Contirbutor
For Mishell & Oi, the dancefloor is more than a place to move, it’s a space for connection, intention, and emotional release. Their latest collaboration, ‘Ego’, is a track born from instinct, refined through real-time crowd reaction, and shaped by a shared philosophy that runs deeper than club dynamics. As co-founders of Yaffa Records, a label rooted in memory, frequency, and consciousness, the duo channel both heart and high energy into everything they create. We caught up with them to talk about the journey behind ‘Ego’, the story powering their imprint, and what’s next for 2026.
MI4L – What was the creative spark behind ‘Ego’? Did the concept come first, or did the music lead the way?
Mishell & Oi – The music always leads for us. The bassline was the very first idea, and everything else grew around it from there. The chords, the textures, the overall vibe all found their place organically as the track developed. And honestly, this one took some time to get right. We went through three different versions, playing each one out and watching how it landed on the dancefloor. It was only the third version that really clicked. Something about it just resonated differently with the crowd, and that was the moment we knew it was done.
MI4L –How did your chemistry as a duo shape this record?
Mishell & Oi – We have been close friends for years, and that comfort shows the moment we are in the studio together. There is no tension, no friction, just a shared language that we have built up over a long time. On this track, Mishell brought that floating, emotional chord quality that gives it its heart, and Oi came in with his signature bassline and sound design. Two very different approaches that somehow sit together perfectly every time.
MI4L –The title carries a lot of weight philosophically. How does the track’s journey reflect that theme?
Mishell & Oi – That is exactly what we were going for. Being egoless is not about being passive, it is about being present, open, and connected. We wanted the track to carry that feeling: something that moves you physically on the dancefloor while still having an emotional undercurrent running through it. When you strip the ego away, what is left is something more honest and more fun. We like to think ‘Ego’ embodies that.
MI4L –Yaffa Records has a deeply personal story behind it. Can you tell us more about the label?
Oi – Yaffa Records was founded in memory of Yafa, Omer’s mother, who passed away last year. She was a remarkable woman who worked with body therapy, energy, and meridian geometry. The label carries her name as a tribute, and in a real way, it shapes everything we do. Every release goes through a kind of internal filter: would she have loved this? Would this have moved her? That question keeps us honest and keeps the music meaningful.
MI4L –The label has a strong philosophy around frequency, consciousness, and the dancefloor. How does that translate into the music you put out?
Oi – We think about the dancefloor in layers. There is the physical element: the groove, the bass, the things that move your body before your mind catches up. Then there is the emotional layer: the chords, the atmosphere, the feeling a track leaves you with. When those layers align, something special happens. A unified dancefloor where everyone is in the same moment together. That is what we are always working towards.
MI4L –Where does ‘Ego’ sit within the Yaffa Records sound?
Oi – It is a mid-to-high energy track that hits all the Yaffa marks. Highly danceable, with real emotional texture and good energy throughout. It is the kind of record that works when a room is peaking, but still has enough soul to stay with you after the night is over. That balance is what we always aim for.
MI4L –You two have been friends for a long time. How did that translate into working together in the studio?
Mishell & Oi – We have been close for years, from exchanging mixes and consulting on each other’s music to going away on retreats together. That friendship means we never have to pretend in the studio. We can be honest about what is working and what is not, and we always have a good time doing it. ‘Ego’ was genuinely fun to make, and we hope that comes through in the listening.
MI4L –What can people expect from a Mishell and Oi set?
Mishell & Oi – Genre-blending and some psychedelic touches, always. We both have a deep love for the dancefloor and for the people on it. Our sets move naturally between sounds without ever feeling forced, and there is always an undercurrent of something a little more trippy and colourful underneath it all. We care a lot about how a room feels, and we try to take people somewhere special.
MI4L –Is ‘Ego’ a one-off, or is there more coming from you two on Yaffa Records?
Mishell & Oi – Definitely not a one-off. We have more music coming together and we are genuinely excited about what is in the pipeline. More on that soon.
MI4L –What is next for Yaffa Records in 2026?
Mishell & Oi – It is going to be a busy year. We are committed to putting out new music every single month, plus a free edit each month on top of that, so there is always something fresh coming. We also have a series of remixes in the works from some seriously exciting artists. We are not ready to name anyone just yet, but the calibre of what is coming means we cannot wait to make those announcements. Watch this space.
‘Ego’ is out now and available here – https://go.protonradio.com/r/rlzIW15bWejBw