Freak de l'Afrique

Freak de l'Afrique
© Goethe Institut Kigali

Through music, events and fashion Freak de l’Afrique will continuously spread a forward thinking, unexpected, sometimes provocative but most of all positive lifestyle inspired by AFRICA!

Freak de l’Afrique is a Berlin based collective of DJs and producers who share a common passion for electrifying African club music.
The movement started in 2012 when the first members of the collective threw their first party named Afro Heat at the legendary Cookies nightclub. Over the following years more and more members joined the group playing national and international gigs throughout Europe and Africa.
 

You're a collective of different DJs. How did you all get to know each other?

The collective got to know each other in Berlin's nightlife. We noticed that we all missed the modern Afro sound in the clubs so we got together to change that.
 

What is the interesting thing about working in a team? What is it that makes you progress together?

That you learn from each other and everyone has their own abilities.
 

You tour with Freak de l'Afrique through a total of 4 East African countries. What is tour life like for you?

The tour life is very interesting and informative. As we have a lot to do with music it is very interesting to get to know new music styles like in Mozambique, where we got to know the Pandza Sound, which you would never experience so easily.
 

How does tour life here differ from that in Europe/Germany?

Apart from the music, you get to know a lot about the different cultures.
 

Which performance do you remember in particular?

Difficult question, because all appearances were very nice. It would be a lie if we decided for one country. It was just great everywhere and every gig had its own charm.
 

During a workshop you got to know Rwandan DJs and exchanged ideas. How were these encounters for you?

Very interesting because we were able to teach the DJs a lot and they accepted it gratefully.
 

What is especially important for a DJ?

He should know his genre very well and master the latest hits as well as the classics, but also have the courage to play extraordinary things. He should also be able to read the audience well and, if necessary, adapt his own style more to the audience instead of playing his own program hard.
 

You have already got to know many African countries. How does Rwanda differ from other countries for you?

We immediately noticed the cleanliness, high security and order in Rwanda. However, there is a lack of creative support towards the artist scene, there is still some catching up to do.