Jazzy adds the glitz to Irish dance
She’s the queen of Irish dance but you’re more likely to find Jazzy spinning the decks than pulling off a double jig. Simon Rushworth caught up with the chart-topping singer, DJ and producer
Given that Ireland is home to celebrated songwriting royalty in the shape of Sinéad O’Connor, Enya, Dolores O’Riordan and more, it’s some feat to top the lot as the nation’s biggest female artist on Spotify.
But that’s exactly where international DJ Jazzy finds herself towards the end of 2025 following another breakout year that included standout sets at Glastonbury, Tomorrowland and Creamfields, as well as an eight-week residency at Ibiza’s legendary Pacha.
“That was probably my favourite thing that I’ve done show-wise this year,” reveals an artist whose diverse repertoire includes house, Eurodance and vocal trance. “It was just so special having a residency in Pacha.
“It felt like home after the first couple of times and I think we did seven or eight shows altogether. I’m really missing it now, to be honest!
“The first time I went to Ibiza was about four years ago and it was when Belters Only were playing their first shows on the island. Fast forward a few years and it’s crazy to think I was back there in my own right.
“It’s still the place to be if you’re a dance artist. All the best DJs in the world come together and you get to meet so many great people.
“There’s always someone floating about and there are always opportunities to do sessions and collaborate.
“When I’m not working in Ibiza I love going out and listening to what everyone else is up to. I went to see Kerri Chandler a couple of times this year — he had a residency at Chinois and it was amazing to watch him get to work. He’s a proper pioneer.
“It’s still a learning process for someone like me and I just soak it all up.”
Jazzy grew up in the Dublin suburb of Crumlin and her gateway to music was the violin. Free schools lessons encouraged her to reach grade eight and that traditional grounding laid the foundation for an innovative career that continues to go from strength to strength.
Jazzy shot to fame alongside Belters Only on the Top 5 hit Make Me Feel Good before solo cut Giving Me became the biggest debut single of the year in 2023. Reaching number one back home, she became the first Irish female artist to achieve top spot in more than a decade.
A hotly anticipated return to Tyneside sees Jazzy headline Newcastle’s NX on November 28 and the 29-year-old can’t wait to tap into the energy and ambition of a region still basking in the glory of the MOBOs and Mercury Awards — with Radio One’s Big Weekend next up next year.
“I love to see the North East on top,” she adds. “I’m a big fan of Geordie boys Patrick Topping and Gaskin — who I’ve done some work with — and I’m absolutely buzzing to be coming back to Newcastle. I’ve played NX in the past and it’s a place that’s close to my heart. It’s great to see what’s going on in that part of the world right now.”
But how about Dublin? Is the Irish capital experiencing a similar resurgence according to one its most famous daughters?
“I can only really speak for the dance music community but that whole scene is thriving at home,” adds Jazzy. “The only downside is the lack of venues. We’ve got so much talent but not enough places for people to play. That talent needs a home and it’s the next step for Dublin.
“That’s one challenge but otherwise there are so many opportunities for kids coming through. Social media is huge. It’s never been easier to get your stuff out there — wherever you are in the world — and I’ve seen more and more evidence of that in the last couple of years.
“A lot of my friends who have taken up DJing or producing are getting their stuff online and reaching huge names. Their music is getting played by influential people in the industry and that’s the true power of social media.”
Talking of social media’s undeniable influence and no doubt Jazzy’s NX stop will be the stuff of dreams for content creators looking to ramp up their numbers with a glimpse into one of the North East’s most contemporary club venues, soundtracked by a genuine global star.
Kicking off at 11pm and wrapping up five hours later, Christmas is coming early for the region’s committed clubbers with Seb Zito and Tomiki bolstering a classy supporting cast.
And Jazzy’s determined to capture the vibe of a Newcastle crowd in November with a setlist that’s built to adapt to the mood.
“It depends where I’m going and who I’m playing for but I’ve got a plan for NX,” she adds.
“I don’t like to be too technical with my DJ sets but I always do the prep. I’m making sure I have plenty of bangers lined up for Newcastle but maybe I’ll freeball it!”
Once Jazzy’s latest UK tour is done and dusted the in-form Londoner is heading straight into the studio to cut her debut solo album. As she sings on Moth To A Flame — her collaboration with Luuk van Dijk — ‘I’m just getting started’.
“That’s true but it feels like I’ve achieved so much in the last three years,” she adds. “I’ve brought out a project pretty much every year since 2022 so I’ve been quite busy. But now I’m jumping into album mode which I’m so excited about.
“We’re in early stages of that but I’m super excited for what next year might bring. As well as the album there are loads of other things in the works for 2026. Just not much that I can share with you right now!”
Jazzy plays Newcastle’s NX on November 28. Tickets are on sale here