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"It’s a recognition of all the behind-the-scenes work we’ve done to bring professionalism, simplicity, and scalability to the DJ world. It also boosts our credibility with our clients, partners, and investors"

At the 2024 Franco-British Business Awards, Djaayz was honoured with the Entente Cordiale Award. We interviewed Raphaël Aflalo, co-founder of Djaayz, about the inspiration behind the platform and how the company is building bridges between talent and clients across Europe and beyond. In this conversation, Raphaël reflects on the significance of receiving the award, the opportunities and challenges of operating across both the UK and France, and his aspirations as a new member of the French Chamber.

1. Hi Raphaël, could you start by telling us about your professional background and what led you to launch Djaayz?
I started my career in 1999 by co-founding one of France’s first digital agencies, which was later acquired by Digitas, part of the Publicis Group, where I stayed for two years. I then served as Managing Director of Digital at Omnicom Media France before launching My Love Affair in 2011 alongside Cathy and David Guetta, a talent agency focused on building partnerships between global brands and music artists. Over the past decade, we connected world-renowned talents like David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, Avicii, Will.i.am, Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keys, and Norah Jones with major brands such as HSBC, Disneyland, Coca-Cola, Porsche, Tag Heuer, and Technogym.
When Covid hit, our activity was suddenly put on hold. I wasn’t comfortable staying idle, i needed to build something. At the same time, it gave Cathy and me the opportunity to step back from the fast pace of brand deals and observe how fast the DJ industry was evolving. DJs were no longer limited to clubs and festivals. Suddenly, you could find them playing in hotels, restaurants, shops, and all types of venues.
That’s when the idea for Djaayz was born: to make DJ booking as seamless and professional as booking a hotel or a car. We identified a real gap in the market, a fragmented and outdated system, and built a tech platform to connect thousands of DJs with hospitality venues, brands, and private clients across Europe and beyond.

2. What motivated you to establish your business in the UK, and what have been the main benefits—and challenges—of operating across both the French and British markets?
London has always been a global hub for creativity, innovation, and culture. It felt like the natural place for the international expansion of both My Love Affair and Djaayz. The UK market is open to new ideas, and offers incredible access to investors and hospitality groups from around the world.
At the same time, France is where our roots are, it’s rich in culture, music, and nightlife. Operating in both countries allows us to combine the best of French creativity with British business agility.
Of course, there are challenges, especially in navigating different legal, tax, and cultural frameworks, particularly post-Brexit. But overall, this cross-border dynamic is a strength, and we’ve embraced it fully.

3. Djaayz recently won the Entente Cordiale Award at the 2024 Franco-British Business Awards—what does this recognition mean for you and your team?
Receiving the Entente Cordiale Award from the Ambassador no less…was a truly proud and emotional moment for me. This award perfectly embodies what Djaayz is about: building bridges between countries, cultures, and industries through music and technology. It’s a recognition of all the behind-the-scenes work we’ve done to bring professionalism, simplicity, and scalability to the DJ world. It also boosts our credibility with our clients, partners, and investors, showing that what we’re building has real value and international relevance.

4. How is Djaayz helping to build bridges between the UK and France in the creative and tech industries?
We’re a truly cross-border company. Our DJs are based in Paris, London, Ibiza, Amsterdam, and now even the US. Cathy and I have deep roots in France, and we’re now also growing a strong client base in the UK.
What’s exciting is seeing DJs from one country play in the other, sometimes for the very first time in their careers. A French DJ might perform in London thanks to a Djaayz booking, and vice versa.
By building a smart, scalable tool that simplifies music bookings for both venues and artists, we’re facilitating creative exchange and business collaboration across the Channel.

5. As a new member of the French Chamber, what are you hoping to gain from the network this year, and how do you see your involvement evolving?
I joined the Chamber to connect with other entrepreneurs and leaders who understand the unique challenges and exciting opportunities of operating between France and the UK.
This year, I hope to forge new partnerships in hospitality, tech, and lifestyle, and to share ideas with others building across borders. I also hope to contribute my experience, both through informal conversations and more structured initiatives. And of course, I'd love to bring some music to Chamber events!

Djaayz is a tech platform that simplifies DJ booking by connecting professional DJs with venues, brands, and private clients across Europe and beyond.