SONOS CLUB : HARUNA
INTERVIEW
Based in London, Haruna is a multifaceted creative with focus in music production, DJing, and modelling. His style stems from his Nigerian and Ugandan roots, and has played & headlined in a number of clubs around Europe and radio stations such as Rinse, NTS & Balamii. His DJ sets is a journey through the diaspora from Afrohouse, 3-Step to Gqom & Batida. He has recently set up a non-profit called CLUB.WAV which focuses on educational events for aspiring & existing producers and DJs within the diaspora.
Can you tell us about your musical journey and how your cultural background has influenced your sound?
HARUNA: Music has always been a driving force in my life, mainly the fascination with production and the process of creating sounds and interesting compositions. My parents eclectic music taste layed the foundation of my knowledge leading to endless curiosity of African music genres & the origins of Jazz & Afrobeats. My heritage is both Ugandan & Nigerian both countries championing different sounds that have led to me focusing on blending genres to tell a cohesive story.
What are some early memories of music from your upbringing that shaped your taste today?
HARUNA: My father listened to a lot of jazz & original Afrobeats, this lead me to also be into music that includes these elements in them. I played drums in school which has made my interests be heavily focused on polyrhythmic genres. My mother listened to kwaito & Afrohouse which also influenced my sound in production and song choice when I DJ.
How do you integrate your heritage or identity into your DJ sets or productions?
HARUNA: A lot of research into the origins of new genres of today and looking up samples for the origins and influences of my favourite artists and implementing them in my productions. By growing up in London we are exposed to so many genres so I also allow that to a part of my productions and DJ sets to connect with the crowd with nostalgic feels. I aim to mix old with new and hopefully build a world you want to live in for that moment.
Are there any specific artists or genres from your background that have been particularly influential to your craft?
HARUNA: Early Afrobeats (Fela Kuti) and highlife (Pat Thomas) are a big influences for me and keeping that energy in my sets is a must. UK funky rhythms always have a place in my sets to allow people to relive moments from when they first fell in love with that sound. As I travel around the diaspora I take influences from different cultures that I have connected with their sound over time. I will never play genres I do not connect with or know its roots.
When you’re crafting a DJ set, do you have a particular story or vibe you aim to convey? How do you build it?
HARUNA: When crafting a set for a specific party or crowd, I like to create a journey for the community that I am playing for. Every set is different, it may be high energy or take a trip through tempos. I always create edits and remixes before that will connect with the crowd also.
What’s your process for discovering and selecting new music? Any go-to sources or methods?
HARUNA: I search for music everyday, this is something I have been doing even before I started DJing but as a producer searching and exploring genres. I stay up to date with different producers journeys and artists they work with and this allows me to discover new sounds. Listening to different mixes on radio stations such as NTS, Foundation FM, Soulection, Oroko Radio & more. Traveling & going to different record shops to dig for vinyls also allow you to find rare grooves and sounds to put in your mix. I also follow and keep up to date with many producers and DJs and record labels on Soundcloud & Bandcamp.
How do you balance between your roots and staying fresh with modern trends in your sets?
HARUNA: I have a rule! Play two songs for the crowd & one song for discovery. This may vary depending on the crowd however blending old songs with new sounds and creating edits with new genres that I connect with is something I do a lot.
Can you talk about a track or mix you’ve created that holds a special meaning to you? What’s the story behind it?
HARUNA:Recently I played a closing set for Tribal Soul, it was 5am at ‘Egg London’ & my set brought so much energy to the crowd until the early hours of the morning. I love connecting with communities and I was able to play genres such as afrohouse, 3-step, gqom & batida with a great response these are my favourite type of sets, total connection with the crowd through music. My sets at APRTMENT Life will always mean a lot to me, they provided me with a chance to showcase my talent & it has lead to many opportunities.
As a DJ from a BIPOC background, what are some challenges you’ve faced in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
HARUNA: I struggle with over-perfectionism because I have no place to be mediocre, where as people who are not from a BIPOC background can get away with it. Thats all I will say on that, lol. I overcome this by working on my confidence and creating, learning and enjoying with my community. We are stronger together.
How important is representation and visibility for you in the electronic music scene?
HARUNA: Yes, representation is very important for me and the communities I play for. In a time where the landscape of artistry & DJing has changed so much and authenticity can be fabricated. It is important for every BIPOC to have representation of African Electronic Music. It is also important to see more spaces and line ups with more women of colour, non-binary & trans.
What are some emerging trends in electronic or experimental music that excite you right now?
HARUNA: At the moment I am happy that we are recognising more sounds coming from the diaspora. In the UK, Amapiano was a gateway for many people which has lead them to also seek out other genres that are similar. This makes me happy because I am able to tell a story when I play while introducing people to genres they may have never heard before like 3-Step, Gqom or Batida.
How do you envision your music evolving in the next few years? Are there new sounds or ideas you want to explore?
HARUNA: I have my first project coming out this year and it is a journey through the sounds I would like to explore. As years pass I will become more daring and more fearless with my sound, some songs will be more digestible & some more experimental.
If you could curate a dream lineup for an event, which artists would you include and why?
HARUNA: This is a tricky question but here is my line up:
Hagan B2B Karen Nyame KG - two people who I look up to and one of the main reasons I share my sound and style of production so fearlessly because there is a space for everyone to be themselves
STATE OFFF - The new pioneer of Gqom, I like the way he has brought a new perspective to the genre through his productions
Tribal Brothers - They need no introduction, the London based producer duo have been very consistent in shaping the sound of the UK. They have made the foundation for many producers in my generation to continue to push the sound.
Fiyadred - One of my favourite producers and selectors - PERIOD
Charisse C (Hybrid Set) - DJ & singer Charisse C is a pioneer of the African Electronic sound and I am always amazed by her song selection. Her music is also very original and has an uplifting and ethereal feel to it.
Vanyfox - Another producer I admire a lot, a pioneer in Batida & Kuduro and very technical on the decks.
Captain Lulaz (MC) - One of the best MC’s I have heard in a while, amazing energy. If you are not moving while she is hosting then something is wrong with you.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs and producers from underrepresented communities?
HARUNA: Invest in your community and sound, be fearless and put yourself out there. Make sure you create or join a platform that is empowering others and never compare yourself to anyone else. Everyone’s journey is different.
How do you stay motivated and keep your creativity flowing, especially during challenging times?
HARUNA: To stay motivated, I keep all my trust in God & my community. These are the things that will keep me going. I am constantly growing, creating & challenging myself.
What’s one message you hope people take away when they listen to your sets or mixes?
HARUNA:Every set is a journey, have an open mind. There is something for everyone.
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.
