Former Colombian President Iván Duque Turns to DJing After Controversial Political Career
Former Colombian President Iván Duque, who led the country from 2018-2022, now pursues a DJ career as "DJ DUQ" amid his controversial political legacy.
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Former Colombian President Iván Duque has made headlines for an unexpected career shift – trading political podiums for DJ turntables. The 47-year-old politician, who governed Colombia from 2018 to 2022, now performs as “DJ DUQ” at various events across the country.
Social media platforms have been buzzing with videos showing Duque behind DJ equipment, sporting a custom t-shirt emblazoned with his new moniker. The clips, shared widely on X (Twitter) and TikTok, show the former head of state mixing tracks and engaging with crowds – a stark contrast to his previous role as Colombia’s leader.
After being president of Colombia, Ivan Duque now dedicates himself to the music industry as DJ. pic.twitter.com/fKiCVunhAI
— Crazy Ass Moments in LatAm Politics (@AssLatam) June 3, 2025
From Presidential Palace to Dance Floor
Duque’s DJ debut occurred earlier this year at a February event in Cartagena, celebrating young entrepreneurs and business leaders. Instagram footage from the gathering captures him raising his arms to energize the audience, marking his first public performance in this new role. La República reported on the appearance, bringing national attention to his musical pursuits.
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The career change represents a dramatic departure for someone who spent four years as head of Colombia’s conservative Democratic Centre Party. During his presidency, Duque focused on economic policies and security issues, though his tenure was marked by significant controversy.
Presidential Legacy Shadows New Career
Duque’s time in office was heavily criticized by human rights organizations and international observers. His administration faced intense scrutiny over the government’s response to social activism, particularly during the 2021 Colombian General Strike, when security forces were accused of using excessive force against protesters.
The human rights situation during his presidency became a defining issue. Violence against social leaders and activists escalated significantly, with illegal mining operations and drug trafficking organizations targeting community organizers. By the time Duque left office in 2022, reports indicated that approximately 945 activists had been killed during his four-year term.
International criticism followed Duque throughout his presidency. During a 2019 visit to London, protesters confronted him with serious accusations, reflecting the global concern about Colombia’s human rights record under his leadership.
Music Career Amid Political Controversy
The transition from politics to entertainment raises questions about how former leaders reinvent themselves after leaving office. While some ex-presidents write memoirs or join think tanks, Duque’s choice to pursue DJing represents an unconventional path.
His performances as DJ DUQ have attracted both curiosity and criticism from Colombian citizens. Some view the career change as tone-deaf given the serious issues that marked his presidency, while others see it as a personal choice separate from his political record.
The electronic music and DJ scene in Colombia has grown significantly in recent years, with major festivals and events drawing international attention. Duque’s entry into this space adds an unexpected political dimension to the country’s music culture.
Public Reception and Future Prospects
Colombian media coverage of Duque’s DJ career has been mixed, with outlets questioning whether his new profession can overshadow his political legacy. Social media reactions range from amusement to outrage, particularly among families of activists who died during his presidency.
The former president’s booking schedule and future performance plans remain unclear. Whether he intends to pursue DJing professionally or as a hobby has not been publicly stated. His management of this career transition will likely influence how history remembers his post-presidential activities.
For a politician whose presidency was defined by controversy and human rights concerns, the move to entertainment represents either a clean break from politics or an inability to escape public scrutiny. Time will tell whether DJ DUQ can establish an identity separate from the political figure of Iván Duque.
The story continues to develop as Colombia watches its former leader attempt to reinvent himself through music, while the families of nearly 950 activists seek justice for deaths that occurred during his time in power.
- Source: MixMag
- Original Author: Megan Townsend
