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Patta x Keep Hush returned to Skatecafé for their third ADE takeover, curated by Passion DEEZ. This year’s event championed Amsterdam’s underground sound, past and present, with a lineup of DJs who’ve helped shape the city’s vibrant nightlife scene and those who will carve a path in coming years True to Keep Hush’s roots, the night was a celebration of underground club music, blending jungle, garage, dubstep, UK funky, drum and bass, and bubbling; reflecting the diverse and boundary-pushing energy that defines Amsterdam’s dance culture.

Patta x Keep Hush returned to Skatecafé for their third ADE takeover, curated by Passion DEEZ. This year’s event championed Amsterdam’s underground sound, past and present, with a lineup of DJs who’ve helped shape the city’s vibrant nightlife scene and those who will carve a path in coming years True to Keep Hush’s roots, the night was a celebration of underground club music, blending jungle, garage, dubstep, UK funky, drum and bass, and bubbling; reflecting the diverse and boundary-pushing energy that defines Amsterdam’s dance culture.

Patta x Keep Hush returned to Skatecafé for their third ADE takeover, curated by Passion DEEZ. This year’s event championed Amsterdam’s underground sound, past and present, with a lineup of DJs who’ve helped shape the city’s vibrant nightlife scene and those who will carve a path in coming years True to Keep Hush’s roots, the night was a celebration of underground club music, blending jungle, garage, dubstep, UK funky, drum and bass, and bubbling; reflecting the diverse and boundary-pushing energy that defines Amsterdam’s dance culture.

Patta x Keep Hush returned to Skatecafé for their third ADE takeover, curated by Passion DEEZ. This year’s event championed Amsterdam’s underground sound, past and present, with a lineup of DJs who’ve helped shape the city’s vibrant nightlife scene and those who will carve a path in coming years True to Keep Hush’s roots, the night was a celebration of underground club music, blending jungle, garage, dubstep, UK funky, drum and bass, and bubbling; reflecting the diverse and boundary-pushing energy that defines Amsterdam’s dance culture.

Photography by Patrick Sear | Interview by Passion DzengaFrom small-town beginnings in Bury St Edmunds to festival stages across the UK, Pozzy is fast becoming one of the most refreshing new voices in grime’s evolving landscape. His music sits somewhere between laid-back jazz, sample-rich hip-hop, and the percussive pulse of the 140 BPM underground—a sound that feels both familiar and forward-looking. What started with piano duets and late-night freestyles with friends has grown into a fully realised artistic vision built on honesty, humour, and homegrown perspective.At just 20 years old, Pozzy already moves with the focus of an artist who knows where he’s heading. He writes from his daily life—train journeys, late-night links, small wins, and big questions—and filters it all through a jazz-infused, mellow grime sensibility that’s distinctly his own. His latest singles, “Step on the Train,”, “wait and see” and upcoming EP, ‘it’s all up in the air.’, showcase that blend perfectly: conversational but poetic, playful but grounded, catchy but never shallow.Whether rapping about the commute, the come-up, or creative community, Pozzy’s voice feels rooted in something real—a reflection of a generation navigating uncertainty with optimism and soundtracking it with style. Ahead of his headline show at Camden Assembly on November 25th, he sat down with Team Patta to talk early influences, train rides, and the art of staying grounded while moving full speed ahead.Where are you from, and what music filled your home growing up?I’m from Bury St Edmunds in the east of England. At home, it was mostly whatever was on the radio, but my mum played piano and got me into keys early, so there was a lot of piano around—classical pieces and pop songs we’d play as little duets. I’d always sing along to the radio, too. That’s where the musicality started before I ever thought about rapping.Did you feel represented by what you heard around you?Where I’m from isn’t exactly an arts hub, so I wasn’t thinking “this isn’t experimental enough.” It wasn’t that deep—more just taking in whatever was there. For local references, Ed Sheeran’s from the same county, but a different town.How did you move from keys to rapping?It started with me and my friends rapping over instrumentals after school. At the same time I began studying music production at college, which helped me build skills and rap over my own beats as well.Which instrumentals defined those early sessions?MF DOOM beats were the go-to—there was that famous instrumentals playlist—and a lot of Pete Rock-related stuff. I didn’t clock it as “jazzy” back then, but that’s obviously the lane I kept gravitating toward.At college, were you making music for this project or ticking assignment boxes?I tried to bend every brief toward my own sound. It was early days, so there’s old music on my Spotify I’ve definitely outgrown—but it shows the journey. And it’s useful: when someone searches your name, something actually comes up.What’s changed most in your approach since then?I’m 20, still developing, but this year I started treating it like it has to work—leaning into the less glamorous bits: business, marketing, planning.Are you studying music now?Yeah—music production at uni. I’m in my final year.Is “train culture” just practical, or part of the aesthetic now?Both. I grew up countryside so I drive, but I don’t have a car. In London it’s all public transport—if you’re going anywhere, you’re on the train. It’s just life.Your recent single “Step on the Train” dropped recently. What’s the story?“Step on the Train” came out late September. The Producer Quill had sent a beat pack that landed in my spam; first beat I opened was the beat. I wrote it in about 25–30 minutes and recorded it at my desk. It’s jazzy, has breaks, and it’s part of my EP ‘it’s all up in the air.’,(out very soon). Lyrically it’s just my weekend perspective—get on the train, link mates, go out. Simple and real.Morning commute or late-night ride?Late night. Mornings are cold outside, boiling on the train, and packed.How do you usually make a track—lyrics first or beat first?Both. Sometimes I’ve got bars in my notes and I hunt for the right beat. Other times a beat sparks the first lines and I build from there. Keep it fluid.What do you and your friends actually get up to on a typical weekend?Depends on the day—park and football in summer, pub, cinema, shopping, studio. Normal stuff with the same people who inspire me.People group you with “mellow grime” or “alt-grime.” Fair?I like mellow grime—the community’s egoless and supportive. I don’t want to be boxed in forever, though. I listen to R&B, hip-hop, electronic, house, jazz. The EP hints at where I might go next while still owning grime DNA.Grime’s now global—how do you see your place in it?140’s worldwide. I love that the scene connects different people and cities. My friends and I are a little community we’ve built through music—that’s the bit I rate the most.Tell us about the EP — what should people take from ‘it’s all up in the air.’?The title’s about uncertainty—and being okay with it. There are different sounds on here; hopefully something for everyone. It shows I’m happy to make grime-adjacent music but with my own twist. Biggest message: be yourself, even when things feel up in the air.Do people ever judge you against the “traditional” idea of a grime artist?Some people are surprised at first—most in a good way. Some don’t get it and that’s fine. As long as I’m respectful and authentic, I’m enjoying it—and most people see that.Co-signs have been rolling in. How does that feel—and what about hearing from abroad?Surreal. I won’t name names, but there are artists I grew up on who’ve shown love. Hearing listeners from the Netherlands, the States, and Australia—wild, and motivating.Any live show plans?My headline at Camden Assembly on 25th November. We’re bringing special guests; Luis Rico is supporting. This one’s a concert, not a club set—me rapping full songs.How was festival season? Memorable moments?Mad. Wireless, Boomtown, All Points East, Leeds, Latitude, GEMFEST. All Points East went from 20 people at the start to 500 by the end. Boomtown was a bucket-list set; I’ll be back—hopefully on a bigger stage.Were these festivals you’d have gone to anyway?Yeah. I love dance music so I’m out in raves regardless. Boomtown’s always been on my list—first year there and I got to play it.Values without the manifesto—what guides you?Treat people how you want to be treated. I ask my friends to call me out if I slip.Does your circle keep you accountable—and are they all creatives too?Yeah—London circle is super creative: music, film, painting, dance, singing, producing. They gas me, but if something needs work they’ll say it. Feedback’s subjective, I take notes and keep moving. My friends are my biggest inspiration.Where do you want to take the sound next—more dance music?Definitely. I want to hit the dance world in a way that still feels Pozzy—maybe a bit alternative, but club-ready. I’ve got tunes; now it’s about plotting the rollout.Visuals and merch?We shot the biggest video of my career this past weekend. Merch will be exclusive to the live show—done with the designers behind the EP artwork. Clothes, CDs—tangible stuff. Proper world-building.Final thought on the journey from Bury to beyond?Never imagined it this fast. I dreamed it, sure—but seeing listeners pop up worldwide is mad. I’m grateful and hungry to see it all in person.As Pozzy steps confidently into this next chapter, his message is clear: keep moving, even when everything feels up in the air. With his debut EP ‘it’s all up in the air.’, on the horizon and the infectious single “step on the train” already setting the pace, it’s the perfect time to lock in and see what the buzz is about.Catch him live at Camden Assembly on November 25th for his first headline show — an intimate night of sharp bars, smooth breaks, and good energy, featuring special guests and exclusive merch drops.Grab your tickets now and experience the world of Pozzy in full colour — or if you can’t wait, hit play on “Step on the Train” and ride the wave wherever you are. 

