No Bullshit Talk with ARTYDAL & JOSS

INTERVIEW BY FRANCK OLIVIER

ARTYDAL & JOSS – PANAFRICANO LAUNCH PARTY – 12.08.2023

Personal Journey and Inspiration: “What’s the most transformative moment in your life that led you to become the DJs you are today?“

Artydal:
The most transformative moment in my DJ career occurred after I launched my first EP release “Heelma” (it means a DREAM in Tunisian). This milestone marked a turning point, as the response from listeners gave me the confidence and motivation to pursue my DJing with even greater dedication. It propelled me to refine my skills, explore new musical styles, and evolve as an artist. This experience has been instrumental in shaping the DJ I am today, driving me to continually push the boundaries of my creativity and connect with my audience on a deeper level.
Joss:
The most transformative moment in my life was when I attended a music festival in Marrakech (Oasis Festival 2016). I was completely mesmerized by the energy, the music, and the sense of community. It was then that I realized I wanted to be a part of this world, to create those magical moments for others.

Can you share a specific track or musical experience that you believe has defined your unique DJing style?
Artydal:
A defining moment in my DJing career was in Summer 2015 at GOLFBRAU EL Kantaoui when I introduced Downtempo, NuDisco & Indie Dance, a relatively new genre at the time, to the audience. The response was electric, highlighting that DJing isn’t just about playing popular songs but also about curating unique, memorable experiences. Since then, my DJing style has been all about introducing fresh sounds and pushing musical boundaries to create unforgettable moments …

Joss:
A defining moment in my DJing career occurred at the Ethnic Community Festival in 2016, where I had the incredible opportunity to share the stage with esteemed artists like San Miguel and David Mears. This unforgettable experience marked a pivotal milestone in my musical journey. Since then, my DJing style has been all about introducing organic house and Afro house, creating a truly unique and memorable fusion of sounds that resonate with diverse audiences.

DJing Style: “In a world of music diversity, how do you define your DJing style, and what fuels your passion for exploring various music genres?“

Artydal:
My DJing style is an ever-evolving blend of influences, from classic funk and soul to urban, ethno house, electronica, and more. What fuels my passion for exploring various music genres is the belief that music is a universal language. As a DJ / PRODUCER, I see myself as a sonic storyteller, assembling these diverse genres to create dynamic and immersive experiences for the audience.

Joss:
My DJ style can be described as a journey through the diverse sounds of Africa, South America and its diaspora. I’m passionate about exploring diverse musical genres, as this allows me to connect with different audiences and showcase the continent’s rich musical tapestry.

Being Pioneers: “Being the first DJs to introduce the ‘Panafricano Music Experience’ concept in Africa must have been a remarkable experience. Can you describe the emotions and challenges you encountered as trailblazers?“

Artydal:
First and foremost, I’d like to mention that this idea was born from my active involvement in the PLANET IBIZA community, where artists from all over the world support one another. This inspired me to bring the ‘Panafricano Podcast Series’ concept to life in my country Tunisia and being pioneers of the ‘Panafricano Music Experience’ concept in Africa was an exhilarating yet challenging experience. We felt immense pride in breaking new ground, but there were hurdles, such as introducing a novel idea and building a following for it. These challenges required determination and innovation.

Joss:
Introducing the ‘Panafricano Music Experience’ was indeed a remarkable experience. Emotions ran high: excitement, pride and a sense of responsibility. We were challenged to break down stereotypes about African music and see the public embrace the concept and witness the growth of the movement.

Connecting with the Audience: Creating a connection with the audience is a DJ’s art. Can you share some of the techniques you use to craft a memorable and immersive experience?

Artydal:
Creating a connection with the audience is a DJ’s art. I analyze the crowd, consider their age and taste. I also introduce unexpected tracks at just the right moments, keeping the energy high and the audience engaged. It’s about making them an integral part of the unforgettable journey through music.

Joss:
Crafting a memorable and immersive experience involves reading the crowd’s energy and emotions. We focus on seamless mixing, creating unexpected musical journeys, and engaging with the audience through interactive moments. Building a connection is about making every person in the audience feel like an essential part of the experience.

