Simja Dujov

Simja Dujov is a composer, musician, and a high-priest DJ. His band, a blend of Latin Cumbia, Balkan and Jewish music, brings together hundreds of young people to dance, celebrate and connect. He is also well known as a character in the intense and vibrant Buenos Aires nightlife.

Based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Simja has traveled around the world with his music, as he has been invited to perform in festivals in France, Canada, U.S., Brazil, Chile, Germany, Belgium and Spain, among other countries. In Buenos Aires, he is the host DJ for the ultimate sensation band, in Ciudad Cultural Konex. He has also worked as a musical producer and curator of cultural festivals. In addition, he has participated in movie, theater, dance and radio productions. His musical and cultural productions focus on developing Jewish identity in a contemporary world. Dubbed the ‘Jewish Manu Chao’ by the international press, Simja creates new possibilities with each live performance. Defying categorization, Simja’s music embodies an authentic synthesis of his roots and environment, while providing a vibrant ensemble of the exotic, the danceable and the innovative.

He has performed in many different world music and rock festivals all over the world. He also performed at Limmud South Africa, Montreal and Mexico City. He also presented workshops and inspirational talks about music, life, and sacred parties. In 2013, Simja strengthened his commitment to social activism by working with youth-at-risk in Toronto and Buenos Aires.

Contemporary Argentina’s history is a roller coaster of financial booms and busts and gripping political soap operas. But through all the highs and lows, one thing has
remained constant: Buenos Aires’ graceful elegance, cutting edge art, party people and its riotous night life.

With its rich history, culture and size, the Jewish community in Argentina is ripe with potential and possibilites. It is also an example of what it means to be a strong Jewish community for other Latin American Jewish communities. In this context, developing a new Jewish music project and producing Jewish cultural festivals (i.e., Urban Rosh Hashannah and Urban Pesach) will attract the participation of Jews who would not otherwise attend Jewish activities. These events draw in those Jews who want to feel part of Jewish culture and tradition in new and alternative ways. Composing and performing new Jewish music that combines tradition and youthful vision motivates people and organizations to expand their alternatives and possibilities and to build new ways of conceiving of Jewish life. By organizing these events and festivals, Jewish youth can combine their daily Latin American life with their Jewish roots and identity.