From Courtroom to Club: DJ Shrai’s Unstoppable Rise
For most, a legal degree is the foundation of a stable, prestigious career. For DJ Shrai, it was a stepping stone to something louder, livelier, and far more electrifying. From studying case law to spinning club anthems worldwide, Shrai’s transition from lawyer to international DJ has been anything but conventional. Now, as the Best UK Asian DJ and a three-time winner of Most Requested DJ of the Year, he has set dance floors ablaze across the globe, playing alongside music royalty and amassing a fan base that spans continents.
Becoming DJ Shrai: A Global Phenomenon
Shrai’s journey into the world of DJing began in 2010, and by the time he turned 18, he had secured a residency at the legendary Ministry of Sound in London. It was a rare achievement—spinning tracks for thousands in one of the world’s most renowned club venues while still in his teens. By 21, he was a fixture in elite clubs across the UK, a regular voice on BBC Asian Network, and embarking on global tours that would take him to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
His career skyrocketed as he played for music icons like Wiz Khalifa, T-Pain, and Sean Paul. From exclusive events to festivals with tens of thousands of attendees, Shrai’s ability to electrify a crowd became his signature. As the official tour DJ for AP Dhillon and Arjun, and even earning the unlikely distinction of being Usain Bolt’s personal friend, Shrai’s name is now synonymous with world-class entertainment.
But behind the beats and the fame, there was an unexpected beginning. Before the sold-out shows and global recognition, Shrai was on track for a career in law.
Trading Case Law for Club Anthems
“What made me switch the courtroom for the DJ booth? Simple: an obsession with music,” Shrai reflects. Raised on a soundtrack of Motown classics, he was mesmerised by rhythm, melody, and the alchemy of song creation. Studying law was fulfilling, but it couldn’t match the pull of music. Even while completing his Legal Practice Course (LPC), he would rush from classes to host his radio show at West Side Radio.
“I enjoyed learning the law—I loved mooting, loved unravelling a case. But my passion was always music. It got to a point where I knew I had to make a choice. Turns out, you can actually earn more as a DJ than as a top-paid lawyer,” he adds with a grin.
The Unexpected Legal Edge in the Music Industry
While law and DJing might seem like opposite worlds, Shrai believes his legal education gave him an edge. “People don’t realise how much contracts, employment law, and media law come into play in music,” he explains. “Understanding contracts is crucial—whether it’s working with brands, signing NDAs for high-end events, or negotiating deals. Employment law helps when building a team, and media law was one of my favourite subjects—it’s directly relevant to music production and sampling.”
In fact, his knowledge of media law has been invaluable in navigating the complexities of music sampling. “Producers like Kanye West, Timbaland, and Pharrell Williams are masters at sampling, but there’s a legal side to it. Understanding the laws around sampling gives you a creative and professional advantage.”
The Crowd’s Wildest Reactions
With an impressive résumé of festival sets and club residencies, Shrai has seen his fair share of euphoric crowds. “Ministry of Sound always delivers the wildest reactions,” he recalls. “But some of my most special moments have been at small, intimate events with just 75 to 100 people. When you’ve got an audience of true music lovers, every beat, every transition hits differently. Those reactions are priceless.”
The Ultimate Soundtrack to Success
If Shrai had to curate a playlist for high-flying South Asian professionals, three artists would undoubtedly make the cut:
- Diljit Dosanjh – ‘Clash’ “Diljit’s journey from a Punjabi singer to a global sensation collaborating with artists like Ed Sheeran and Drake is inspiring. His constant evolution proves that studying music and staying ahead of trends is key.”
- Arjun & Guru Randhawa – ‘Suitsuit’ “Arjun is a great example of hard work paying off. From recording covers in his bedroom to collaborating with one of India’s biggest artists, his story is pure hustle and determination.”
- Raghav – ‘Angel Eyes’ “A classic! Raghav’s ability to create timeless hits is something every professional can learn from—consistency is key.”
Breaking Free from the Conventional Path
For those dreaming of swapping corporate careers for creative passions, Shrai’s advice is simple: go all in. “If you’re doing something you like, you might be good at it. But if you’re doing something you love, you’ll be the best at it. Your passion drives you to work harder, learn more, and push boundaries. Success follows when you’re fully invested.”
His own journey is proof that calculated risks, relentless passion, and a willingness to break convention can lead to extraordinary success. From case law to club bangers, DJ Shrai has built a career that not only sets dance floors alight but also inspires a generation to chase their dreams—beat by beat.