Preparation for Panafricano: “As seasoned DJs, how did you prepare for a Panafricano event, and what aspects of this music concept required special preparation?

Artydal:
One crucial aspect is crafting the opening experience, where we use VJing to immerse the audience directly into African rhythms, We take great care in this phase, utilizing visuals to transport the audience directly into the heart of Africa, This sets the tone and creates a unique musical journey. We also curate diverse tracks from different African subgenres. It’s about celebrating Africa’s musical diversity through a well-prepared, immersive event.

Joss:
Preparing for a Panafricano event involves extensive research into the music scenes of different African and South American countries. We curate playlists, refine our mixing techniques, and select tracks that represent the diversity we want to showcase. Special preparation goes into creating a visuals and cultural atmosphere that complements the music.

Playing Afrohouse: “Tell us about your experience playing Afrohouse at the Panafricano event. What drew you to this genre, and how do you think the crowd responded?”

Artydal:
Playing Afrohouse at the Panafricano event felt like a captivating journey into the heart of Africa. The genre’s unique blend of percussions, ethnic sounds, and voices drew me in. The crowd responded with excitement and enthusiasm, as many experienced this new style of music for the first time. It was a magical and unifying experience, showcasing music’s power to transport and connect people.

Joss:
Playing Afrohouse at the Panafricano event was electrifying. Afrohouse’s infectious rhythms and hypnotic melodies resonate deeply with our audience. The crowd responded with infectious energy, dancing freely and embracing the fusion of traditional African elements with electronic music. It’s a genre that bridges the past and the future, and it’s been a vital part of our musical journey.

Cultural Impact: “Panafricano is more than music; it’s a cultural fusion. How do you envision it contributing to Tunisia’s cultural scene and the broader African music landscape?”

Artydal:
I can say that Panafricano celebrates Tunisia’s African heritage. Our culture already influenced by African music traditions like STAMBALI, reflects our African roots. Panafricano contributes by highlighting these connections, fostering collaboration among African artists, and enriching the broader African music landscape. It strengthens our shared cultural bonds and showcases our collective heritage.

Joss:
We envision Panafricano contributing to Tunisia’s cultural scene by fostering a greater appreciation for African music and culture. Just as our traditional culture with “ZOKRA” and “MEZWED” reflects our African roots. Furthermore, Panafricano serves as a platform for celebrating the diverse and vibrant musical traditions of Africa, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Favorite Collaborations: “Among your numerous collaborations, can you share a memorable one that left a significant mark on your DJing career?”

Artydal:
Among my numerous collaborations, two stand out prominently. The first was with Khalil Annabi, an incredibly talented artist whose partnership was a memorable experience. Together, we ventured into uncharted musical territories, shaping my DJing career in profound ways.
The second noteworthy collaborator is Archangel28, a melodic techno producer. Our collaboration resulted in the track “BOURGUIBA,” which I invite you to discover. Working with him was an inspiring journey, and this track represents a creative milestone in my career. These collaborations underscore the transformative power of working with fellow artists, continually pushing the boundaries of my DJing style (What made it even more enjoyable is that I’m an organic house producer collaborating with a techno artist).

Joss:
One of the most memorable collaborations that left a significant mark on my DJing career was when I had the privilege of inviting and performing with the talented Moroccan artist, MR ID, in the early stages of my career 2017. Our collaboration was truly a remarkable and transformative experience, which continues to shape my DJ career to this day.

Future of Panafricano: “What’s your vision for the future of Panafricano events, and how do you see yourselves contributing to the growth of this unique musical movement in Tunisia and beyond?”

Artydal:
Our vision for Panafricano events is to make them more captivating by adding some live African instruments players. This will infuse authenticity and dynamism into the music. We also aim to expand Panafricano’s reach, collaborating with artists from diverse African regions, fostering cross-cultural connections, and spreading our unique musical movement beyond Tunisia’s borders. Our goal is to celebrate Africa’s musical heritage on a global scale, uniting people through the universal language of music.

Joss:
Our vision for the future of Panafricano events is to extend our reach across major Tunisian venues and festivals. We want to collaborate with more artists and contribute to the growth of the African electronic music scene.

INTERVIEW BY FRANCK OLIVIER

Artydal on Soundcloud

Joss on Soundcloud