Interview by Marie-Pauline Cesari

Duo Afrokillerz is renowned for their unique musicality, combining the richness of African rhythms with pulsating tech-house beats. Their music is a celebration of culture, especially the African beat, fusing ancestral traditions with the modernity of electronic music. With a growing fan base, the duo has been a constant presence at different events and festivals worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the international Afro-Tech music scene. 

After years of anticipation and numerous successful songs, the highly-awaited debut album of the Portuguese duo AFROKILLERZ is finally here this Friday, November 3rd, with the release of the album UKÄRÄ.
UKÄRÄ features 11 exceptional tracks that exemplify AFROKILLERZ’s dedication to taking electronic music with African influences to new heights. The album’s first highlight is the track “Nha Manera” (2022), which featured a collaboration with the talented Allis from the 608 Records label (which also includes Rafael Leão, aka Way45). This track also marked the duo’s integration into the renowned Kazukuta Records label, led by the international DJ and producer DJEFF.

Landz and Safari, you are the duo members behind Afrokillerz. How did you meet and where does your passion for electronic music come from?

We have known each other for over 10 years. We both hail from Chelas, Lisbon, and it’s from there that Afrokillerz was born, a project that blends electronic music and urban rhythms, enriched by diverse influences and cultures. Our passion for electronic music goes way back. I, Landz, developed my musical taste under the influence of renowned DJs such as Djeff and Motafied Beatz, who became significant inspirations for me. On the other hand, Safari, perhaps due to his upbringing in an environment where dance was highly valued, with his mother’s background in dance and his father being a DJ, had little choice but to follow the path of music, particularly through percussion. With all these influences and his love for music and dance, he finally took his first steps in the world of music production. 

How would you describe the style of your music? How would you define the aesthetic of Afrokillerz?

Throughout our extensive career, we’ve shared a collection of singles, and now, after much anticipation, we are thrilled to announce the release of our upcoming album, UKÄRÄ. With this new project, we believe our listeners will notice a maturation in our music. We’ve placed a strong emphasis on sound quality and the spatial dimensions of our tracks within this album.

In terms of our music style and the Afrokillerz aesthetic, we would describe it as a fusion of various electronic music genres with a unique Afro-inspired twist. Our sound combines elements of house, techno, and other electronic sub-genres, all infused with rhythmic and melodic elements rooted in African and urban influences. It’s a blend designed to make you move, feel, and experience music on a deeper level. We aim to create an immersive sonic journey that resonates with a wide range of music lovers. UKÄRÄ, in particular, exemplifies our commitment to delivering a more mature and high-quality musical experience.

Why did you choose ‘Countdown’ as the lead single of this debut album?

We chose “Countdown” as the lead single for our debut album for a variety of reasons. The album is filled with energetic tracks that reflect our signature style, and it even features collaborations with other artists whose work we personally admire. In this case, with “Countdown,” it was a gut feeling that led us to release this single, as it perfectly captures the sunset vibe of the summer months. We believed it was the right choice, and it has been one of the most-played tracks since then. 

How did the collaboration with DJ Szon come about? Is there any other artist you dream of working with?

Our collaboration with Szon came about through the recommendation of mutual friends in the music industry. We were actively seeking a vocalist who could bring the right vibe to our single “Countdown,” a track on our upcoming album. When we heard Szon’s incredible vocal range and versatility, we knew we had found the perfect artist to complement our musical style. 

As for dream collaborations, there are so many talented artists we’d love to work with. It’s difficult to pick just one! We’re open to collaborating with musicians and producers from a wide range of genres, as long as they share our passion for music and can add their own unique touch to our sound. The possibilities are endless, and we’re excited to explore future collaborations that will push our creative boundaries even further. 

Can you tell us more about the collaboration with DJEFF and the release of your album under Kazukuta Records?

Our connection with DJEFF and the release of our album under Kazukuta Records came about during a phase when we were looking to elevate our music to the next level. It was at that time that we crossed paths with Kazukuta, and it was serendipitous because we had already been harboring this idea within us. DJEFF’s expertise and his stature in the music industry have accelerated our growth and development as artists. We’ve had the opportunity to absorb knowledge and insights that might have taken much longer to acquire independently. This partnership between DJEFF and Kazukuta Records has played a pivotal role in shaping our musical journey and helping us reach new heights in our careers. 

Can you share more about this new album and what listeners can expect from it?

