competition,” he observes. “I constantly update myself musically to stay ahead and ensure the quality of my sets doesn’t drop,” he says.
Thomas is currently a regular at Bollywood Beats Club in Juffair Grand Hotel, where he takes to the decks on Thursday or Friday nights. He also takes on corporate and private gigs at various venues. “Personally, I love house music, but I’ve learned to be flexible with genres,” he says. “It’s all about catching the pulse of the crowd and keeping the dance floor alive. Mostly, I perform live sets, relying on instinct to gauge the mood of the audience.”
When asked about memorable gigs, Thomas highlights several standout events. “The Cellar 59 event at the Art Hotel & Resort hosted by Cure Nightlife’s CEO, Mo Al Ekrawi, was incredible,” he recalls. Another highlight was a DJ competition at the Hilton Bahrain hosted by Ahmed Al Rayash, Vibes Events CEO. “It was great to connect with other DJs in the scene and create amazing memories,” he adds.
Looking ahead, Thomas plans to continue DJing in Bahrain and eventually venture into music production. “DJing has brought me so much happiness, and I want to keep doing it with the same passion,” he says. “As for a long-term dream, Goa has always been my favourite destination. Someday, I hope to chill and live there.”
Staying inspired in a dynamic industry requires constant evolution. “I always keep an open mind to learning new techniques and adapting to trends. If you don’t update yourself musically and technically, you’ll be left behind. Be fast or be last is the name of the game!” he says.
