Contributing WriterAzumba is an ever more prominent voice in the Afro house world. His music has appeared on labels such as YHV Records, Cafe de Anatolia, and Ostowana Records, and is always rich in melody. Deep tribal grooves, emotional chords, and organic percussion all mark his style, which is spiritual and deep but also driven by storytelling.
1. Hey Azumba, thanks for sitting down with us today. What has the start of this year looked like for you?
Thank you for inviting me — I really appreciate it, it’s a great honor. The beginning of the year has been quite calm and productive. In February, I released a track called Recuerdos on Rut Media Group. In March, I released a remix of Bag Raiders feat. Panama – Flowers, and also in March, my track Simama came out on Ostowana Records. Overall, I’m just trying different ideas, exploring new sounds, and gradually moving forward. I’m focused on developing my project and working on new music.
2. You’ve just released your latest track, ‘Mashamba’, on connected. Can you tell us how this came to fruition?
The track “Mashamba” came together quite naturally. It all started with the vocal — I immediately began building a melody on the piano around it. Then I started looking for an interesting and smooth synth that would be catchy and memorable. After that, I just kept developing the idea by adding new elements and shaping the overall mood. In general, I followed the feeling until I realized the track sounded exactly the way it should.
3. You say African Landscapes and the spirit of nature inspire this single. Are these common inspirations in your work? Where else do you look for inspiration?
Of course, nature and landscapes are amazing, but I wouldn’t say they are the only things that inspire me. It’s more about the energy, mood, and the overall sound of Afro House. I’ve loved this style and its rhythm for a long time. I also find inspiration in everyday life, other artists’ music, and different emotional states. Sometimes an idea just appears in my head, and then I try to recreate it in a track.
4. You’re a prominent voice in the Afro House community. Can you tell us what made you first fall in love with the genre and how it helps your sound evolve?
I first fell in love with Afro House because of its rhythm and emotional depth. There’s something very special in the groove — it feels both organic and powerful at the same time. It’s a style that really connects with me on a natural level. Over time, it also became a way for me to evolve my sound. It gives me space to experiment with different moods, textures, and ideas, while still staying true to a strong rhythmic foundation. That balance is what keeps it exciting for me as a producer.
5. You’ve released music on labels YHV Records, Cafe de Anatolia, and Ostowana Records. What helps you to keep coming up with new and exciting ideas when producing?
For me, the main thing is not getting stuck in one approach. I try to start the process differently each time — sometimes from a vocal, sometimes from drums or chords, and sometimes just from a random sound or an idea in my head. This helps me avoid repeating myself and keeps things fresh. It also really helps that I constantly listen to different music and pay attention to details in other artists’ tracks. But I don’t copy — I use it more as a trigger for my own ideas. Another important point is that I don’t put pressure on myself. If an idea isn’t working, I can leave the project and come back to it later. Often, that’s when the most interesting solutions appear.
6. Do you have other passions outside of music that fuel your creativity?
Yes, there are. I used to play football for many years, and it’s still a big part of my life. I still play and watch a lot of football — it continues to give me energy and emotional release. But in general, almost anything unusual can inspire me — a certain mood, a moment, an atmosphere, or even a small detail in everyday life. Sometimes it’s just about catching the right feeling, and from that, an idea for music can be born.
7. Alongside being a producer, you are also a DJ. What are some of your favourite places you’ve played? How do you balance being a DJ and producer?
Some of my favourite places I’ve played are mainly in my home city, where I perform most often. At the same time, I’ve also had a few really special trips to other cities, which were great experiences and gave me the chance to play for a new audience and different energy. Alongside DJing and production, I also have a regular job, so I’m constantly balancing different parts of my life. It can be challenging at times, but it also keeps me motivated. For me, DJing and producing complement each other really well. DJing gives me inspiration and a real understanding of what works on the dancefloor, while producing is where I can fully focus on creativity and developing new ideas.
8. It’s been great to talk with you today! What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?
I’m also really glad we had the chance to talk — thank you again for the invitation. For the rest of the year, I’m planning to write a lot of new music, as well as finish some very interesting older projects that have been waiting for a while. I’m focused on refining my sound even more and working on releases for different labels. The main goal for me is to stay consistent, keep pushing my sound forward, and release music that feels as honest as possible and reflects my current state and development.
