Former Colombian President Eyes New Career as a DJ

Colombia’s former president Iván Duque has made a surprising move into music. Performing under the alias DJ DUQ, Duque was spotted mixing tracks at a youth entrepreneurship event in Cartagena. Sporting a custom black “DJ DUQ” tee, he played hits like ‘La Quemona’ by Mishelle Master Boys and ‘Me Rehúso’ by Danny Ocean to a crowd of young professionals.

The event, organized by Fundación Innovación para el Desarrollo, was meant to inspire future business leaders. Instead, it turned into a viral spectacle. Footage of Duque’s set quickly spread across TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. La FM posted the most widely shared video, writing: “After being president of Colombia, Iván Duque now dedicates himself to the music industry as a DJ.”

A Controversial Past Meets a Party Persona

While the moment may seem lighthearted, Duque’s presidency left deep scars. During his 2018–2022 term, he faced massive nationwide protests over inequality, tax reform, and police brutality. His government was accused of using excessive force, particularly during the 2021 national strike, where dozens of protesters were killed or injured.

For many Colombians, seeing Duque mix music at a party feels out of touch or even offensive. Some call it rebranding; others say it’s an attempt to soften his legacy. Either way, DJ DUQ has reignited national debate this time, with bass drops instead of press briefings.

So far, Duque hasn’t announced a tour or official music release, but the back to back sightings suggest this may be more than a one off. Whether it’s a genuine passion project or a calculated rebrand, DJ DUQ is already 2025’s most bizarre and buzzworthy crossover.