The song „Bauch Beine Po“ has sparked considerable debate. Some consider the body image portrayed by rapper Shirin David a caricature and a successful critique of society, while others view it as a glorification of unhealthy ideals. Ingrid Jatho, 73, who just played the track from her DJ booth, shares a consensus on this academic dispute, saying, „Strange woman. But I liked the music.“
Recently, Jatho has delved into the work of the much younger rapper. Once a teacher, she is now pursuing a new passion as a DJ, a journey she is navigating through a unique seminar that stands out among the usual „Active in Old Age“ courses like watercolor painting, herbal studies, and internet safety.
Beats Over Valerian
The project „Forever Fresh,“ part of the Cologne music festival „c/o pop“ (scheduled for April 23-27), has often served as a barometer for current pop culture discussions. The announcement promises an exciting opportunity: „Women over 70 will rediscover their love for music, learn DJing from scratch, and take the stage at the festival with their performances.“
At its core, „Forever Fresh“ is a fast-track DJ training program aimed at culminating in a performance by the „Ü70 DJ-Newcomer Collective“ on April 26 at 9 PM. The women will showcase their skills in a live gig.
Practice Makes Perfect
To prepare, the participants practice diligently. On this particular day, powerful beats resonate from two rooms in Cologne. The women take turns at the DJ booths, adjusting volume levels, pressing buttons, and grooving to the rhythm. Their names written on small adhesive labels include Edeltraud, Uschi, and Irmgard—names you might not typically associate with the club scene.
It’s important not to dismiss this initiative lightly. The image of older women confronting complex technology can easily invoke stereotypes. However, this course aims to challenge age-related clichés and stereotypes in music.
Jatho’s playlist is far from traditional Schlager music, featuring tracks like „Flowers“ by Miley Cyrus, „Hips Don’t Lie“ by Shakira, and, of course, „Bauch Beine Po.“ They practice transitions and how to set accents while DJing, learning how to move smoothly from one song to the next, a technique known as „fading.“
Life Lessons Through DJing
Jatho comes from a musical family, but creating music is a new venture for her, as she has only danced to it before. She reflects on her experience at the DJ booth, stating that she had to „really work at it,“ but she finds it rewarding.
Fellow participant Inge Dobrinski, 79, echoes similar sentiments about exploring a new direction in her life. „Back in my day, when I partied all night, there were no DJs, only dance events,“ she recalls. Today, while the club scene is generally welcoming, you hardly find many 70-year-olds among the crowd.
Jatho and her peers are taught by two instructors half their age, Anna Cainelli and Sedaction, who bring significant DJ experience. The instructors express their enthusiasm for their students. „Inge was so on it! She was knocking them out one after the other!“ says Sedaction.
They started from scratch, focusing less on the technical aspects and more on ensuring the women feel comfortable with the music they play. „We want them to truly feel it,“ adds Sedaction.
Some participants have never even owned a computer, yet now they stand before a sea of buttons and sliders. Remarkably, none have dropped out, likely because they recognize that tackling challenges can be beneficial. „Many said that you just don’t have challenges at this age anymore,“ Sedaction notes.
Meanwhile, Ingrid Jatho continues to ponder Shirin David’s „Bauch Beine Po.“ The lyrics remind her of the women’s magazines she once read, filled with ultra-thin models, diet advice, and recipes loaded with sugar and fat. „That was just to confuse women,“ Jatho reflects, noting that society has progressed since then.