- Videos of him playing music at public events have gone viral on TikTok and X.
- His debut set took place in Cartagena at a youth entrepreneurship event.
- Duque’s presidency faced backlash over human rights concerns and deadly protests.
- His new music path has sparked mixed reactions—some curious, others sceptical.
Iván Duque Márquez, who led Colombia between 2018 and 2022, is now spinning decks instead of running the country. Using the name “DJ DUQ,” the former head of state has stepped into the electronic music scene, leaving many stunned by the shift.
Clips surfacing online show Duque donning casual gear and performing to lively crowds, a far cry from his days in formal suits delivering policy speeches.
First Gig, First Wave of Buzz
According to Colombia’s La República, Duque’s DJ journey began at a February event in Cartagena, designed to uplift young business minds. Videos from the event show him fully immersed in his new role, smiling and vibing with the crowd.
The black t-shirt branded “DJ DUQ” wasn’t just for show—he looked every bit the part.
A Controversial Past Still Lingers
Duque’s time in power was anything but smooth. His administration was often criticised for harsh police responses during mass protests in 2021, where Colombians rallied against poverty, corruption, and abuse of authority.
Human rights organisations were vocal about the number of activists killed during his leadership. Reports show that by the time he left office, over 945 social leaders had been murdered.
Reactions Mixed as Duque Drops the Mic
The transition from politics to music has stirred reactions globally. Some view it as a light-hearted change or a personal passion finally pursued. Others, however, see it as a calculated move to clean up his image and draw attention away from his leadership record.
“You don’t just walk away from a presidency marred by bloodshed and expect people to forget because you’re dropping beats,” wrote one Colombian commentator on X.
Not the First Political Figure to Remix Life
Duque’s move mirrors a trend seen among other high-profile names. Reports claim that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s daughter is now living in Paris and is allegedly following a DJ path too.
As DJ DUQ continues to share his sound, the world will be watching to see if he can turn up the volume on his new life—and drown out the noise of his political past.
