Conversations with Nahom Semere

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nahom Semere.

Hi Nahom , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story begins in San Jose/Santa Clara, the son of Eritrean immigrants who left everything familiar behind in search of opportunity. I’m a product of their sacrifice, their resilience, and the values they instilled in me—respect, compassion, education, and a deep sense of responsibility to something greater than myself. I grew up surrounded by family. A real village. And in that space, I learned early the importance of honoring your people and showing up fully, wherever you are.

Music was always present. From the rhythms of traditional Habesha melodies to the soul classics my parents played and the hip-hop and R&B that filled my house thanks to my brothers—it all shaped my ear, my emotion, my understanding of connection. DJing found me young, in high school, when I’d sneak off to take lessons at the local teen center. But it wasn’t until after college—when the distractions quieted and the vision sharpened—that I gave myself full permission to pursue it. I ordered a controller on Amazon, started my MBA, and poured myself into both.

Since then, I’ve played legendary venues like the House of Blues in Chicago and Warsaw in Brooklyn. I’ve opened for Grammy-nominated artists. But even more meaningful to me is what I’ve helped build in Sacramento. I’m a co-founder of More Nites Like This, alongside Elijah Johnson and Marcus McPhaul. Together, we’ve grown what started as an idea into a cultural staple. Our Jukebox R&B Brunch has become a destination experience—selling out almost every weekend and drawing people from across the region to celebrate love, life, and community. We’ve expanded into creative concepts like the Soulful Express wine train and River & Blues cruise, pushing the boundaries of what nightlife and communal joy can look like.

Parallel to that, I’ve continued my work in higher education, serving as the Director of Operations and Innovation for the Division of Student Affairs at Sacramento State. People often see these as two separate lanes—but for me, they’ve always been the same mission: to create spaces where people feel seen, inspired, and empowered.

At 24, I carry both the energy of youth and the weight of legacy. I’m proud to be from the Bay Area—it gave me rhythm, culture, grit, and an appreciation for authenticity. The Bay showed me how to move through the world with both flavor and intention, and that influence lives in everything I do.

My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been intentional. I’m here because of faith, work, and the people who poured into me. And everything I do—on stage or off—is about honoring that.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. The road’s been full of pressure, sacrifice, and nonstop movement—but it’s also been honest. At one point, I was managing my MBA program, working a 40-hour-a-week job, and DJing Saturday and Sunday brunches. For about a year straight, I worked seven days a week. No real time to breathe, let alone reflect. That kind of grind forces you to grow up quick—but it also teaches you how far your discipline and passion can take you.

What’s kept me grounded is that I never approached music with ego or expectation. I just loved it. I wasn’t chasing a look or a title—I was showing up for the music, for the people, and for the energy. That mindset has carried me into every opportunity I’ve had.

Building More Nites Like This definitely came with its own lessons. We started out throwing small Wednesday night events that were inconsistent. We were still young, still learning how to create and manage full-scale experiences. When we launched brunch, it caught on fast—faster than we expected—and we had to level up quickly. Brunch was a new kind of environment for Sacramento, and we knew if we were going to grow it, we had to focus on customer experience and consistency. For us, the quality of the event has always been more important than chasing quick profit.

I’ll also say I’ve been blessed with a strong sense of self, thanks to my upbringing. Being a first-gen Eritrean American, I’ve always known who I was and where I came from. That foundation has helped me stay grounded, even in the chaos.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in curating intentional experiences—whether through music or community-focused events. With More Nites Like This, I’ve helped shape moments that feel purposeful and personal. From our Jukebox R&B Brunch to immersive events like the Soulful Express wine train, everything we do is rooted in culture and connection.

I’m also proud of my own growth as a DJ. I started with no expectations—just a love for music. I’ve stayed consistent with my vision, never rushing to chase trends or attention. That mindset has helped me develop a style that’s both patient and personal.

But more than anything, I’m known for being myself. Authentically me in every room I step into, and in every interaction. That’s part of my creative integrity—it informs how I think, how I connect, and how I build. I believe that energy is what truly sets me apart.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t really move with the concept of luck at the center. I believe deeply in faith, alignment, and purpose. A lot of the opportunities I’ve received have come from preparation meeting the right moment—and I give credit to God and the people who’ve poured into me along the way.

That said, I recognize that timing plays a role. Being in the right place, connecting with the right person, or even having someone believe in your vision at the right moment—those things matter. But I don’t chalk them up to luck. I see them as moments of alignment that were meant to happen, and I do my best to stay ready for them when they show up.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sirflyness00
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nahom-semere-mba-4b6149211/