DJ Muii On Spinning Nostalgia For A New Generation: “I like blending nostalgic hip-hop with newer sounds to keep things fresh but still familiar.”

In a scene crowded with DJs emerging left and right, one stands out for blending timeless hip-hop classics with modern tracks.

Mhar Udarbe, also known as DJ Muii, first entered the scene in 2017. At the time, he was working at a retail store called SCRT SRVC, which specialized in exclusive Vans, Nikes, and Supremes. His manager, Jerik Platon, introduced him to the world of DJing — teaching him the basics, which Muii admittedly didn’t fully understand at first.

This initial exposure didn’t immediately push him to become a DJ. But one fateful day, he met Meme Gomez and Ninyo Frias from Black Market and Bad Decisions, who introduced him to the nightlife scene in bars and clubs.

“I was into it, then an event came up and they wanted me to DJ for the first time. I had zero knowledge about DJing, so I approached JazzyJesus, one of the most prominent hip-hop DJs in Manila for me.” With only one month to prepare for the event, Muii dedicated weekends to practice, managing just around six to eight days of actual training before the big night.

Muii’s debut gig at Black Market was a completely new experience, from the energy of the crowd to the weight of the pressure, all while being new to the game. The nerves hit him hard, and he stumbled through the first 15 minutes of his set. But the community rallied behind him. Kodah Godarzi, one of his mentors, encouraged him to keep going, and Ninyo even offered him a resident DJ spot.

“They’ve always seen my potential and kept pushing me to bring my A game every time I stepped behind the decks,” he shares. From that point on, Muii knew DJing was his path, fueled by his love for music and the community. The rest, as they say, is history.

Hip-hop music has always been central in his work. Harking back to 2012, skateboarding led him into the graffiti scene. There, he met rappers and MCs who introduced him to Wordplay at Ronac Art Center in Ortigas. “I met the young Abra, Rjay Ty, Al James, Ice Rocks, Loonie — to name a few.” he shares. This sparked his passion for hip-hop, which later evolved into blending old-school and new-school influences, incorporating eclectic sounds and instruments to create unique transitions.

One of Muii’s first crews was the Filipino rap collective KARTELL’EM, who he got involved with through his homies from the skateboarding and graffiti scene. “People like Waiian and Sica, who are also part of the Billboard Philippines Pinoy Hip-hop Mixtape 2025, are in the crew too, so it’s always felt like family from the start,” he shares.

Talking about his identity and style as a DJ, Muii’s approach is all about instinct and timing. “I usually think two to three songs ahead, just to keep the momentum flowing and avoid any dead air. I like blending nostalgic hip-hop with newer sounds to keep things fresh but still familiar. If I feel the crowd starting to get tired, I’ll switch it up with more singable tracks that let them rest a bit while still staying engaged,” he explains.

Since 2022, Muii became the first DJ member of the Fly Shit Only collective, a nightlife and creative movement that’s become one of Manila’s most dynamic underground forces. Being part of this family shaped not only his growth as a DJ, but also how he sees music and the scene as whole for this generation.

“They really opened my eyes to different perspectives from how I approach my sets and sound, to discovering artists I might’ve never come across on my own, especially modern and underground ones that haven’t really reached Manila yet. It’s been a space where I’ve been able to push boundaries, stay true to myself, and evolve while being surrounded by people who genuinely love the culture,” he shares.

When it comes to inspiration, Muii names Tolo Marvelous, Butta B, and Sky Dominique among the local DJs who have influenced him. He admires their seamless transitions, precise track selections, and ability to move a crowd.

On the international stage, he draws influence from the Soulection collective, whose sound and vision resonate with him. DJs like Danga, Jarreau Vandal, Jenno and Jeka from Toronto, and Orosa4k from Sydney have also shaped his perspective. “From their unique edits to their energy and creativity behind the decks, they’ve shown me how deep and versatile DJing can really be,” he shares.

In today’s Manila underground hip-hop scene, Muii stands out for his ability to connect with people through sound. “It’s not just about playing tracks. It’s about making the crowd feel something, making sure no one feels left out in the room,” he says. For him, creating a vibe where the music feels familiar yet fresh is key. DJs, after all, are storytellers — crafting a journey that keeps people moving and locked into the experience.

At this point, Muii is only just getting started. Through the years, one thing that stands out is getting the chance to open and play for international acts and DJs — something he says isn’t just about exposure, but also about the experience and growth that come with it.

Having worked his way up, Muii remains grounded and grateful to those who helped him along the way — and that’s exactly the advice he gives to aspiring DJs. Staying humble is his top priority. “You never know who you’re talking to or who’s watching, so respect goes a long way. Be open to learning every day, no matter how far along you are in your journey,” he says.

“For the younger DJs coming up, stay true to yourself. Don’t get into DJing just because it looks cool, do it because you genuinely love the music and the community behind it. There’s so much more to this than what people see on the surface. And most importantly, enjoy the process. If you truly love what you’re doing, you will never work again.”