‘Doesn’t align with my values’: Why DJ Bliss left reality TV

After years of drama and outbursts, international star DJ Bliss is saying goodbye to reality TV and turning his focus back to music, spilling the beans on an unreleased track he recorded with a major Hollywood icon.

After years of drama and outbursts, international star DJ Bliss is saying goodbye to reality TV and turning his focus back to music, spilling the beans on an unreleased track he recorded with a major Hollywood icon.

The Emirati DJ, whose real name is Marwan Al Awadhi, became a fan favourite on the glitzy Netflix show Dubai Bling, which offers a peek into the extravagant lives of Dubai’s elite social circles.

After a dramatic third season — one that Al Awadhi describes as “one of the most intense moments in my life,” filled with heated arguments and a physical altercation that left his co-star injured, the DJ decided that his values no longer align with the show.

DJ Bliss is preforming in Sydney. Picture: Thomas Lisson

“I want to focus on my music,” Al Awadhi told The Daily Telegraph.

“I feel like a show like this really takes away from all of that. I’m grateful for the opportunity and what it has provided, but the values of the show don’t really match with mine or how I want to live my life.”

While many assumed the cast of Dubai Bling were already familiar with one another before filming, the 43-year-old clarified that was not the case.

“We were not friends before the show started,” he said.

“They basically put us together like a big brother situation. Some of us got along, but it’s like work — just like going to an office.

Behind the scenes photos from the series Dubai Bling, which follows a wealthy friendship group who live in the city. Picture: HYKU DESESTO/NETFLIX

“You build relationships with some people.”

One of the most talked-about moments from the show was when Al Awadhi got into a physical altercation with co-star Ebraheem Al Samadi, where the DJ hurled a plate into his face, which saw his co-star take a trip to the hospital.

“You don’t forget what happens on the show,” Al Awadhi admitted.

“You can’t just move past it like nothing happened.”

Beyond the drama, Al Awadhi is no stranger to the international music scene where he has rubbed shoulders with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Drake, Beyoncé, Swedish House Mafia, and 50 Cent.

The DJ also made a song with Hollywood actor and rapper Will Smith which never saw the light of day.

Dubai Bling Star DJ Bliss is leaving reality TV behind. Picture: Thomas Lisson

“I learned a lot about artistry, both the good and the bad,” he said.

“It was incredible to work with someone like Will Smith. The song never got released but it was such a great time to be in a room with a guy like that.”

Now, Al Awadhi is shifting his focus to his upcoming music projects and his highly anticipated Australian concert series.

With stops in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, he’s already been met with enthusiastic crowds.

“The Aussies are showing me so much love,” he said.

“Coming out here not knowing what to expect and then seeing these packed-out shows — it’s nice to experience the love in real life.”