AURISMAG
elevating sounds:
BLAQPAGES
written by: Maame Kyerewaah 14 May 2024
Blaqpages, originally from Ghana and now based in the Los Angeles, is more than just a DJ and producer. As the founder of Enjoyment Worldwide and AfrobeatstotheWorld, he has a clear mission: to bring African music to a global audience. His journey began with spinning hip-hop, but his African roots have always influenced his sound. Calling himself an African Music Ambassdor, his goal is to make African music known to the world and taking the music to the people
In an interview with People and Places Africa, Blaqpages revealed how his move from Ghana to America shaped his musical vision. He noted that Los Angeles had little Afrobeats presence at the time, which inspired him to start AfrobeatstotheWorld. Today, he sees Afrobeats as a must-have genre in DJ sets.
With a creative way of mixing different genres, Blaqpages has garnered attention worldwide. He has been featured on popular shows like Soulection and made his debut at Boiler Room in Accra, showcasing his talent and passion for music.
As a self-proclaimed African music ambassador, Blaqpages aims to make African music known worldwide and bring it directly to the people. AurisMag praises Blaqpages for his efforts in not only highlighting African music but particularly bringing Ghanaian sounds to the forefront.
Blaqpages is unmissable during Detty December in Ghana, where he connects with events in Accra, such as Imullar. He ensures to experiment with the current sound while DJing, always pushing Ghanaian music forward
elevating sounds: KWAMZY
written by: Maame Kyerewaah 16 April 2024
Ghanaian raised and born in UK Kwadwo Badu, also known as, DJ Kwamzy emerges as a dynamic force in the Amapiano scene. With his unmatched skill, he's been carving his path within the scene.
DJ Kwamzy brings a fresh vibe to Amapiano with his unique mix of African beats mixed with electronic sounds. His music creates a fusion that's both new and familiar, making him stand out in a crowded industry. Plus, it links fans from all over the globe, connecting the dots between all continents.
DJ Kwamzy boasts a diverse catalog spanning a wide range of styles and sounds. Not only does he DJ, but he's also a prominent producer, recognized as a household name in London's music scene. His tracks like "Woza Madala" and "Mid Town Gong" have gained immense popularity, alongside his two acclaimed Amapiano albums, 'Amapiano to the World, Vol 1&2'.
Blending electronic beats with an African twist, his music resonates with audiences worldwide. His guest appearances at Boiler Room, Reprezent, Dankie Rooms, and Rinse FM have solidified his status as a versatile and influential DJ and producer in the music scene.
Over the past few years, DJ Kwamzy has curated his brand within the Amapiano landscape. Through a catalog of remixes and original compositions, he's become a key player.
Aurismag highlights DJ Kwamzy for breaking the barriers by venturing beyond Afrobeats, carving out his own niche in Amapiano and electronic music scenes. His story shows that as a DJ, you can explore new territory while still keeping your own roots alive.
Listen to his ‘Exclusive Production Mix’ on Youtube
WATCH: CULTUR FM
written by: Maame Kyerewaah 1 April 2024
CULTUR FM, a platform created for the best Afrobeats music. With their mission to celebrate Afrobeats and its culture. But also honoring African heritage and embracing the global influence of Afrobeats
Starting this February, CULTUR FM succeeds in creating a platform in the UK for Afrobeats lovers, curated by Afrobeats DJs. The clips on TikTok are almost indispensable, keeping your attention for longer and almost certainly prompting you to seek them out on other social media platforms.
During their Live Afrobeats Mix sets, you can tell how the DJs bring the vibe to life, with a company you'd want to be a part of yourself. It truly gives off a house party vibes, which is sorely missed in these times. The intimacy is also what really defines the vibe.
The DJs succeed in predominantly playing Afrobeats and bringing forth this sound exclusively. You can
tell that this is an ambience we're asking for nowadays, with many places striving to sell out large venues. It's noteworthy that a platform like CULTURE FM brings out the right intimacy.
CULTUR FM manages to be an Afrobeats platform that brings culture to the forefront. We're very curious about what else they have in store for 2024.
Check them out!
listen: oroko radio
written by: Maame Kyerewaah 21 March 2024
Describing themselves as a not-for-profit independent radio station, Oroko Radio is a station you see and encounter everywhere. With their base in Accra, they succeed in showcasing their sound to the world, with places like Amsterdam, Dakar and London.
Oroko Radio is a station that does not discriminate. With more than dozens of different genres they showcase on their station where everyone can feel at home. On their website, they categorize their shows into genres and sub-genres, ensuring they cater to every existing sub-genre. This is what you call a truly inclusive radio.
