Seamus Haji is a DJ first; everything else in his career has grown out of his passion for the decks. From London sound systems in the 1980s to residencies at Ministry of Sound and Pacha, a label of his own and A&R work at Defected, he has shaped house music for four decades.
Seamus Haji at a glance
- Started DJing: Age 16, on London’s sound systems in the 1980s
- Residencies: Ministry of Sound, and Pacha in London and Ibiza
- Own label: Big Love, launched in 2002
- Current role: A&R Manager at Defected Records since 2019
- Aliases: Mekkah, Big Bang Theory, Get This! and I-jah
Sound system roots
Seamus began DJing at 16, playing hip-hop, soul, funk, disco and early house for London’s sound systems in the 1980s. His connection with a crowd was clear from the start, and it took him to the biggest stages in dance music, with residencies at Ministry of Sound and Pacha in both London and Ibiza, and global tours with Defected, Hed Kandi and Ministry of Sound.
Seamus Haji club classics and remixes
Since the mid-’90s Seamus has built a huge studio legacy under names including Mekkah, Big Bang Theory, Get This! and I-jah. His records range from underground anthems like Weekend and Take Me Away to chart hits such as Last Night A DJ Saved My Life and his much-loved remix of Boogie 2Nite.
Seamus Haji chart hits
- 2002: God’s Child, as Big Bang Theory (UK No.51)
- 2004: Last Night A DJ Saved My Life (UK No.69)
- 2005: Take Me Away, with Paul Emanuel (UK No.73)
- 2006: his Big Love remix of Booty Luv’s Boogie 2Nite, which reached No.2 in the UK
- 2007: Last Night A DJ Saved My Life featuring KayJay, re-released (UK No.13 and No.1 on the UK Dance Chart)
Remix credits
Alongside his own records, Seamus has remixed some of the biggest names in pop and soul, including Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Moby, Mika, Jamiroquai and Estelle. Later releases include Good Times with Mark Knight and Funkagenda (2010), and Disco Crown and Celebrate Disco with Sammy Deuce (2018).
Big Love Records
In 2002 Seamus launched Big Love, signing, producing and remixing more than 200 releases and over 20 compilations. Collaborators include Audrey Martells (Chic), Michael Gray, Kathy Brown, Mike Dunn and Rimarkable.
Defected and Glitterbox
Seamus rejoined Defected Records as A&R Manager in 2019, with a particular focus on Glitterbox Recordings. He remains a key name at Defected’s festivals in Croatia and Malta, and his soulful, uplifting productions are played at hundreds of events every year.
In 2025 he also launched his own show, Haji’s House. Read more about the label in Steve’s guide to Defected Records.
What to expect from a Seamus Haji DJ set
Four decades behind the decks show in every set. Seamus moves easily between soulful vocal house, disco and big, uplifting anthems, reading the room the way he learned on London’s sound systems. Whether it’s a terrace at Glitterbox, a festival stage or an intimate club, expect classic records and new music blended with real energy.
Why Seamus Haji matters
Few people have seen house music from as many angles. Seamus has been the DJ, the producer with chart hits, the label owner with more than 200 releases, and now the A&R shaping what Defected and Glitterbox put out next. That mix of crowd instinct and industry experience is why he’s still one of the most trusted names in UK house.
Frequently asked questions about Seamus Haji
Who is Seamus Haji?
Seamus Haji is a London-born house DJ and producer, founder of Big Love Records and A&R Manager at Defected Records.
What are Seamus Haji’s best-known records?
Seamus Haji’s best-known records include Last Night A DJ Saved My Life, which reached No.13 in the UK in 2007, Take Me Away with Paul Emanuel, and his remix of Booty Luv’s Boogie 2Nite, a UK No.2 hit.
What kind of events does Seamus Haji play?
Seamus Haji plays everything from global festivals and superclubs to intimate venues, playing house, disco and soulful music.
How do I book Seamus Haji?
Seamus Haji is available for UK and international bookings exclusively through Onit Bookings.
What is Big Love Records?
Big Love is the house music label Seamus Haji launched in 2002, with more than 200 releases and over 20 compilations.
What does Seamus Haji do at Defected?
Seamus Haji rejoined Defected Records as A&R Manager in 2019, with a particular focus on its disco and house label Glitterbox Recordings.
Keep listening
Steve Bell plays soulful, deep and vocal house across the UK, Ibiza and beyond. Catch his monthly DancersHip show and live sets, or see the media pack to book Steve for your event.
