SONOS CLUB : YU YU
Yu Yu @yuyumixes is a Moroccan-English, open format DJ from London. She celebrates the diaspora sounds she grew up with in the capital through her energetic and experimental sets.
She's a Voices Radio resident co-hosting, MADIVIN, a nighttime show platforming queer dance experiences of the global south with Djablés. She made her international debut in Marrakech for Nataal at 1-54 Africa Art Fair, played at HOWL Pride festival and soundtracked prestigious art awards and community events. Catch her at your London haunts blending crowd faves with bass-driven global dance beats.
INTERVIEW
What made you fall in love with DJing, and how has your approach evolved?
YU YU: Mainly that feeling of getting so excited to show people tracks that I'd discovered and NEEDING them to lock in as much as I was. I started curating friends playlists that I thought they'd like and even became the trusted aux holder at one of my offices. I realised people responded really well to listening to something a bit different to what they normally would. This feeling has always been amplified massively in clubs and events when we were collectively getting hyped over something together and MOVING. It's an infectious feeling and I knew I wanted to hopefully curate sets that could repeat those moments as much as possible. Getting moved or excited over art has always been a driving force for me.
How do you keep your sets fresh and unpredictable?
YU YU: I like to sprinkle in certain tracks that have become part of my sound whilst weaving in new discoveries in every set I play. My sets usually reflect the way I am naturally drawn to listening to music myself - eclectic, multi-genre, unpredictable changes in pace and experimental. If I can get a crowd to feel like they're actively listening and waiting on how I'm going to spin this next genre switch up, I'll feel like I've done my job well. The feedback I repeatedly get is, “there's something in there for everyone!”
What’s a recent musical discovery that has excited or influenced you?
YU YU: I've been studying the origins and histories of Moroccan music. There's so many styles of vocal chants and choices of instrumental arrangements that are tied to certain tribes, migration and ritual functions. And the more I learn about their specific origins the more I can distinguish them just by ear. I went to a museum of traditional music in Meknes and was completely engrossed.
I've seen some exciting experimental uses of traditional North African music by producers that have gone viral on social media and it makes me so proud to know our traditional music is exciting people globally. A track called ‘Ganga Riddim (ft. Mehdi Nassouli)’ went viral recently when Jarreau Vandal documented the production process where him and his collaborators blended Moroccan Gnawa with Gangan (West African/Nigerian talking drum). It's addictive!
The life of a DJ can be demanding. How do you maintain balance and take care of your mental health?
YU YU: I'm someone who deals with chronic illness and I'm sure anyone else who does will relate to having to use most of your spare time recuperating and conserving your energy to use your better health for commitments. It's been a lifelong practice of being highly selective with saying yes so that has naturally trickled into growing as a DJ. I want to make sure I’m putting in the work for things that either serve my community or could have a positive impact on growing my skills and exposure. Being selective has given me time to also concentrate on a lot of practice when I’m introducing new technical skills into the mix. I can bring them out with confidence in great settings. Also… get paid! Start small, with your fees and opportunities, and these both grow in tandem. Advocating for your skills helps you feel respected in the booking process.
When you’re feeling stuck creatively, what helps you regain your flow and inspiration?
YU YU: Go back to basics. Go down the art and music rabbit holes you’re getting pulled into. Appreciate other artist’s work and dig into their processes. Play and experiment. Have fun. It’s not everyday big serious movements. Remember why you love DJing and creating. I find I usually get stuck when I’m overthinking or feeling anxious so hone in on what helps you relax creatively.
How do you see yourself within the music scene and the world at large what impact do you hope to have?
YU YU: I see myself as an artist who cares about the collective experience of music and how accessible it is for all of us. I hope I can bring the inspiration to be curious and to never feel you have to limit yourself to categorisation that might be linked to your culture or background. My journey with music has been through my natural love for never denying myself the chance to try something new or exploring an untapped territory of art. I hope to encourage people to do the same and to be received as someone who openly experiments without fear of making mistakes along the way. We all have a right to art.
What’s one lesson or piece of advice that has stuck with you throughout your career?
YU YU: “There are no silly questions.” Keep learning and growing. There’s literally no limit to your artistic growth. Collaborate as much as you can. Support your fellow creatives. Skill share and bring people with you. Do things that challenge you. And don’t forget to take chances to reflect on that growth so you can remind yourself how you are evolving. No one is a lone genius.
How do you think electronic music culture is evolving in terms of inclusivity and diversity?
YU YU: It’s tough because there’s a lot of corporate intervention with the electronic music scene. It’s causing us to only see certain types of people getting huge opportunities. It’s also making our experiences as an audience into these diluted, easily marketable versions that stray so far from the original underground scenes. A lot of grit and radical choices went into establishing the genres and sub-genres we are so privileged to love. It’s so important to acknowledge the originators and the roots in the genres we play or draw inspiration from.
I think it’s important to collaborate with and learn from artists from as many backgrounds as possible to help us all grow with an educated approach. It’ll also help break down some of the issues with only certain demographics getting the spotlight. If you are involved with shaping scenes or producing events - book a team and a line up that platforms underrepresented DJs. It’s also a responsibility on all artists to balance the opportunities they get with also giving back to the grassroots scenes they should honour in their practice.
If you could curate your dream lineup for a festival or event, who would be on it?
YU YU: That’s sooo hard because I STAY fangirling over so many DJs and producers. I like to turn my focus on global majority women artists so my absolute dream would Lady Shaka, Jyoty, Saliah and Baby J. That would be the most insane night and you’d have to DRAG me out of the club!
What’s a festival, venue, or country you dream of performing in, and why?
YU YU: I would loooove to play in Brazil or South Africa. I see the parties they’re having! The crowds are a dream for a DJ!!! People are there to feel the music and moveee. You really do feed off the energy in the room when your playing a set and that excitement is something I’m always chasing. I managed to play in Morocco in the Agafay Desert at the beginning of 2025, and as someone from the Moroccan diaspora, that was a dream come true. I will ALWAYS want to go back!
Outside of music, is there a passion project or creative goal you’d love to explore?
YU YU: I’m also an artist and writer. I’ve been making experimental film since I was a teenager and it’s actually where I first dabbled in sound design and music. Outside of my current job creating editorial content for galleries and culture publications, I want to see my own film installation works in some of my favourite art galleries/spaces and to eventually become a full time artist. Let’s see what the future brings!
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.