The Machine touches down in Amsterdam. For one afternoon only, ODUMODUBLVCK pulls up to Patta Amsterdam ahead of his headline show at Skatecafe. Pull through for a meet & greet and the chance to purchase the limited Patta x Odumodublvck T-Shirt, dropping this Sunday, November 16th at 14:00 CET, exclusively in-store. The first 5 purchases of the T-Shirt get free tickets to the show later that night at Skatecafe. Show up. Show love. Move with The Machine.

Patta London is proud to finally welcome Living Proof to our shelves, featuring the legendary Boogie, a photographer who’s spent decades capturing the truth most people walk past.In NEW YORK IS MINE / I CAME AT THE PERFECT TIME, Boogie revisits his first decade behind the lens in New York City — 166 pages of unseen black-and-white work shot during one of the most defining periods for both the city and his career.Born Vladimir Milivojevich in Belgrade in 1970, Boogie grew up in the chaos of the nineties, where photography became a lifeline. From war-torn streets in Serbia to the raw corners of Brooklyn, his lens never flinched. He’s since become one of the most influential street photographers of our time — a documentarian of grit, honesty, and human reality. Living Proof shines a light on that legacy — and this issue sets the tone: uncompromising, unfiltered, and alive.“NEW YORK IS MINE / I CAME AT THE PERFECT TIME” is now available at Patta London.Step through, spend some time with it, and take home a piece of history.

The wait is over. ODUMODUBLVCK lands in Amsterdam for his debut Dutch live show at Skatecafe on Sunday, 16 November. The Abuja-bred disruptor shapeshifts between grime voltage and Afrobeat swing, forging Okporoko Rhythms, the sound that crowned him the voice of Nigerian drill.Fresh off his fifth album INDUSTRY MACHINE, ODU shows no signs of slowing down. The project, featuring heavyweights like Wizkid, Davido, Modenine and Skepta, cements his status as one of the most dynamic voices out of Africa, genre-blurring, truth-telling and impossible to pin down.The face of the recent Patta x Nike Air Max 90 campaign reinforces the bridges he has been building by finally delivering a live show for his Netherlands-based community. From the viral charge of “Declan Rice” to the chameleonic palette of EZIOKWU (The Truth), ODU’s pen stays sharp and his presence stays heavy. Expect highlife-laced hooks, drill grit and unflinching charisma. “Music for everybody: father, mother, son, daughter,” as he says.For this special night, Patta, Melkweg and Skatecafé join forces to make ODU’s first time in Amsterdam a reality. Tickets are available now. Limited capacity. Come early. Leave changed. Don’t miss out! The doors open at 18:00 o'clock. For this special night we’ve invited The Jollof Club to take over the kitchen. Serving up their signature smoked Jollof Rice with Fried plantain and Suya chicken or Suya Beet (v). Come early and enjoy some jollof with us!

Interview by Passion Dzenga | Photography by Greg StanleyIn the ever-evolving landscape of hip hop, two artists have been quietly but consistently bending the rules. Birmingham rapper Sonnyjim and Sheffield producer Morriarchi come from different parts of the country, but share a deep commitment to craft, collaboration, and keeping things unpredictable.Sonnyjim’s deadpan flow and razor-sharp wordplay have seen him move between underground cult status and collaborations with legends like MF Doom, Jay Electronica, DJ Premier, and Madlib. Morriarchi, meanwhile, has carved out a reputation as a beatmaker with cinematic vision — pulling from dusty records, global travels, and Sheffield’s DIY spirit to create soundscapes that sit somewhere between hip hop, trip hop, and leftfield electronica.Together, they’ve built a partnership rooted in trust, experimentation, and an almost playful refusal to fit into one box. Their forthcoming record is their most expansive yet — spanning smoked-out jazz loops, heavy funk flips, and unexpected cinematic turns.Get familiar with the duo as they talk about their creative chemistry, the UK’s shifting musical landscape, and how to keep building when algorithms and AI threaten to flatten the sound. What follows is a conversation about community, chaos, and finding your voice in a scene that’s finally getting global attention.You’ve both been making waves in UK hip hop for quite a few years now, but your paths are very different. For anyone new to your work, how would you describe your sound?Sonnyjim: How would I describe my sound? Recently I’ve been asking ChatGPT this and it called it “deadpan luxury.” Personally, I don’t know. People say it’s smoked-out jazz, drumless — which I don’t really agree with. It’s always a hard one for me. I feel like I don’t really have a sound. I just rhyme on whatever I like — funk, disco, soul, abstract loops. Whatever I gravitate toward. I try not to put it in a box.Morriarchi: I’d say something similar. It’s not rooted in one style because I’m a DJ and collector first. I’m into sprawling tastes, going in multiple directions. Some people have called it chaotic, but I like adding a cinematic edge too — I’m a big film head. In the end, it’s not really for us to decide. The listener decides.Sonnyjim: Exactly. To us, it feels varied, but if you ask my girl, she’ll say all my shit sounds the same.Since you both started your musical journeys, the landscape has shifted a lot. How would you say Sheffield shaped your sound, Morriarchi? And Birmingham shaped yours, Sonnyjim?Morriarchi: Sheffield had more of a DIY techno and dub scene. No dominant hip hop scene. That made us breed something else, move at our own tempo.Sonnyjim: Birmingham was always active. Even when UK rap felt dead nationally 20 years ago, there was still a scene there. Being the second city, rooted in Jamaican and bhangra culture, there was always MCs, always a competitive spirit. That shaped me from early.Sonnyjim you’ve cited UK legends like Skinnyman alongside US influences like Jay-Z and Nas. How do you reconcile those two worlds?Sonnyjim: To me, it’s all the same. I don’t look at UK vs. US. If a rapper raps good, they rap good. I don’t differentiate. It’s just good music.Morriarchi your beats have a dusty, cinematic quality — almost like short films. Where does that come from? Old records, movies, experimentation?Morriarchi: All of it. I sometimes think of it like martial arts — learning techniques and finding what works for you. Early on I wanted to make beats like DJ Premier or DJ Muggs. Being in Sheffield, Warp Records and trip hop were huge influences too. But over time you want to dig deeper, find sounds that haven’t been over-sampled.At the end of the day, it’s not just what you do with a sample but the personality you add. Sometimes I think I should have added more technicality, but Sunny’s like, “Nah, it’s done.” His voice becomes the final instrument. Trusting that process is key.You’ve both worked with artists from Blah Records and beyond. What do you look for in a collaboration?Sonnyjim: These days, it’s more about knowing the person. Me and Morri knew each other for years before working. If I don’t enjoy the process, it’s not worth it, no matter how talented someone is.Morriarchi: Yeah, sense of humor helps too. Those inside jokes, little samples or skits we find funny — even if the audience doesn’t get them — they make it enjoyable for us. And that joy comes through in the music.Sonnyjim on the record White Girl Wasted you had an insane lineup — MF Doom, Jay Electronica, Premier, Madlib. How did those collaborations come about?Sonnyjim: Honestly, just from being around so long. It’s six degrees of separation. With Doom, we sent the beat and he wrote off it. Once we had Doom, we reached out to Jay. He was the hardest to get — we didn’t have a link until I saw him post on Instagram about four people to contact. I hit them all, one got back, and the rest is history. Premier I already had a relationship with, and Madlib came through Egon. I was sitting on Doom’s verse from 2018. Didn’t release it until five years later when the album came together.Let’s talk about your collaboration. What’s the creative process like? Beats first, bars first, chaos?Sonnyjim: Bit of everything. I’m always writing bars. Morri’s always cooking beats. Sometimes he brings me something saying, “I hear you on this.” Sometimes I ask him for a vibe I’ve been inspired by. He’s got so many crazy styles I haven’t even touched yet.Morriarchi: Mostly we’d send folders back and forth. A few times we worked in person. There was one beat I had to really convince Sonnyjim to get on. Took some psychedelic assistance to finish that one [laughs]. But then you get magic, like with Peace Ar. I played him the record in a pub, and he wrote the rhymes the next time we were in the studio.Sonnyjim: Yeah, that was the last song we recorded. Came together so organically. Some of these tracks were fresh — not sitting around for years — which makes the album feel alive to me.Do you ever disagree in the studio?Sonnyjim: Nah, never that. For me, part of picking collaborators is about trust and learning from each other. Sometimes I’ll think, “That doesn’t sit right,” and Morri will see it differently. Later I might realize he was right. We never had major disagreements — just small details.Morriarchi: Yeah, like whether to turn up a dog bark in the mix. Minor stuff. For the sequencing, I handled it, and Sonnyjim trusted me. I think sequencing still matters, even in the playlist era. It’s like chapters in a film.Sonnyjim: And Morri mixes are part of the production. First time I’ve experienced that. The mix itself shapes the sound.Your bars, Sonnyjim, are often dense with clever wordplay, references, and imagery. Do you start with concepts, or do the beats dictate where you take the vocal?Sonnyjim: It’s always different. Sometimes I’m just writing and I’ve got loads of bars anyway. Sometimes I’ll be in the studio, just playing beats all day and writing fresh. Sometimes I’ll write something for one beat, then try it over ten others and see what it fits best on. You’d be surprised how often a verse ends up fitting a beat I never would’ve chosen first. I try not to overthink. I’ve always got dozens of beats and rhymes on the go.Even when I’m not in the studio, verses just come to me. Sometimes in three or four minutes, sometimes in hours. It’s like crate-digging for producers — they’re always hunting records, new sounds, flipping stuff. For me it’s the same with rhymes. You don’t stop. It’s ingrained in your mind.And for yourself, Mitch, how do you balance experimenting with keeping your music listenable?Morriarchi: I think now, because I’ve built up a bunch of different styles, I don’t even notice what I’m doing half the time. I’ll just start making stuff, then bring more intention to it later.Experimentation is necessary. Especially now — when you’re up against AI, you’ve got to stay unpredictable. Like, if someone asks for a mariachi beat, hopefully the machine won’t even know what to do with that. I’ve seen Terminator — I’m not trying to lose that fight.Fingers crossed this interview doesn’t make it easier for the robots.Morriarchi: [laughs] They’re coding it out already.UK hip hop’s finally getting more international recognition, with stronger ties to the US underground. Do you feel like you’re part of a bigger global movement, or is what you’re doing still very much UK?Sonnyjim: For me, I’ve always felt part of the global movement. I’ve never considered myself strictly “UK hip hop.” I just saw myself as a rapper in the world who happened to live here. If anything, I’ve felt more of an outsider in the UK, and more accepted globally.Morriarchi: It’s an interesting one. Here, “UK hip hop” almost became a dirty word for a while. But now it’s healthier, more varied. Social media also leveled things out — people in Paris or London or anywhere can connect with it.Blah Records deserves a big shout too. They built on regionality — Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, London. All those personalities became part of something global. Personally, I’m proud to be from the UK, but I don’t want to just be boxed in as a “UK artist.” I’d rather just be seen as an artist, full stop.Keeping on the international theme — I want to touch on the Pataka Boys. You’ve spoken about bringing in sounds when traveling. What was it like creating music that’s so culturally layered?Sonnyjim: Credit for that goes fully to the producer. If you listen closely, there aren’t actually that many Indian textures — it’s more dialogue, little sounds, the atmosphere. That’s what gave it the feeling. Plus we were rapping in Punjabi and different dialects. But the producer really had the vision.When we started, he was just a kid. About 19. He’d never worked with rappers before — had made like a thousand beats, all crazy, but no experience in structuring an album. He trusted me and Pav, so in a way we produced it together. Honestly, it wasn’t even meant to be an album. Pav was staying at mine, we had a studio, he started recording me. Then he jumped on some tracks too. A few days later we had ten records, then we went to India and added more. Super organic. Funny thing is, now he’s my engineer. He records me remotely from India. He knows everything now. Six years later he’s a beast.What have been some of your favourite venues or cities to perform in?Sonnyjim: Paris. Always shows me love. London too. Amsterdam. But Paris is number one.Morriarchi: For me, it’s walking into a record shop abroad and seeing my vinyl in the stacks. That’s incredible. Japan is always special — Osaka’s got this unique energy. And Slovenia too — I played there recently, and the knowledge the crowd had blew me away.With so much music out, do you ever slow down?Sonnyjim: I will soon. I’ve got seven or eight albums sitting, waiting. After next year, I’ll probably take a break.Morriarchi: I work in cycles. 2020–21 I released loads, then slowed down. Now I’m trying to be more intentional, give things longevity. But if projects pile up, I’ve got to get them out.The new record, will we see it performed live?Sonnyjim: For sure. I’m so proud of this music, at least half the album’s going in my live set. Can’t wait to tour it.Morriarchi: Same. This album was really special. Sonny actually came up with the title.Sonnyjim: Yeah, just something I saw online that resonated. Showed it to Morri, and we built from there.Morriarchi: I love world-building. Whether it’s microwaves or ’90s rap, it’s about having a reference point, a box of inspiration to pull from. That makes the whole process richer. 

