By now, you may have heard of the tragic passing of one of the most colourful personalities in Ibiza. Santanna Oush was a pioneering DJ who had a real impact on the island's nightlife. We have invited many of those she touched to say a few words in her memory and to show the world just how much she meant to the people of this island and how deeply she will be missed.
There was something about Santanna... She had a magic about her and a presence that left you wanting to be in her company, even if you were simply an adoring fan in the crowd. Filled with energy and enthusiasm, she was a lightning bolt in life and behind the decks. Her passion for music and for anything she turned her mind to was undeniable, radiating across the many avenues of expression she forged throughout her life.
She wanted others to succeed, to join her as she reaped the rewards in her own endeavours. She wasn't leaving anyone behind; she made sure those around her could let their own light shine. Described as a 'big sis' by many of her friends, peers and women in particular, whom she encouraged tirelessly to find their passion and spark and show it in every colour to the world.
"In her words, a true “Leg End”. She lived by give-and-receive, teaching all our girls and our community to be present, to trust, to lead with our hearts. Everyone who met her left feeling like they’d found a new best friend and a spark of inspiration. A true friend, a guide, a spiritual one, without ever trying to be. I love you and will miss you forever, hermana. AdiOush baby, you’re our guardian angel now. ✨💘 " Matilde Vendittelli Stella (Tilly)
Away from the stage, if you didn’t notice her entry into a room in colourful two-piece co-ords or uber-cool retro-style outfits, her booming and contagious laugh would grab your attention. She was born to be seen.
She was audacious, with a fearless attitude you could not help but be in awe of.
Her talent was expressed in her work as a DJ, singer, performer, teacher and champion for anyone fortunate enough to cross her path. This wasn’t a one-way street; Santanna was celebrated by her many peers, her skills landing her on line-ups alongside Solomun, CONFIDENCE MAN, Richy Ahmed, Kölsch and Andrea Olivia, to name just a few.
Her close friend, Guy Williams, whom she flexed her skills alongside many times over the years, remembers her fondly:
"Santanna was a unique individual, one of a kind, she was a cherished member of the Flash family both as a resident DJ and good friend. She had the ability to light up any room she entered, with a magnetic energy behind the decks, a gorgeous singing voice and a generous personality. There was always so much 'give' and sadly I think maybe not enough self protection. I'm absolutely heartbroken she is gone and will miss her so much as will much of Ibiza and her wider community. Rest in Eternal Power my love, see you again someday" Guy
Over the years, Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party and Destino Five have all had her hands in the mix, and she became a regular feature in the Wild Corner at Hï Ibiza and The Bunker at [UNVRS]. These are two booths that demand high-octane, full throttle energy from those controlling the decks; a role Santannah approached with the same passion she brought to everything she did.
Her influence was also recognised last summer by The International Music Summit, who invited her to join a panel of other Ibiza Queens, such as Ana Tur, Cici and Kim Booth, where she spoke about her life and influence in Ibiza and the music scene.
Her talent in the booth wasn’t reserved to just controlling the music, but also the mic, at times belting out a song while still holding down the decks. This continued with her work in the studio, working recently with close friends El Conchitas and releasing ‘What Are We Gonna Do?’ which featured Santanna singing just before she passed.
“Santanna, you walked into my life and made me feel at home. Your smile, your energy, your beauty, and your beautiful soul will live in my heart forever. Making music with you was pure magic, and those moments will stay with me always. I wish I could hold you right now and never let you go. You brought so much light, love, and joy into my life, and I will forever be grateful that our paths crossed. I will miss you more than words can ever say. Rest peacefully, my angel. Until we meet again, you will always be in my heart” El Conchitas
One of her other projects was designing and hosting a monthly gathering at Las Dalias, DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT, an open mic night, where she invited creatives to experiment, to share and to come together and to be recognised.
A true celebrant of creativity, she founded OuShe, a party that put women in music on the centre stage. She brought many of her DJ students along for the ride, inviting them to join her on line-ups and behind the decks at island venues such as House of WOW, Akasha and Pikes, as well as further afield at STEREO in Covent Garden and at Mess in Biarritz. A true champion for others, she pushed the boundaries so others could do the same.
"Santanna made everyday things feel magical. Her energy was magnetic; we laughed until our tummies hurt, and she is the reason I started DJing professionally. She was the cutest, silliest, unapologetically unique being, yet she hid her shadow so well to always be the light for others. Your presence is already missed by so many. Your energy was incredible - one in a million, Santanna - I’ll love you for eternity! Jemma 🩷🦋 "
In her 2025 rewind, she looked back on her summer performing with the party and what it meant to her: “Across the summer, our booth welcomed artists whose sound carried intention, depth and craft. No hierarchy. No tokenism. Just quality, representation and a belief that the scene grows stronger when diverse perspectives take the spotlight.”
The recognition for what this party meant to her and others was seen and heard by others in her community. Pike's Manager and close friend Nick Sheehy reflects on the difference her effort, passion and persistence meant for women on the scene:
"Santana was pure magic. Her love for life was almost as infectious as that amazing laugh of hers, and she had a way of making everyone around her feel seen, loved and included. She dedicated so much of her life to music and nightlife, and through ‘OuShe’ she worked tirelessly to support female and emerging artists, helping them find confidence, exposure and opportunities they may not otherwise have had. She gave so much of herself to other people. She lifted people up, brought people together and left a little bit of her light everywhere she went.
I feel so lucky that our paths crossed all those years ago. I’ll miss you more than words can say, Santana. I love you. ❤️" Nick
Building on the party's success, Santanna had dreams to create her own OuShe Festival. This was a vision she spoke to us about when we spent the afternoon with her, chatting about her latest projects and exciting plans for the summer and beyond.
Last year, Sonica Radio invited her to host her own Thursday afternoon show where she always gave her 110%, barely standing still as she spread her energy, love, and music out across the airwaves. This video encapsulates Santanna, her spirit and vivacity for life.
Santanna was a dream chaser and a cheerleader for others to do the same.
“Just do you, babe, and play your bangers.” A comment I never knew I needed. You brought my DJing back to life at a time I thought I was done. And that was just the effect you had on me. Countless creatives, musicians and women across Ibiza will have their own version of this story. Santanna showering you with love and encouragement, inspiring you to express yourself and igniting a new spark of confidence. Until we play again, our OuShe supernova.💗" Sophie Mackaill
We leave you with this final word from her close friend Chrissy Meraki, or Chrissy Nun as Sanny would call her:
"To say I am heartbroken at the loss of Santanna Oush is an understatement. She was the life and soul of every moment she walked into. She was the most enigmatic, energetic, positive and uplifting person I have ever had the pleasure to know. Her soul was pure. Her passion was for everyone to be able to express themselves, and she created platforms for so many people to do so. She made everything more everything. When I was with her, I made sounds of laughter I didn't know were possible. I will miss you every day for the rest of my life, Santanna, and life will never be the same without you, but I am so so grateful for all of the wisdom that you passed on to all the people you knew, and we promise to live our lives to the fullest for you.
All things fly towards the light.
You were the light.
I know that heaven will be a brighter place because of you."
Ooooush 💗
We would like to thank her friends and colleagues for their kind contributions to writing this piece to celebrate Santanna's life.
A crowdfunding appeal has been organised by Santanna's friend Marcus Eppy, to raise funds to help her family with funeral costs and to give her the best possible send off. If you'd like to contribute, please do so here.
