DJ Teja Zelenovic: The Woman Who’s Turning Weddings Into Global Dance Floors
In a city overflowing with talent, DJ Teja Zelenovic has managed to carve out something entirely her own. Toronto-born with deep Serbian roots, Teja is one of those rare people who feels both instantly familiar and completely magnetic. She’s as comfortable spinning house tracks at a downtown club as she is commanding a packed dance floor at a destination wedding in Sicily.
“I never planned to be a Serbian DJ,” she tells me with an easy laugh. “I wanted to do house music, but one day someone asked if I’d try a Serbian event. I thought I’d hate it, and then I absolutely loved it.”
That one “yes” changed everything. What started as a side gig soon became a passport to stages and celebrations around the world. Today, Teja is one of Canada’s most sought-after international wedding DJs, known for her ability to bridge cultures, blend genres, and bring a sense of joy and familiarity to every set she plays.
Rooted in Rhythm and Culture
For many second-generation kids, reconnecting with their heritage can be complicated. For Teja, it happened naturally, through music.
“Growing up, I didn’t speak the language or really know much about the community,” she says. “Once I started DJing these events, I found myself surrounded by my culture again. It helped me rediscover a part of myself I didn’t even realize I was missing.”
Serbian weddings are famous for their intensity and spirit. They’re loud, loving, and unapologetically full of life. “There’s always something happening,” Teja explains. “The dancing never stops. There’s live percussion, family chants, and this shared energy that builds all night. Everyone’s connected through the music.”
She tells me about kupovina mlade, the “buying of the bride” tradition, where guests playfully negotiate for the bride’s hand before the ceremony. Then there’s the kolo, a fast, circular folk dance that unites generations on the floor. “You can’t fake understanding those moments,” she says. “You have to know the culture to get the timing right. That’s why it’s so important for couples to bring in someone who knows their music and traditions. It’s more than a playlist, it’s identity.”
Global Stages and Local Heart
Teja’s résumé reads like a travel diary. She’s played at Rebel in Toronto, spun at weddings across the GTA and Ottawa, and taken her talents abroad to destinations like Sicily, Corfu, and the Dominican Republic.
“Destination weddings are my favourite,” she admits. “You’re not just showing up to play for a few hours. You become part of the story. I’m there for the welcome party, the dinners, the inside jokes. By the time the wedding happens, I know everyone’s vibe. It’s not work, it’s community.”
That personal connection is what makes her events feel so alive. She doesn’t just play music; she reads the room and matches the energy with instinct. “My job is to make everyone feel included,” she says. “If it’s a mixed wedding, I’ll blend Serbian with Italian or Top 40. I want the grandmother and the college friends on the floor at the same time. That’s when I know I’ve done my job.”
Breaking Barriers, One Beat at a Time
Female DJs are still underrepresented in the wedding and event scene, something Teja is keenly aware of. “When I started, there weren’t really any girls doing this,” she says. “You had to walk in confident, because sometimes people don’t expect you to be the one in charge of the music.”
She’s earned her respect through talent and consistency. Every mix, every transition, every beat drop is crafted with care. “I like when people say, ‘You made the night,’” she says, smiling. “It’s not about ego. It’s about knowing I helped create a memory people will talk about forever.”
The Spirit of the Party
What makes DJ Teja stand out isn’t just her sound. It’s her energy. She has that rare mix of confidence and warmth that makes you want to invite her to your wedding even if you’re already married. She’s the person who brings people together, who can blend cultures without losing authenticity, who makes music feel like connection.
When I ask her what’s next, she pauses for a moment before grinning. “I want to take it further,” she says. “More international weddings. More culture blending. Maybe the States next. I want to keep showing that this job isn’t just about playing songs—it’s about understanding people.”
It’s a philosophy that’s clearly working. Whether she’s in a downtown club or a villa on the Mediterranean, DJ Teja doesn’t just play music. She creates a moment.
And in a world that’s constantly moving, she’s the one keeping it in rhythm.
Follow DJ Teja
Follow @Tejazelenovic on Instagram for a glimpse into her world of weddings, travel, and music.
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