Interview by Passion DzengaRuff Sqwad's story begins long before the YouTube era—back when youth clubs had vinyl decks, pirate radio ruled the city, and a TDK tape could change your week. More than twenty years ago, a loose neighbourhood posse of about thirty friends tightened into a small music unit—Slix, Shifty Rydos and company—carrying the street name “Ruff Sqwad” into studios, stairwells, and transmitter rooms. Their early education was communal and hands-on: Ghanaian household sounds and pop radio at home, drum & bass and garage on the block, and hours spent DJing and MCing in youth centres that doubled as classrooms. Pirate radio turned that energy outward—bedroom recordings to Deja/Rinse FM reach—while pressing their own vinyl taught business before there was a blueprint. As Channel U/AKA beamed grime into living rooms, the crew condensed and professionalised, but the ethos stayed DIY: passion first, structure second. In-house producers pushed one another daily, forging a signature that’s emotional and militant at once—heard in era-defining instrumentals like “Together” and “Functions on the Low.” Two decades on, the landscape has shifted from subs to streams, yet the core hasn’t: community, craft, and the mission to move people at 140 BPM. This conversation traces that arc—from youth-club spark and pirate missions to national tours and international stages—and why, for Ruff Sqwad, the music still feels authentic. Take us back to the very beginning—how did Ruff Sqwad form, and who were the founding members? It started over 20 years ago as a big neighbourhood crew—about 30 of us hanging out and moving between youth clubs. From that, a smaller music unit formed: myself, Slix, and Shifty Rydos. We kept the larger crew’s name and carried it into the music—Rough Squad. We were about 12–13, learning as we went. Being together every day—DJing, MCing, messing with gear—turned friends into musical partners. For readers in the Netherlands who didn’t grow up with UK youth clubs—what were they like, and why were they important? Youth clubs were community spaces with pool tables, table tennis, and—crucially—music equipment. Many had vinyl decks or a little studio. If you had records or a way to get them, you could learn to mix; if you wrote bars, you could practise on the mic. One of my first memories is walking into Devon’s Road Youth Centre (The Linc Centre), seeing a young DJ blending two drum & bass tunes so clean it sounded like one—turned out it was Dizzee Rascal. Without those clubs, a lot of us wouldn’t have developed our skills or confidence. What sounds shaped you at home and around the ends before grime? At home: Ghanaian music and whatever was on national radio—pop, rock, chart hits. TV introduced us to the packaging of music—boy bands, pop acts—before wediscovered hip-hop, then UK sounds. In the area and at school we heard drum & bass and UK garage, which led us to grime. That mix—African/Caribbean roots, pop radio, and the UK underground—fed into our style. .When did you first ‘see yourselves’ in the music? For some of us, drum & bass/jungle came a bit earlier; for others, UK garage into early grime was the first time we saw people who talked like us, dressed like us, and came from where we came from—So Solid, Pay As U Go, that generation. In school, loads of MCs were Afro-Caribbean; it felt natural to step in. What did the first steps into pirate radio look like, and how did the crew name fit into that journey? We were making tapes in bedrooms—TDKs recorded at each other’s houses—long before radio. Hearing our first track “Tings in Boots” on air (shout to Triple S Crew on Magic FM) was magical. From there, pirate was the next level. Stations had hierarchies—Rinse FM and Deja Vu had huge reach—so moving from a smaller station to Deja felt like going from a 50-cap room to 1,000 people. Ruff Sqwad started as a street crew name; when radio came into the picture, the name was already established. What were those early pirate missions like—logistics, crews, and risks? We were kids travelling across London to abandoned flats or converted council spaces that hosted transmitters and studios. It could be risky—you’d hear rumours about certain areas—but the love for music outweighed it. We usually rolled five-deep at least, sometimes with non-musical friends in the entourage. Pirate radio took us out of our neighbourhoods and showed us the city. Was there guidance from elders, or was it self-driven? A bit of both. We were lucky: Dizzee, Wiley, DJ Target, and PAUG were from nearby, so those networks and youth clubs gave us proximity. You’d spit a lyric in a session, someone would clock you and invite you up. Early on, it was about being heard—getting a turn on the mic. When artists started getting signed, it clicked that this could change our lives. Talk us through your first vinyl—why press it, and how did you make it happen? “Tings in Boots” had heat on the underground—especially with a young Tinchy Stryder on vocals—so pressing it felt obvious. The model was clear from our peers: build a tune in the underground, get it on radio, cut dubplates, then press. We handled everything: booking studios, getting mixes, cutting dubs for radio, then pressing vinyl and hand-to-handing to shops. Some shops said no (and later those tracks became some of our biggest). Vinyl sales became our first legit income stream before proper shows and bookings scaled. How did distribution evolve once demand grew? At first, it was literally records in a car, shop to shop. As demand picked up, distributors stepped in to place stock across the country. It turned DIY hustle into a small business and taught us about the industry—production costs, timelines, margins—while keeping the streets involved. Looking back, what did that ecosystem—youth clubs, pirates, vinyl—give Rough Squad that streaming can’t?Access and identity. Youth clubs gave us skills and community. Pirate radio gave us reach, urgency, and a live feedback loop. Vinyl gave us ownership and revenue. Together, they made a pathway for kids from our ends to be heard—before algorithms—by sheer force of sound and consistency.Channel U/AKA put you on TV screens. How did that shift—from pirate sets and vinyl—change things?It condensed the crew. We started as 30 friends on the road, became 6–7 for the pirate era, and tightened further once TV rotation kicked in. When one of us started smashing shows nationwide with a bigger camp and then signed a deal, the spotlight widened. It felt strange at first—seeing your guy on other stations while you’re still doing your own sets—but it made sense and lifted the whole name. Tours followed, some of us jumped on those dates, and suddenly we’d gone from radio rooms to arenas of 10–15k.Mid-2000s grime went entrepreneurial—DVDs, tees, CDs, Star in the Hood, as well as exposure on commercial radio such as BBC Radio 1Xtra and Kiss FM. How did you keep the engine running as you moved from teens to young adults?Passion first, then structure. We lived together musically—woke up making tunes, passed houses to listen, hit radio twice a week, booked studio, pressed records. It wasn’t Google Calendars; it was brotherhood. Roles emerged: some of us organised sessions, deadlines and drops; others handled mixes, vinyl, videos. Because we were around each other 24/7, decisions happened in motion.