Eduardo Martins, also known as DJOOKE, is a DJ and promoter who brings warmth and energy to every room he enters. Born in northern Portugal and raised in France, he’s now back in Lisbon, balancing his passion for climbing with his love of music. Whether he’s playing a packed dance floor or enjoying a quiet night in, his approach to life is simple: stay open, stay real, and keep the good times rolling. He’s also a resident DJ at BALAGAN, one of Lisbon’s most exciting LGBTQ+ parties, a project he co-founded with his brother to create a space that’s chaotic, queer, and full of love.
In this interview, Eduardo talks about the music that shaped him, how he got his DJ name, and what makes BALAGAN special. He also shares his go-to tracks, dream gigs, and what’s next for him and the party.
For the people who don’t know you, who is Eduardo Martins?
I’m a small-town kid born in the ’90s in northern Portugal, who moved to France in the early 2000s. Now, I’m back to my roots in Lisbon. By day, I’m a climber, by night, I’m behind the decks. I love wild parties just as much as quiet nights at home. My friends often describe me as a ball of energy, always spreading happy vibes wherever I go.
How did you first get into DJing, and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?
It all started in Paris, some DJ friends showed me a few tricks during an afterparty, and that really sparked something in me. At the same time, my love for electronic music was growing fast. Later, when I moved to Lisbon during COVID, I suddenly had a lot of free time and found a DJ school in the city. I signed up for classes, and things took off from there. I quickly started playing small gigs, and seeing people dance and connect with the music I played was such a powerful feeling, it made me want to take it seriously and go professional.
Who were your biggest musical influences growing up, and how do they reflect in your sets today?
As a kid, I was a bit of a rebel and listened to a lot of French rap. That raw energy and emotion definitely shaped my early connection to music.
What’s the story behind your DJ name, DJOOKE?
It’s a funny story. My Instagram handle was already Djooke before I even started DJing. The name comes from a character in a cartoon we used to watch as kids, Galactik Football. My brother and I, along with some friends, would compare ourselves to the characters, and I ended up being Djooke. Later on, when I needed a DJ name, it just made sense to keep it, especially since it already had “DJ” in it! People even used to ask me if I was a DJ just because of my IG name.
How would you describe your sound as a DJ, and how has it evolved over time?
My sets are all about happy, energetic beats. That’s the vibe I’m always chasing. My style has definitely evolved since I started, and it keeps evolving as I meet new people, discover new sounds, and take creative risks. I like keeping things fresh and unpredictable.
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Give me 5 songs from the past and 5 songs everyone should be listening to this summer.
Past favorites:
Push The Button – Sugababes
Sailor Song – Gigi Perez
What’s a Girl to Do (Luvstruck Remix)
Work It (Soulwax Remix) – Marie Davidson
B2B – Charli XCXSummer 2025 essentials:
End of the World – Miley Cyrus
Tudo o Que Ele Queria – Pikika
Messiah – Sevdaliza
Mon Bébé – Theodora, Brazy
Spectral Bells – PegassiYou’re stranded on a desert island with only one track on repeat. What’s the song, and how long until you lose your mind?
Party 4 U – Charli XCX. I’d probably lose my mind after a few hours, I’m way too hyperactive to hear the same thing on repeat for too long.
What’s your creative process like when preparing for a set? Do you plan meticulously or go with the flow?
It depends on the type of event. I always try to understand the vibe and the crowd, then blend that with my own musical universe. When I play at my residency, I usually go more with the flow because I know the crowd and the energy expected from me.
BALAGAN has become one of Lisbon’s coolest LGBTQ+ parties. How did it start, and what was your vision for it?
Ever since we moved to Lisbon, my brother and I always dreamt of starting a party that would reflect who we are, chaotic, expressive, queer, and full of love for music. We wanted to create a space that felt free for everyone without any fear of judgment. One night, at an afterparty, my brother ran into someone who completely got our vision. That meeting changed everything. Within just a couple of weeks, with his help, we launched the very first Balagan at 5A, an institution in Lisbon’s nightlife scene. From the beginning, our goal was to build a party that didn’t follow the rules, a “beautiful mess” where music, community, and emotion came first.
