He’s celebrated as one of Europe’s premier eclectic DJs, a title he earned long before the term “eclectic” was in vogue. Irwan Kartosen, known simply as DJ Irwan, has been crafting a unique blend of house, hip-hop, and R&B music for decades. His journey began at the legendary Amsterdam Club Roxy and quickly propelled him into a trendsetting career, captivating audiences at parties and festivals across the globe. In response to the growing fascination with urban music, DJ Irwan’s style has surged in popularity. His gigs range from coveted residencies at acclaimed club nights like Treetz, Sneakerz, and Ex Porn Star to performances at renowned festivals including Dance Valley, Mystery Land, and the FFWD Dance Parade. With a multitude of international shows under his belt, DJ Irwan has become a prominent figure in the music industry.

Notable are his appearances at Club Zouk in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he often shares the stage with renowned trance DJs such as Armin van Buuren and Paul van Dyk. He has also made a name for himself in his homeland, Indonesia, with regular visits to clubs like Embassy, Dragonfly, and Blowfish in Jakarta. DJ Irwan’s talents have taken him around the world, performing in the UK, Singapore, Sweden, Denmark, Turkey, Greece, Spain, Germany, Scandinavia, and the United Arab Emirates.

DJ Irwan’s rise to international stardom traces back to his days as a resident DJ at Amsterdam’s Club Roxy, where he began as the resident DJ for the infamous Asian parties. Here, he honed his signature style: a seamless blend of hip-hop, R’n’B, house, disco, and pop music. Today, he’s renowned for his “urban eclectic” style, a label that seems tailor-made for him alone.

Following his time at Roxy, DJ Irwan’s pioneering work took him to the largest clubs and festivals in the Netherlands, including Ex Porn Star, Jimmy Woo, 013, Off Corso, Club Noa, G.L.A.M., Sneakerz, Nope is Dope, and major events like Dance Valley, Mystery Land, FFWD Dance Parade, Pleasure Island, Innercity, Solar Festival, and Madhouse XXL. The list is endless, reflecting his well-deserved position at the pinnacle of the Dutch clubbing scene.

In recent years, DJ Irwan has expanded his focus to include studio work, allowing him to create his own edits of popular tracks and produce new songs that incorporate his unique vocal style. This multitalented artist blends rapid mixes with scratches, vocals, and creative effects in his live performances, creating a one-of-a-kind DJ set. In 2005, he showcased this distinctive style in a mix album for the popular MTV show “Pimp My Ride.” In 2008, he released a mix album for the well-known “Bubbling Beats” series, followed by another mix album for Treetz in 2009, where he holds residency.

Having been nominated for a MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Award and a Dutch Urban Award in the Best Urban DJ category, DJ Irwan is a fixture at nearly every international urban event today. His skills in production and vocals hint at a promising future. DJ Irwan is undoubtedly here to stay, continuing to shape the world of music with his eclectic and inventive approach.