What listeners can expect from our upcoming album will depend on their preferences and expectations. We’ve crafted the album with various types of listeners in mind. For those looking for new music, they can anticipate fresh and innovative sounds that push the boundaries of electronic music. If you’re someone who appreciates the atmospheric qualities of music, our album has been meticulously designed to create immersive sonic experiences, taking you on a journey through different moods and emotions. And for our loyal fans, you can simply expect to hear more of the signature Afrokillerz sound you love, with our unique touch and style. 

We’ve approached this album with the goal of offering a diverse listening experience, catering to a wide range of musical tastes. Our aim was to provide something for everyone while staying true to our artistic vision, so there’s a little bit of everything in there for our listeners to enjoy. 

What are your main inspirations when creating your music?

As Safari, my sources of inspiration are deeply rooted in the world around me. The beauty of a sunset, the ebb and flow of my daily experiences—these are the raw materials that influence the music. 

Each creation begins with a powerful emotion or a compelling experience, serving as the catalyst for the music we craft. It’s a journey from feeling to song, and our aim is to transform these feelings into compositions that resonate with our audience. The core of this process is the music itself, a medium through which we can convey the depth of our emotions and offer our distinctive perspective to our listeners. 

How would you describe the role of African culture and ancestral traditions in your music?

The role of African culture and ancestral traditions in our music is of great significance. While our album may have a predominantly electronic sound, it doesn’t stop there. Every rhythm, tone, and sequence in our music carries connections to other genres such as semba and morna, which are traditional music styles from our respective backgrounds in Angola and Cape Verde. We also draw from a broader spectrum of African sounds, as these cultural elements are deeply rooted in our heritage. 

Furthermore, the influence of our ancestral traditions extends beyond UKÄRÄ. We have future projects in mind that explore and pay homage to various ethnicities, communities, and continents that inspire us. These projects will continue to reflect the rich tapestry of cultural influences that shape our musical journey. 

How would you describe the role of African culture and ancestral traditions in your music?

The role of African culture and ancestral traditions in our music is of great significance. While our album may have a predominantly electronic sound, it doesn’t stop there. Every rhythm, tone, and sequence in our music carries connections to other genres such as semba and morna, which are traditional music styles from our respective backgrounds in Angola and Cape Verde. We also draw from a broader spectrum of African sounds, as these cultural elements are deeply rooted in our heritage. 
The influence of our ancestral traditions extends beyond UKÄRÄ. We have future projects in mind that explore and pay homage to various ethnicities, communities, and continents that inspire us. These projects will continue to reflect the rich tapestry of cultural influences that shape our musical journey. 

How do you see the impact of your music on the international Afro-Tech scene?

We feel that our music has the potential to put our origins on the map, and we recognize that Afro-Tech has a broader reach in other regions. However, it’s essential for us to stay connected to our roots and acknowledge that there is an abundance of talent in our home countries, just like ours. 

Our impact on the international Afro-Tech scene is a reflection of the rich musical heritage that we draw inspiration from. We want to bring attention to the talent and creativity that exist in our communities, and we hope that our music serves as a vehicle for amplifying the voices and talents of artists from our regions and similar backgrounds. By making our mark on the global stage, we aim to open doors and create opportunities for others who share our passion and roots in Afro-Tech! 

What are your artistic and creative goals for this album and beyond?

Our artistic and creative aspirations for this album and the future are akin to painting a vivid and ever-evolving canvas, we would say. With this album, we sought to compose a symphony of emotions and experiences, like a masterpiece that captures the essence of our musical journey. 
Looking beyond, our vision is to create sonic landscapes that transcend boundaries, blending the traditional and the contemporary, the familiar and the avant-garde. We aim to be musical explorers, venturing into uncharted territory while remaining grounded in our Afro-Tech heritage. The ultimate goal is to craft music that serves as a universal language, a medium for storytelling that resonates deeply with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. 

What is the role of fashion in your personal life and work? Is it a medium you wish to explore one day?

Fashion plays a significant role in my (Safari) life, perhaps influenced by my mother, who was a seamstress and always allowed me to have clothing customized to fit me with a unique touch. As I transitioned into adulthood and my career as an artist, I wanted to remain closely connected to fashion. It’s a reflection of who we are and how society is evolving, and it serves as a vehicle for artistic expression. I must admit that we have a certain sense of vanity when it comes to fashion. 

Fashion is not only a means of self-expression, but also a way to connect with our audience on a visual level. It’s a medium that allows us to communicate our personalities and cultural influences. While our primary focus is on music, we are open to exploring the world of fashion more deeply in the future, as it complements our artistic expression and allows us to connect with our audience differently.