“Together” still erupts clubs. What’s the origin story?Dirty Danger made the beat at around 14. It began as a loop—open, musical, cinematic. The moment it came through the wall, it felt special. He nearly binned it; we pushed him to finish it. In a later studio run (he funded the time), the hook got laid and the tune became a crew staple. It’s the clarity and space that let everyone paint emotion—that’s why it lasts.And “Functions on the Low”? How did that sound crystallise?Nothing was board-roomed. We had multiple in-house producers (each with a distinct palette) feeding off one another—same DAWs, different ears. Friendly pressure kept the bar high: if someone dropped four new riddims today, you weren’t showing up empty-handed tomorrow. We’d build a tune in a week to test it on radio the next. The overlap wasn’t formula; it was shared standards and constant iteration.Quality control in a big crew is tricky. How did you keep the sound coherent without boxing yourselves in?By listening—to each other and to the crowd. It wasn’t competition so much as catalysts: one synth line would spark another tune; a drum pocket would trigger a new flip. Because the workflow was relentless—five ideas a day at times—the weak fell away and the strongest ideas defined “the sound” organically.What’s changed in grime across 20+ years—and what hasn’t?DIY radio is gone, streaming is king, labels and platforms shifted the power a few times. But the culture cycles back: collaboration is up, the community feel is returning, and people are making grime because it moves them, not just the metrics. It doesn’t feel like 20 years because we never stopped.Grime’s international pull is real. Why keep bringing the sound to places like the Netherlands?Because the sound is bigger than us. It sits around 140 BPM, but it’s its own lane—recognisable, iconic, still evolving. We’re grateful to travel with it and rebuild, city by city. The Netherlands has long supported UK bass culture, and linking with local pillars only strengthens the ecosystem.If your music lived in a film, what genre would it score?Epic battle cinema—think 300 or Gladiator. Melodic, martial, high-stakes energy. It’s war music.On Saturday, November 1st, La Cassette take over MONO, Rotterdam presenting a crewnight. Bridging the gap between the Netherlands and the UK. Tickets are available now with party contributions starting at €14 and going up to €17.50.

Interview by Passion Dzenga  For our AW25 lookbook, we wanted every detail to reflect heritage, craftsmanship and modern storytelling — which is why we chose to style the collection with pieces from Fokko Juweliers. Known for their authentic Surinamese designs and deep cultural roots, Fokko doesn’t just create jewelry — they craft connection.As the largest Surinamese jewelry brand today, Fokko Juweliers is redefining what it means to wear tradition with pride. Their pieces blend ancestral craftsmanship with contemporary detail, honoring heritage while looking ahead. We caught up with the founder to get familiar with the story behind the brand — from humble beginnings on Facebook to becoming a million-euro company bridging cultures across the Netherlands and Suriname. Let’s dive in.First things first — how did Fokko Juweliers come to life? What’s the story behind the brand?After finishing my studies, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do. Together with a friend, Remi’s Juwelen — a Surinamese jeweler in Groningen — I started selling Surinamese jewelry online via platforms like Marktplaats and Facebook. We had a one-week delivery time.Over time, demand started growing, not just locally but from all over the country. At the time, Surinamese jewelry wasn’t really available online, so I decided to start my own brand: Fokko Juweliers. I didn’t want to name the business after myself directly, so I used my middle name — Fokko, named after my Dutch grandfather. That was back in 2009.As the brand grew, I launched Fokko Design in 2011: my own line of Surinamese jewelry inspired by authentic cultural pieces. Today, we ship over 10,000 orders a year, with an annual turnover of more than a million euros, and have a team of 10 people working with us.That’s an impressive journey! What are the values that drive Fokko Juweliers?At Fokko Juweliers, we’re deeply rooted in several core values that guide everything we do. Authenticity is at the heart of our work — we’re committed to preserving the traditional Surinamese culture and craftsmanship in every single piece we create. Our jewelry is a celebration of heritage, and we strive to keep that spirit alive through careful, meaningful design.Craftsmanship is equally important. Every item is created with precision, care, and an eye for detail — high quality isn’t optional; it’s a standard. We also place great value on diversity, reflecting the richness of Suriname’s multicultural society, where different ethnic influences come together in harmony. Sustainability is another pillar of our approach. We use eco-friendly materials and ethical production methods to ensure that our impact is positive, not just culturally, but environmentally as well.Connection plays a big role in our mission. We aim to connect people with Surinamese history and culture through our jewelry, and we’re proud to collaborate with Surinamese businesses — from local photographers to marketing partners. Our photos are often taken in Suriname itself, reinforcing that connection.We also feel immense pride — in our heritage, our team, and in the ability to share Surinamese stories with the world. Through our blog, we strive to raise awareness and appreciation for Suriname and its unique jewelry traditions. Finally, creativity is woven into our process. We love innovating and creating designs that respect traditional elements while incorporating a modern style.You operate in both the Netherlands and Suriname. How do the markets differ?There’s a notable difference in production methods between the two markets. In Suriname, jewelry is often handmade or crafted using basic molds, which results in pieces that may not have the polished finish expected in the Netherlands. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in advanced machinery and in training local Surinamese talent. Thanks to these investments, we’re now able to produce Surinamese jewelry that matches Dutch standards in both quality and finish. We can achieve intricate details that wouldn’t have been possible by hand alone, allowing us to blend tradition with modern precision.What makes Fokko Design stand out from other jewelry brands?What sets us apart is the authentic cultural connection embedded in each of our designs. Our jewelry tells genuine stories rooted in Surinamese traditions and customs, whereas many competing brands often create more generic, commercial pieces that lack that specific cultural background — and often, any personal connection to Suriname at all.We also work with authentic Surinamese materials and traditional techniques. For instance, we use the original hand-blown Ala Kondre beads, while others opt for cheaper Chinese replicas. This commitment to authenticity is a defining aspect of our brand. But we don’t stop there. We offer more than just products — we provide a full cultural experience. Whether it’s through our blog or sponsorship of Surinamese events, we create a space where people can engage with and feel proud of their heritage.And importantly, our jewelry remains affordable. For us, it’s not just about profit. Our mission is to tell Suriname’s story — and we want as many people as possible to be able to access and connect with it. Each piece we create reflects Suriname’s rich history, traditions, and cultural diversity, allowing our customers to wear something meaningful and proudly rooted in identity.What kind of partners or retailers do you collaborate with?When we look for partners to carry our Surinamese jewelry brand, we seek those who align with our vision and values. It’s important that they have a deep respect and appreciation for the cultural heritage behind our designs. We want to work with people who can genuinely communicate that story to their customers, because in Surinamese culture, jewelry holds significant meaning.We