SONOS CLUB : AKABEMA
INTERVIEW
What are some early memories of music from your upbringing that shaped your taste today?
AKABEMA: My passion for music was ignited by the vibrant sounds of my upbringing—my dad blasting reggae and rock through the car speakers and my mom filling the house with Bossa Nova and house music. My grandfather played a big role too—he insisted I pick an instrument and learn it. He didn’t care which one, as long as I immersed myself in music. I chose the harp, and it became a beautiful foundation for my musical journey. Later, when I got my first MP3 player, it felt like opening the door to a whole new world. I discovered legends like Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Madonna and found myself putting Kendrick Lamar’s to Pimp a Butterfly and good kid, m.A.A.d city on repeat. These artists didn’t just create music they told stories that moved me, inspired me, and fuelled my love for sound and creativity.
How do you integrate your heritage or identity into your DJ sets or productions?
AKABEMA:My parents were lifelong travellers, and their experiences deeply shaped my perspective on music and creativity. My mom, who is French-Belgian and lived in Venezuela, exposed me to Latino rhythms like Bossa Nova, bolero from an early age, inspiring my open-format approach to DJ sets. My dad, who is Ashkenazi and from Martinique Island, introduced me to Caribbean influences.
I also love showcasing underground French artists because we have such a talented scene, and I feel it’s important to highlight their work. My brother, who is also a producer, shares the same passion for music, and we often exchange ideas and inspirations, which adds depth to my creative process. I love blending genres to create something unique and dynamic. For me, it’s about celebrating the diversity of sound and fostering connections through music..
Are there any specific artists or genres from your background that have been particularly influential to your craft?
AKABEMA: There are several artists and genres from my background that have been hugely influential to my craft. Kaytranada, in particular, has been a major inspiration has deeply shaped my sound. His innovative production techniques have taught me the importance of rhythm and
Wanting to learn how to produce. Kendrick Lamar also played a significant role in shaping my perspective on music. Sango and GoldLink, Juls influenced my sound as well, adding depth and diversity to my production. Jersey house and Baile funk have shaped my rhythm and energy, further expanding my musical palette. When I moved to London five years ago, the jungle, garage, and grime scenes, along with the underground music culture, had a huge impact on me. These experiences taught me the power of musical diversity and the beauty of mixing influences to create.
When you’re crafting a DJ set, do you have a particular story or vibe you aim to convey? How do you build it?
AKABEMA: When crafting a DJ set, I aim to take people on a journey. I start with a warm-up, gradually build up to high-energy beats, then slow things down with creative edits of various artists. To keep the crowd on their toes, I love surprising them with elements of Jersey, garage, and jungle.
What’s your process for discovering and selecting new music? Any go-to sources or methods?
AKABEMA: I spend hours researching on platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp. I love diving into niche and underground producers—it’s so fulfilling to discover their work. On SoundCloud, I often use the station tool to keep the algorithm going and uncover even more hidden gems.
Can you talk about a track or mix you’ve created that holds a special meaning to you? What’s the story behind it?
AKABEMA: I really love my mix Issa Chill Vibes because it reflects a side of me that’s rooted in slow, chill rhythms—my favourite genre to play. I’ve always had a deep passion for these laid-back vibes, and this track allowed me to showcase that. It’s also where I get to highlight some French R&B and rap singers, bringing in that element of my culture. This genre is where I truly feel at my best, and Issa Chill Vibes captures that essence of relaxed yet soulful energy.
How important is representation and visibility for you in the electronic music scene?
AKABEMA: Representation and visibility are everything in the electronic music scene because music is born from diversity. When you explore and play across different genres and subgenres, you realise how deeply rooted many of these styles are in specific communities and cultures. Genres like house and techno owe their existence to Black and LGBTQ+ communities, while baile funk, Jersey club, and grime emerge from unique cultural and social landscapes. Acknowledging these roots is essential not just to honour the pioneers but to ensure the scene remains inclusive, innovative, and authentic. Diversity isn’t just a feature of electronic music it’s its foundation.
Have there been moments where you’ve felt your identity helped you stand out or connect with your audience in unexpected ways?
AKABEMA: In many ways, being born into a diverse background and growing up in the suburbs of Paris exposed me to a wide range of genres, which has shaped my ability to read and respond to energy better. For example, speaking Spanish has helped me curate playlists that resonate with different audiences, and living in countries like Ghana and Benin has enriched my musical knowledge with deep cultural insights. These experiences have allowed me to connect with my audience in unexpected and meaningful ways.
What are some emerging trends in electronic or experimental music that excite you right now?
AKABEMA: I’m really excited about Jersey club—when I visited New York, I saw how massive it is there, and I can’t wait for it to gain more presence in Europe. Shatta and bouyon are also super exciting to me; they bring such unique energy and cultural richness. These genres have so much potential to influence and shape the electronic and experimental music scenes globally.
How do you envision your music evolving in the next few years? Are there new sounds or ideas you want to explore?
AKABEMA: I’m starting to dive into production, and I’m really excited to create tracks in genres like Jersey club, jungle, ukg, and bouyon. This will add a whole new dimension to my DJ journey and allow me to express my sound in a more personal way. I also want to explore crossovers—blending genres and incorporating different languages like Spanish and French into my music. It’s about pushing boundaries and creating something fresh that resonates across cultures.
If you could curate a dream lineup for an event, which artists would you include and why?
AKABEMA: For my dream lineup, I’d start with my talented friends, especially the two members of my collective serene, Samo and Jvincent. Jvincent is a master of baile funk, bringing unmatched energy and authenticity to every set. Samo is a powerhouse of diversity, with an open-format style that can move any crowd, no matter the setting. I’d also include my friend DJ Tsunamy, a brilliant DJ from Paris now based in London, who constantly impresses me with her technical skills and eclectic musical palette. This lineup would showcase versatility, creativity, and an undeniable vibe.
How do you stay motivated and keep your creativity flowing, especially during challenging times?
AKABEMA: Staying around creatives is a huge source of motivation for me, especially fellow DJs. Living with Amy (DJ Tsunamy) has been incredibly uplifting—her energy and passion inspire me even when I’m feeling unmotivated. Being part of a collective also helps a lot; we uplift and support each other, creating a powerful group effect. When I encounter creative blockages, traveling is my go-to solution. It opens my mind, exposes me to new cultures, and brings fresh perspectives that always reignite my creativity.
What’s one message you hope people take away when they listen to your sets or mixes?
AKABEMA: The message I hope people take away when they listen to my sets is that everything is possible. I started DJing in my bedroom, and my experiences have shaped the way I mix and tell stories through music. I want my sets to take people on a journey, to feel something unique and transformative. I’d also like to encourage more female DJs to step into the scene—it’s time for us to claim our space. If I can inspire even one girl to start DJing, that would mean everything to me.
SONOS CLUB is an initiative from Sounds of Craft Records, designed to highlight the eclectic electronic music scene through the perspectives of the BIPOC diaspora and marginalized communities, while being open to all.