What makes BALAGAN different from other LGBTQ+ parties in Lisbon?
From day one, we’ve approached Balagan as an extension of our home. At the very first Balagan, and as much as possible since, we personally welcomed every single person at the door. We want everyone who walks in to feel safe, seen, and celebrated. That intention hasn’t changed. There’s a real effort behind the scenes to create that feeling, and I think people can sense it when they step into the party. It’s not just about throwing an event, it’s about creating a space where community, chaos, and care coexist. When you combine that energy with the kind of music we play, high-voltage, genre-bending, emotional, you end up with something truly unique.
How do you curate the vibe and lineup for BALAGAN? What do you look for in artists?
Curation is at the heart of Balagan. Every lineup is built with care, intuition, and a sense of purpose. We take a few things into account: does the artist fit the Balagan DNA? Are we doing our best to represent the plurality of talent across the queer landscape? These are our guiding principles, because we want to protect Balagan’s identity while using it as a platform for both fresh talent and established DJs. We definitely want artists who know how to read a room, challenge the crowd, and bring something raw to the dancefloor. If someone can go from a tender moment to absolute chaos in one set and still keep the crowd with them, that’s Balagan energy. It has to feel alive, unpredictable, and real. To stay open to new sounds and voices, we even created a post inviting artists to apply and share their music with us, so we can discover fresh talent and see if it fits within Balagan’s universe. We’re always listening.
What challenges have you faced as a DJ and promoter in Lisbon’s competitive nightlife scene?
Lisbon’s nightlife scene has been growing exponentially over the past few years, which is amazing to witness. But with that growth comes new challenges, especially as a promoter. There’s definitely more competition now, more events happening every weekend, and a constant need to stand out. But instead of seeing that as a threat, we’ve embraced it as an opportunity to connect and collaborate. A great example was our collab with Queer Moustache back in April 2024, which turned into one of the most memorable Balagan nights so far.
How important is queer nightlife to Lisbon’s cultural identity, and where do you see it heading?
Queer nightlife has always been a vital part of Lisbon’s cultural identity. We see queer spaces as essential places that need to be protected and nurtured. Sadly, many people I know, including myself, have faced discrimination in non-queer environments. This only underlines how crucial it is to have safe spaces where queer individuals can truly feel secure and free to be themselves. Looking ahead, we want Lisbon’s queer nightlife to continue growing stronger and more inclusive.
BALAGAN is known for its inclusive, wild energy. What’s the most unforgettable moment you’ve experienced at one of your parties?
One of the most unforgettable moments was the very first Balagan. We had no idea what to expect, but seeing how many people showed up, and then kept coming back, party after party, is always amazing. It was the moment we realised we were doing something more than just throwing a party, we were building a community. A space where people feel celebrated, safe, and free to express themselves fully. That energy, wild and inclusive, is what continues to define every Balagan night.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen happen on the dance floor at BALAGAN?
Someone once running around the dancefloor with a giant fire extinguisher emoji on their phone because they said the dance floor was on fire.
Any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
Yes! I have a really exciting gig coming up in September for a super cool concept. And in October, I’ll be playing with VendrediXXL for their first party in Bordeaux, my second hometown, which makes it extra special.
Are there any dream venues or festivals where you’d love to play (or bring BALAGAN to)?
There is no way we can’t mention Whole Festival here: it would be a dream for us to play there.
Do you have plans to produce your own music, or are you focused on DJing and events for now?
Right now, I’m focused on playing at the parties and clubs I love, growing Balagan, and really mastering the craft of DJing. Once I hit a few personal goals, I definitely plan to dive into music production.
Where do you see yourself (and BALAGAN) in the next five years?
We want to keep growing Balagan without ever losing what we love about it. One thing we are considering is growing it into a festival—more to come…
Get your ticket for the upcoming BALAGAN party in Lisbon (August 15th) HERE!