also prioritize quality. Our ideal partners are committed to offering their clients high-quality, handcrafted pieces — not mass-produced products. On top of that, they should be passionate about creating a strong customer experience — one that’s personal, warm, and meaningful.We value collaboration and want to work with people who are enthusiastic about growing with us. We believe our jewelry is much more than an accessory — it carries stories, memories, and identity. So, any partner we work with needs to understand what they’re offering and why it matters.And who is your typical customer?Our typical customer is someone who’s not just shopping for jewelry, but looking for something truly meaningful. They value craftsmanship and authenticity and are often drawn to the cultural and personal significance behind our pieces. These are people who want to wear or gift something that tells a story — something that resonates with their heritage, or simply stands out for its uniqueness.When they visit Fokko Juweliers, they’re looking for more than just a purchase. They want to feel welcomed, receive expert guidance, and be inspired. Our customers appreciate the personal attention we offer, as well as the passion and care we put into every single piece. It’s crucial that our team has in-depth knowledge to match each customer with something that truly suits their style, story, and wishes.In short, they’re seeking a warm, trustworthy, and authentic shopping experience where they feel heard, valued, and understood.Looking ahead — what’s next for Fokko Juweliers?We’re always looking forward and evolving based on our experience and customer feedback. While we’re proud of our current collection, we’re also excited about its future growth. In the coming months, we plan to introduce new designs that bring together Suriname’s rich cultural elements with modern trends.Another key goal is expanding our network of retail partners, especially in Belgium and eastern parts of the Netherlands, so we can share our passion with even more people. But for us, growth needs to be sustainable. Expanding too quickly can compromise quality and our close connection with customers — something we never want to lose.That’s why we take our time. We’re focused on maintaining the high standards we’ve set, both in our jewelry and in our customer service. Quality will always come before quantity for us. Sustainable growth allows us to stay true to our values and ensures that we remain a reliable, thoughtful, and personal brand long into the future.What legacy do you hope Fokko Juweliers leaves behind?We’re proud that Fokko Design has become the largest Surinamese jewelry brand — and that didn’t happen overnight. It took years of passion, hard work, and staying true to our identity. We’ve built a strong, trusted name both in Suriname and the Netherlands, and our customers see us as a reliable and inspiring brand that honors Surinamese culture and brings it to life through beautiful jewelry.Our biggest hope is to continue connecting people to Suriname’s rich traditions, and to do so with authenticity, quality, and care. We want to be remembered not just for our products, but for the stories we told, the people we inspired, and the cultural pride we shared with the world. 

This marks the third year that Patta and Keep Hush come together — and you know what they say, three’s the magic number. So this time, we’re going bigger. We’ve called upon three of our favourite Amsterdam-based collectives — Sankofa Archives, Mosaiko and Studio Strip — to help us bring the energy higher than ever. This isn’t your average ADE rave. This is community in motion — collectives linking up, sounds colliding and people coming together to build something bigger than themselves.Patta x Keep Hush:AMARA • Cheyanne Hudson • NoizBoiz (Live) • MIXTRESS b2b Passion DEEZ • L-Dopa • Slimfit • YENTZYZ • ZillaSankofa Archives:Bxxmbastic • DENNIS FREE • Hey Bony • Itz3bby • Kekoto (Live) • Monicashflow • VPPIVH • Hosted by Kala CitéMosaiko x Studio Strip:MAJI • Chance di Finèsse • Awhlkun • Sia Sierra📍 Skatecafé, Amsterdam📆 Saturday, October 25th🎟️ Tickets are live now — don’t sleep. Join the movement and secure your spot at Patta x Keep Hush, where the community takes centre stage.

Interview by Passion DzengaTwo decades deep in the Dutch underground, NoizBoiz stands as living proof that grime, garage, and bass music transcend borders. Emerging from the streets of Rotterdam in the early 2000s, they fused UK-inspired 140 energy with their own Caribbean-Dutch influences — long before “international grime” was even a term. What started as teens freestyling over jungle and drum & bass beats evolved into one of the Netherlands’ most pioneering collectives, bridging local street culture, graffiti, and skate scenes with a distinctly UK sound.From DIY setups to international tours, NoizBoiz’s journey mirrors the pulse of grime itself — resourceful, raw, and endlessly adaptive. Along the way, they connected with UK heavyweights like Wiley, Skepta, and JME, culminating in collaborations that helped cement their legacy as cross-continental innovators. Through their long-running series NoizBoiz Presenteert: Zware Bassen, Zware Beats, they’ve built a platform that not only champions Dutch producers and MCs but also keeps the UK–Dutch sound system dialogue alive and evolving.Now, with over twenty years in the game, a new generation of collaborators, and their official DJ Jill-Ann joining the crew, NoizBoiz continue to evolve while staying true to their foundation — heavy beats, heavy bars, and full authenticity. Speaking from Los Angeles, Axel and Don spoke to us ahead of their upcoming Patta x Keep Hush performance and new project drop. They reflect on the origins, lessons, and future of a movement that’s always been too real to fade.What was the spark moment when NoizBoiz became more than just friends messing about?Me and Mucky have known each other since I was about 15 and he was 13. Before either of us did music, we were just big on sound — hip-hop, dancehall, jungle. We started writing parts here and there in school before grime even existed. At the time, it was all drum & bass and jungle. We went to a lot of those raves in Rotterdam — the DNB nights called ‘Illy Noiz’ — and when grime came along, it felt like a natural next step because we were already deep into garage and jungle. Once we heard Eski beats and Wiley’s productions, we just wanted to make that kind of sound ourselves. That’s how it started.How were you exposed to those early grime beats?Garage was big here — especially around 2001–2002 — with collectives like SPEADFREAX (SPDFRX) in Rotterdam, a clubnight showcasing UK Garage music. It started evolving into something darker, and that sound caught us. We had MTV Base for a short while, so that’s how we first saw So Solid Crew and More Fire Crew. Then came Limewire and Kazaa — old-school download platforms. We’d type in whatever names we found and download sets. One day we saw “Rinse” pop up, and that’s how we discovered Rinse FM. From there, we found Deja, Heat FM, and other pirate stations. That’s what really pulled us into grime.Was there a pirate radio scene in the Netherlands?Not really. There were underground parties, but nothing like the pirate culture in the UK. Hip-hop was around, but it wasn’t big — more underground. There were maybe one or two mainstream artists, but the pirate MC-and-DJ format wasn’t really a thing. We had illegal hip-hop parties and warehouse events, but not radio. Drum & bass, though, that was thriving. In Rotterdam, we had nights like Illy Noiz at Nighttown and Resistance at Waterfront. You could smoke in there, they’d play drum & bass, and show skateboarding videos on small screens. Me and Mucky were into graffiti and skating