DJEFF: "Music is a way to communicate without boundaries"

DJEFF, born in Lisbon, blends his multicultural roots with african rhythms, modern electronic sounds, and classic house influences to create a unique and dynamic musical style. His passion for music began in 1999 at Lisbon’s iconic Bauhaus club, where he was deeply inspired by watching DJs perform. After earning a degree in design and graphic design in 2008, he moved to Luanda, where he started producing music influenced by the vibrant local culture and energy. Since then, DJEFF has steadily built a distinctive presence in the global music scene, gaining recognition for his infectious energy, genuine passion, and refined technical skills, all of which make every one of his performances a memorable and engaging experience.

"Wena", your recent collaboration with Shoba, is full of afro vibes and energy. How did this collaboration come to life, and what does this track represent for you?

I have been following Shoba’s work for a while now and I must say I'm a great fan of what he's been doing for the longest time. When I first started doing this track I knew he would be the perfect match for it.  This track for me represents the perfect balance between electronic music and the African aspects and elements that I like to include and blend when I'm producing. I feel as if it's a great way to showcase where I am right now as an artist.

Your music blends African rhythms with forward-thinking electronic sounds. How have your Angolan and Cape Verdean roots influenced this unique style?

I've grown up in a household where music is a very important aspect of our lives. Whether it be functions, anniversaries or any type of celebrations we would always be exposed to all kinds of music mainly African due to our parents and relatives, but all sorts of music of the early 90’s.  I've got an older sister that back then already had a music selection as a teenager, that allowed me to also start listening to different types of music and I guess that in the way I've always liked the idea of mixing the different styles of music.  A good example of that could be how when I "was tasked" to be the DJ at these family parties,  I would go beyond the music my family would expect me to play (African music) and include some of my sisters. As time passed I took more and more interest in that idea.

You started your musical journey by observing DJs at the Bauhaus club in Lisbon. What fascinated you the most back then, and how did you channel that inspiration into your own performance style?

I was mesmerised how the crowd would follow the lead of the DJ and they allow themselves to just get lost in the moment to be fully present and take full advantage of what they were experiencing at that the time. Witnessing that in first hand made me feel in such a manner that I haven't felt at the time. I knew then that I wanted to take part of this world where the DJ and the crowd would connect and communicate to music making what I feel and see as a perfect communion.  I feel as if it is my duty to embrace what I witnessed it but also carry on what I see is something that should be standard which is to connect with the audience and take them in a unique journey that they can remember and take home with them. I believe this is why I put my own when performing at each and every show I have the opportunity to have.

After graduating in Design, you moved to Luanda—a pivotal moment in your career. What did that city give you, both creatively and personally?

No wonder gives you a raw and filtered type of energy that is kind of hard to put into words. Seeing how  passionate people are about music and how Music is delivered there I understood that I had two in the way of my game to match that energy  and rawness.  I feel that around this time I knew that creatively importantly the war no limits no bounds in terms of what I could create and deliver in terms of my craft. Still both on the creative and personal aspects I became more comfortable with the idea that there is no wrong or right simply how we decide to approach music is what should be discussed.

Kazukuta Records has become a strong reflection of your musical vision. What do you look for in an artist or a track when deciding to produce or release it through your label?

Someone that is not worried about stepping outside of his comfort zone.  there is plenty of music out there right now I'm constantly coming out. When we look into our own releases I'm looking for something that I can support hopefully back up at any given time.  the music that we release must be something that I'm comfortable to include in my sex whenever I play.  I want to make sure that Kazukuta Records stands for  intensity and original work. We are not bound by a specific music sub genre or genre so I like to believe that we invite anyone that feels capable to release their music to us. Worth mentioning that the original plan for Kazukuta Records was to be a platform for those that did not have the opportunity to release music through what I saw but then as bigger labels.

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