20 years of ibiza: Sam Divine on legacy, loss, and the power of house

There are interviews and moments in conversation that feel like chapters in music history being written in real time. Sitting down with Sam Divine was a deep, soul-stirring exchange with one of house music’s most resilient and radiant forces. For over two decades, Sam has not only soundtracked Ibiza’s dance floors but has woven herself into the very fabric of the island’s legacy, with unmatched grit, heart, and authenticity.

From sharing intimate memories with her father by her side to reflecting on the sisterhood still missing from the booths of the White Isle, Sam opens up with rare honesty and unstoppable fire. This isn’t just a celebration of her 20-year journey; it’s a call to feel more, connect more, and rise higher, together.

You’ve had countless memories on the island , is there one moment that stands out as especially iconic or emotional during your Ibiza journey?

There are too many to mention, but the most rewarding moment recently was winning the Best House DJ of 2024 award held in Ibiza. I flew out with my dad to receive the award. It was his first time in Ibiza, so having him there supporting me, alongside my husband and team, was a special moment I’ll cherish forever. I’ve been playing in Ibiza for 20 years, so this was a huge moment for me to get this kind of recognition. Some of my favourite DJs were in the house category; it still blows my mind now.

You've built such a loyal community around you over the years, from fans who’ve followed you since the early days to artists who see you as a mentor. How has that sense of family, especially within the Defected crowd, shaped your growth as both a DJ and a human being?

I think the most important thing for an artist is to show true authenticity, and that’s been my mindset from day one. We’ve grown together as a community. They’ve ridden the storms with me in my personal life, like when I lost my mum last year. The love and warmth I felt at my shows in the months that followed were very humbling. We cried together, we laughed, we hugged. I’ll never forget that time in my life and people’s kindness.

They’ve also been there to celebrate the wins. It was my Divine tribe that all voted for me to win Best House DJ. Without them, there really wouldn’t be a Sam Divine. The fans buy the tickets to come and see me play week in, week out , they stream my music and buy the merch. I’m forever grateful to anyone who supports my journey.

It’s deeper than just music. It’s about connection and lifting each other.

How has the Ibiza crowd evolved over the years from your perspective, and what makes playing here still so electric in 2025?

Ibiza’s crowd has evolved with the music over the years. I’ve seen trends come and go underground. Today, it’s more diverse and global than ever , I hear more and more American and Australian accents, which was unheard of 10 years ago. Ibiza has spread its magic across the world.

What I love most about Ibiza is that there’s no age limit. You can see 60-year-olds dancing next to 18-year-olds. Nights like Glitterbox or Pikes have a perfect blend of seasoned ravers and fresh faces, all united by their love for the music.

What’s remained constant is the passion people have for the island. There’s an openness and sense of freedom here that’s hard to describe. Playing in Ibiza still feels electric because people aren’t just here for a night out; they come seeking something deeper, a sense of freedom, creating memories for life. And as an artist, that energy is a gift that keeps me coming back year after year.

Defected has become synonymous with uplifting, high-quality house music. How has your sound grown alongside the label over the years?

Defected has always stood for integrity, authenticity, good quality music, and not following trends , values that have deeply influenced my evolution. Over the years, I’ve explored every kind of sound: garage, drum & bass, hip-hop, house, techno , but I always come back to Defected. It’s just the music I love. I can experiment without judgment.

Being part of the Defected family has pushed me to refine my craft, embrace new music projects, and stay grounded in what matters: music that moves people, physically and emotionally.

You’ve released some standout tracks recently that have resonated with fans. Are there any particular records, whether your own or others', that feel especially powerful or symbolic to play in Ibiza this year? What emotions or stories do you hope to channel through them on the dance floor?

This year, a few tracks have carried a particularly powerful weight for me, both mine and others’. One of my recent projects holds a deep personal story. It was born from a place of reflection and healing. I’ll play it for the first time at the Defected opening at Pacha.

I wrote the lyrics in January, when I was on a soul-searching mission. Then, in March, I got together with a bunch of super-talented musicians in Miami, and Scars was born. It’s coming out on my label, D-Vine Sounds, this summer. It’s raw with emotion and reflects on a significant time in my life.

All the best songs are written from pain.

When you step into the booth in Ibiza, is there a specific intention or energy you bring? How do you read the crowd and decide where to take them sonically and emotionally?

I have the same approach for all my sets: make sure the first record is a smasher, and then the flow of energy will take you where you need to be. It also depends on the time of night you’re playing.

I build moments into my sets, moments that bring the crowd together so we all feel connected. Those are the best.

Marking 20 years in Ibiza is not just a milestone for you as someone who’s been such a central figure in its journey. What does this anniversary represent to you, both as an artist and as a woman who’s carved out space, community, and longevity in the world of house music?

This 20th anniversary is a big statement. It’s a celebration of life. It’s saying that you can come to Ibiza with a big dream of being a DJ and make it happen, if you network, hustle, graft, go to the right parties, and of course, have a little bit of luck.

I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I’d be headlining Pacha. Twelve years ago, I was the warm-up DJ there. Twenty years ago, I was playing in bars for free drinks.

Celebrating 20 years is incredibly humbling , a time to reflect and look back at all the fond memories. My journey on the island has taught me so many life lessons, and I’m grateful for them all. One huge lesson it’s taught me is how resilient I am.

Being a female DJ in Ibiza isn’t easy. It’s still very much a boys’ club. There have been a few positive changes this summer, I was so pleased to see Hannah Laing and Honey Dijon both holding residencies. But Ibiza clubs still rarely book female resident DJs. It’s sad. All the billboards across the island are full of men. It’s disheartening and also frustrating.

All I can do is keep breaking glass ceilings and hope it inspires someone else to do the same. Longevity is powerful. So here’s to another lifetime of memories on the island.

Speaking with Sam Divine left me humbled, inspired, and reignited with belief in the transformative power of music. Her story is one of relentless hustle, emotional depth, and fearless leadership, both behind the decks and beyond.

In every answer, Sam reminded us that success isn’t measured solely by awards or headlining slots, but by the lives touched, the hearts healed, and the barriers shattered along the way.

Her presence on Ibiza is more than iconic, it’s a symbol of longevity built on truth, love, and purpose. Here’s to Sam Divine: a warrior of the dance floor, and to every soul she’s lifted with her music. The island is brighter because of her.