too — it all came from the same energy.That crossover of music, graffiti, and skating feels like part of the same culture.Exactly. It’s street energy. And even though I come from a Caribbean background, my parents didn’t play that kind of music — more soul and Surinamese tunes. My cousins brought dancehall tapes from Suriname, so I grew up on Super Cat and Shabba Ranks. The MC energy in that music was what connected me to grime later. It’s the same spirit.How did you both start making music? Did you have musical backgrounds?Yeah. My dad was a gospel singer, so there was always music in the house. I played piano as a kid. Mucky played saxophone and was always technical — if you gave him software or gear, he’d master it in three days. That curiosity drove him to start producing. We’d listen to beats and think, “How’s this made?” and then try to make our own versions.How would you describe the NoizBoiz sound today?It’s always been a blend. From our first album in 2008, we had grime, garage, dubstep, drum & bass — everything. That’s why people couldn’t box us in. We’d get booked for house raves, hip-hop festivals, school parties — anywhere with loud music. In the Netherlands back then, people didn’t know what grime was. They’d see a Black guy with a mic and assume hip-hop, or think it sounded like pop or house. But we just did our thing. Over time, we’d win people over — by the end of the set, they’d be like, “What is this? It’s mad!”Where has music taken you that you never expected?Everywhere, man. I once took 60 flights in one summer just for music. I’m sitting in a studio in Los Angeles right now because of NoizBoiz. We’ve toured, travelled, and connected through this sound. I’ve been to Suriname multiple times because of music — sometimes for my own shows, sometimes managing artists. Music’s given me everything.Tell us about the ‘NoizBoiz Presenteert: Zware Bassen, Zware Beats’ series and your 2025 release.The series started in 2010, originally inspired by an early member, Kariszma, who coined a name that summed up our sound — heavy basses, heavy beats. NoizBoiz Presenteert is a banner to showcase the spectrum we love — grime, garage, dubstep, drum & bass — not just our own tracks. The 2010 launch party sold out and really put us on the map; people were buying tickets to another main-room event just to get into ours. From there we kept the series moving — 2012, 2014, and now into 2025 — always pushing the sound and platforming likeminded producers and MCs across the Netherlands. Hayzee (now Southeast Hayes) from Zwart Licht was part of the ZBZB series too, alongside day-ones like Hazat and newer faces such as Nelcon.What collaborations only happened because of the music—like your big collab with Wiley?We met Wiley through a chain of shows and mutual friends. Years back we played a small Amsterdam festival where Skepta and JME were also booked. Backstage they told us, “You lot have proper grime—but you’re not even from England.” We stayed in touch. Later, at a Westerpark festival where Skepta performed with Maximum, Wiley was around; Skepta introduced us properly. Wiley said he loved Rotterdam and took my number—then actually pulled up. He ended up staying in town for about half a year. Mucky was constantly making beats; producers were sending riddims daily. We were spinning ideas in the kitchen when Wiley clocked one beat, left for Cyprus, called back five days later like, “I need that one.” He came back, he and Mucky made “Speakerbox”, then we cut our version “Fris” (NoizBoiz ft. Wiley). From there Wiley dropped “Boasty”, which blew up. All of that sprang from live shows, real conversations, and the music connecting first.Who’s been part of the journey—day-ones and new faces?Both. Our guys Hazat have been with us since the beginning. More recently we’ve pulled in younger talent like Nelcon—he told us our work influenced his style, and when we linked up we could tell he really knows his stuff. From the second installment we had producers like Curifex (dubstep/garage). When I’m back in Holland after ADE we’ve got a session planned with Styn. The aim is always to bridge generations and keep the ecosystem alive.You mentioned Styn — what’s the story there?Fun one: Don hosted a radio show back in the day and was the first person to play a Styn tune on air — Styn told us that recently. I’ve done an official remix for a track he produced with Brunzyn, and there’s a little reel on Instagram where I’m styled like him. It’s garage-leaning; full-circle moments like that are what keep it exciting.Your latest 101Barz session made noise. What were you trying to push there?We’ve done a few 101Barz sessions. The most recent one was about platforming the scene: bringing through Lost (Soultrash), Nelcon, and GGG, an original NoizBoiz member from way back — we even brought GGG to 101Barz ourselves. 101Barz reaches the youth; after it dropped, kids at my football club were like, “Sir, we saw you on 101!” It’s a powerful way to put grime and bass music to new ears.What are the biggest lessons from 20+ years — artistic and business-wise?Artistically: authenticity is everything. We once overthought an album (2014’s Oase) and promised ourselves never again — remember why we started. Live shows are our superpower, so we work with people who understand that. Business-wise: partner with teams who actually listen and get your vision. We’re with Mojo now on terms that suit us, and it’s a respectful, flexible relationship.What can people expect from the next run of shows?At ADE we’re doing more DJ-driven sets, and at Patta x Keep Hush we’ll add a live performance — energy high, a mix of new cuts and classics. We’re in LA wrapping a new project and aiming for festival shows next summer. Stay tuned — new music is loading, and we’ll be road-testing it soon.As the beat of Amsterdam Dance Event 2025 builds, Patta and Keep Hush return for the third time — and you know what they say: three’s the magic number. This year, the partnership levels up, uniting three of the city’s most forward-thinking collectives — Sankofa Archives, Mosaiko, and Studio Strip — for a night that goes far beyond your standard ADE rave.This is community in motion: collectives linking up, sounds colliding, and energy multiplying into something bigger than the sum of its parts. From live sets by NoizBoiz to stacked B2Bs, selectors, and special guests, it’s an all-Amsterdam celebration of sound system culture, experimentation, and underground connection.Tickets are live now — don’t sleep. Join the movement and secure your spot at Patta x Keep Hush, where the community takes centre stage.

When Patta touches down, it’s never just an event — it’s a statement. For the Patta x Nike DN8 launch in Marseille, we brought that same energy to the south of France with a weekend that celebrated community, culture, and connection through motion.We kicked things off with a community run through the city — local crews, visiting runners, and Patta Fam all laced up to move as one. No medals, no finish lines — just rhythm, sweat, and unity on Marseille streets, powered by the DN8’s flow.As the sun dipped, we flipped the pace. The night belonged to the music — a club session that brought together Marseille’s finest selectors and international guests for a night that moved like the city itself: raw, unpredictable, and full of heat. Beats bounced off walls, basslines rolled like waves, and the DN8 spirit ran through every drop.All day long, the celebration continued live on air with a Oroko radio broadcast takeover, broadcasting from the heart of the city. DJs, artists, and local voices came together to share stories, sounds, and what it means to move with purpose — connecting scenes, bridging frequencies.Marseille showed us that when you move together, you move forward.

