Summer in San Diego was quite fruitful for Rhythm Nation San Diego. We made it two years and had quite an event at Kava Lounge with Master Kev, Taylor Houseman, and I. As well, hosted LADYMONIX for a crowd who ate up everything she threw at them. Things I took away from the summer were to always focus on music first and foremost, and to create an environment that allows people to escape reality for a few hours.
Around the city of San Diego there has been much going on with other crews also. Bouquet hosted Antal which happened to be quite an event to kick the summer off. Bump hosted by Shige and Matthew Michael kept their monthly events going hosting some of the best disco, nu wave, nu disco, and everything in between the city of San Diego has to offer. The Chocolate monthly event curated by Oscar P and Kenny Lytle definitely is holding down the Deep Afro sound. It is exciting to watch their following grow and grow each event.
I have noticed recently people are adamant about using the scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours method for gigs. This to me seems like a disaster waiting to happen. Here is why, every party is not meant for every DJ’s sound. There should be no disrespect taken if a promoter is focusing on a specific vybe and feels another artist’s music does not fit. This is actually healthy and if people would understand this more events would make sense. It is disrespectful to the art in my view to try and force yourself onto a bill for the sake of just playing and you don’t fit. Please stop doing this it’s thirsty and a bad look.
On November 1st I happen to be throwing an event. I will say when I decide to curate a party I throw all in. I have to believe in who I am hosting one hundred percent. It is never about what is the most popular music at the time. It is about presenting music and DJ’s I know people need to hear. Never is it easy, it is greatly rewarding to watch it all coalesce.
Headlining the event is Lakuti of Uzuri Bookings and Recordings. Originally from Soweto a part of Johannesburg known as one of the townships for blacks during apartheid. In the mid 90’s she moved to London in which she started the legendary Sud Electronic. Lakuti says from Sud her label and booking agency Uzuri organically happened. She is responsible for breaking some of the freshest modern acts in dance music of this time. From Levon Vincent to Analog Soul to Jus-Ed she has worked with them all and had an impact on their careers. Aside from being a very fine agent she is a taste maker when it comes to music, and this is the exact reason I am excited to host her. Certainly this will be a treat for San Diego to experience.
Greg Gray founding member of Nu-Bang Clan is a Chicago DJ who has been around since the early days of house music. His work as Frankie Knuckles intern at The Power Plant for two years set him up for a wild ride in music. Establishing himself as a DJ, sound engineer, and producer Greg is respected by the who’s who of house music and a very fine producer and DJ himself. I’m personally very honored to have him out. During Movement Weekend he asked me if I would care to be a member of Nu Bang. It is quite an honor to be involved with a collective of DJ’s who have so many years of experience. When Sin-Say takes to the Box expect him to go all over as his stripes run very very deep.
Oscar P is a pioneer in the Afro realm. Having championed the sound here and made it his own he stands bright for all to see. He is great example for POC aspiring to make their way in dance music. His digital distributor Azucar and record label Open Bar Music are both constantly pushing out fresh music and breaking new artists. Having watched him work for a few years now I have taken from him anything that I put my mind to in this arena I can make it happen on my own with hard work and discipline. It will be fun to watch him warm the floor November 1.
The event will be held at The Merrow in Hillcrest. I chose this space because of it’s magnetic energy when I walked into the room. It’s not every day that you find a venue that believes one hundred percent in what you are doing. With that being said I am happy to be able to work with them. Not to mention there is one hell of a sound system in that place. We like dark places with lots of character and The Merrow is just that.
Looking forward to seeing everyone out November 1st for a night of Deep Underground Music for your bodies.
Rhythm Nation San Diego And Nu Bang Clan Presents: Lakuti
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