Photography by Axel Joseph | Interview by Passion DzengaFrom the streets of Luanda to the global stage, Pongo has turned movement into meaning. Once known as “M’Pongo Love,” a name given to her by her father during her recovery, she has carried that strength into a career defined by resilience, rhythm, and reinvention. As one of the most distinctive voices in Kuduro, Pongo embodies the duality of survival and celebration — transforming her personal story into an unstoppable force of sound and identity.In this conversation, she reflects on her journey from the train stations of Lisbon to international fame with Buraka Som Sistema, the creation of the anthemic “Kalemba (Wegue Wegue),” and the lessons learned about ownership, artistry, and self-worth. Speaking candidly about healing, independence, and the evolution of Kuduro, Pongo reveals how she’s balancing her Angolan roots with a global vision — and why her mission now is to inspire a new generation to move, dream, and express themselves unapologetically.Your father nicknamed you M’Pongo Love during your recovery. Do you feel that name and the story behind it still echoes in your identity as Pongo today?Partly, yes. Today I also identify with the strength of the artist M’Pongo Love. She deeply inspires me — not only through her resilience, but through her independence. She even created her own record label later in her career, and that motivates me to keep working toward having my own label one day too.Can you take me back to the moment you first saw Denon Squad performing on the street? What did that spark inside you?At the time, I used to make that journey twice a week, and I was always curious to see Denon Squad performing at the train station. On my way to physiotherapy, they would be dancing and singing Kuduro, and from the very first time I saw them, something powerful awoke inside me — a strong sense of belonging and identity.When you first began dancing and rapping, did you see it as escape, empowerment, or both?Both. I was already dancing at family events — it was always a competition between the kids! I also took part in neighborhood dance battles back in Angola. When I moved to Portugal, I started rapping in my teenage years, so for me, it was all connected: an escape from the challenges of growing up, and a source of empowerment from the very beginning.At just 16, you went from performing with friends in the street to sharing stages with Buraka Som Sistema. What was that transition like for you?When I joined Denon Squad, I was just a dancer. I ended up participating in a song they were recording, and that track was later shared with Buraka Som Sistema. That’s how they reached out to me — and for me, it felt surreal. Everything happened so fast.“Kalemba (Wegue Wegue)” became a global hit almost overnight. Did you realize, when you wrote it, how much impact it would have?Honestly, no. The entire composition of Kalemba (Wegue Wegue) was deeply personal for me. It was rooted in my story — in the way my parents, as immigrants in Portugal, kept our Angolan culture alive in our daily lives. The global impact was something I only realized later. Seeing the song cross borders and connect people around the world was a huge surprise, but also a confirmation that when art comes from an honest place, it finds its way. Kalemba was exactly that — a spontaneous celebration that grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined.Leaving Buraka Som Sistema must have been difficult. Looking back, what lessons did that chapter teach you about ownership and self-worth in the music industry?I didn’t choose to leave Buraka — the group made that decision for me. And because of that, I decided not to return. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. That project wasn’t just about music; it was a movement, a community, a family. Over time, though, I realized that even as we were breaking sonic and cultural boundaries, I already had a strong sense of control over my creative identity — especially within Kuduro. That experience taught me that if you don’t define your role and your value from the start, someone else will do it for you. Since then, I’ve become much more intentional about understanding contracts, royalties, and the business side of art. But most importantly, I learned that self-worth isn’t tied to the size of the platform or the volume of applause. Sometimes, stepping away is the most powerful thing you can do — especially when it means choosing yourself, your voice, and your future.Kuduro has often been misunderstood or pigeonholed in Europe. How do you describe it, and what makes it so powerful to you?For me, Kuduro is much more than a musical style — it’s an expression of resistance, energy, and identity. It was born on the streets of Angola as a form of liberation, driven by the Kazukuta and Hip-Hop cultural movement. Its force comes from both body and soul. What makes it powerful is its ability to bring people together — to turn pain into dance, and to tell stories that come from our African roots.Your work brings in influences from Angola, Portugal, and global club culture. How do you balance honoring tradition with pushing boundaries?For me, tradition and innovation are not opposites — they walk side by side and strengthen each other. Honoring tradition means keeping the spirit and truth of Kuduro alive, but it’s also about experimenting, mixing sounds, and taking that energy into new spaces.You often sing in Kimbundu and Portuguese. How important is it for you to weave language and cultural identity into your music?Language carries memory, history, and emotion. By weaving it into my music, I invite listeners into my cultural universe. It’s my way of saying that our languages belong in contemporary music — and that we can stay true to ourselves even when we’re speaking to the whole world.After everything you’ve lived through, do you see music more as a form of survival or a celebration?For me, music is both survival and celebration. It’s still my refuge during difficult times and gives me strength when I feel like giving up. But it’s also joy, freedom, and celebration. Each song is a way of honoring what I’ve been through while celebrating who I am and who I’m still becoming.Mental health and trauma are often taboo topics in immigrant communities. How have you learned to process yours, and does that healing appear in your songs?It’s true — talking about mental health and trauma is still taboo in many communities, not only among immigrants. In my case, I had to find the courage to look inward, to face my pain, and to transform it into art. Music became a space for healing. When I write and sing, I’m often processing those wounds, and I believe that energy reaches the people who listen.Winning the Music Moves Europe Talent Award in 2020 was huge. Did that feel like recognition not only for you, but for Kuduro as a whole?Winning that award was a huge milestone. It wasn’t just personal recognition — it felt like recognition for Kuduro and for Angolan culture. I was proud to represent that collective strength and show that our music belongs on the global stage.Your EPs Baia and Uwa felt like bold statements of independence. How do they differ in terms of your personal journey?Baia was a cry for independence — a moment where I affirmed my voice and said, “I have my own path.” Uwa is more mature and introspective; it speaks about healing, ancestry, and rebirth. Together, they trace my evolution — from liberation to deeper self-discovery and creative vision.Kuduro is now inspiring younger generations globally. Do you feel a responsibility to guide where it goes next?Yes, I do — and I carry that responsibility with love. Kuduro is a living movement, and seeing it inspire younger generations is beautiful. I want to help show that it can grow without losing its roots — that it can speak to the world while staying authentic. I see myself as a bridge between the past and the future, inspiring others to respect where Kuduro comes from while exploring where it can go.If a young Angolan girl living in Lisbon listens to your music, what do you hope she feels?I hope she feels seen and represented. I want her to know that her voice matters — that her origins are something to be proud of — and that she can achieve anything without ever having to apologize for who she is. I want her to feel pride, strength, and freedom, and to know that she belongs, just as she is.Finally — what’s next for Pongo? Where do you want this journey to take you in the coming years?What comes next is growth — exploring new sounds, collaborating with artists from different parts of the world, and bringing Kuduro to spaces it’s never reached before. I want this journey to be long and full of discovery. Most of all, I want to keep telling real stories — my own, those of my people, and those of the world — and continue inspiring others to do the same.Don’t miss it! During Amsterdam Dance Event, Pongo brings her explosive blend of Kuduro, Afrofunk, and global club energy to Paradiso for an unforgettable live show full of rhythm, power, and freedom. Expect pure adrenaline, unstoppable movement, and a performance as visually striking as it is emotional. Experience the voice of a new Kuduro generation live — get your tickets now for Pongo at Paradiso during ADE!