Partnening up with Boiler Room, they hosted a Boiler Room in Accra, featuring performances by Joey B, Blaqpages, and TMSKDJ.
Their commitment to connecting, inspiring, and empowering people through conversation, collaboration, and community is evident in the shows they host. They do not exclude anyone.
Oroko radio is a radio station that’s highly diverse. There's almost no chance someone will feel excluded. They express their desire to recenter the African narrative. Meaning that they spotlight alternative sounds that come and are influenced by Africa as a continent.
If you've never checked out Oroko Radio, do it right now!
Have a listen to one of their shows.
marketing 101: DJ
written by: Maame Kyerewaah 17 March 2024
Marketing yourself is essential it helps you to stand out as an artist. By effectively promoting yourself you can attract more opportunities. Marketing enables you to control the narrative surrounding your brand, shaping how others perceive you and what you have to offer.
Marketing brings several benefits including increased brand awareness and expanded reach. Whether you're a DJ, producer, a singer or a rapper investing in marketing efforts can propel you towards success by amplifying your visibility and influence in your field.
Here are some tips on how you should market yourself!
- Stick to your sound: It's crucial to stick to your unique sound as an artist. Use something that sets you apart and makes your audience remember you. Whether it's a signature style, a particular instrument, or a distinct vocal quality, staying true to your sound creates a memorable experience for your listeners
- Make good use of social media: We live in a time where we've witnessed how DJs like Uncle Waffles have skyrocketed to success through a single video. Social media platforms like TikTok have played a significant role in this field. Leveraging these platforms effectively can amplify your reach and visibility within a short span of time. Consistent and engaging content on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.
- Be consistent with your work: Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining your presence in the industry. Show your audience what you're working on repeatedly so they don't lose sight of you. This not only reinforces your brand image but also keeps you relevant in the minds of your followers. Whether it's regular releases, updates on upcoming projects, or behind-the-scenes glimpses into your creative process, staying consistent ensures that you remain on the top of mind for your audience.
elevating sounds: JULS
written by: Maame Kyerewaah 14 March 2024
London-born Ghanaian producer and DJ (@julsbaby_), as well as one half of the DJ duo LA JU alongside DJ Larizzle, has been championing the African sound in his music for years. As a producer, he always ensures that his music incorporates Ghanaian sounds and elements.
In 2015, during a successful run with Mr Eazi, producing songs like “Hollup,” “Bankulize,” and their major hit “Skintight,” they coined their own sub-genre known as Banku music. He has also lent his production skills to artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Masego, and Goldlink.
While consistently highlighting Afrobeats, he has also explored various sounds such as gqom, amapiano, and hip-hop, incorporating different instruments like percussion. His creativity extends to incorporating Highlife elements, ensuring that each aspect of his production tells a story and is exactly thought out.
Listening to Juls feels like embarking on a narrative journey; it’s not just your ears experiencing the sound, but if you listen closely, you can almost see or feel it. The creativity of this music legend transcends mere auditory perception, offering an immersive experience.
With his latest album, “Palmwine Diaries vol. 1” he doesn’t just present a story but an entire experience, guiding listeners through various sounds while weaving in the stories of artists alongside the production of the beats.
In various interviews, he emphasizes how highlife music continues to have an impact and its sound remains unchanged. He stresses the importance of sticking to one’s sound as a Ghanaian DJ and promoting the highlife sound, recognizing the multitude of elements that makes it beautiful.
Juls is highly intentional about promoting Ghanaian music and incorporating highlife rhythms from different regions of Ghana as the foundation of his musical expression.
AFROBEATS WAVE OUTSIDE AFRICA
written by: Maame Kyerewaah 12 March 2024
Years ago, it wasn’t common to hear Afrobeats in clubs or on the radio. But there are a number of DJs who have carried the wave and pushed the sound. The true pioneers of Afrobeats. That’s what DJs are for: bringing forward new sounds that you as an audience might never heard before. They ensure that the sound becomes popular.
Here a few DJs who have contributed to bring the Afrobeats sound to prominence in the West:
First and foremost is the well-known DJ Abrantee, who, according to Wikipedia, the pioneer of the Afrobeats movement who branded and launched the world’s first ever “Afrobeats” show on UK radio in 2011. He helped move the genre forward. “The only thing I was trying to do is getting more exposure for the genre.”, says DJ Abrantee in an interview with Adesope.
Other prominent figures who have brought Afrobeats to the forefront include DJ Spinall and DJ Tunez. In 2015, Spinall became the first African DJ to perform at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.
DJ Tunez is a Nigerian-American DJ. In 2015, DJ Tunez was asked by Wizkid to join Starboy Entertainment as the official label DJ.
These are DJs who have opened doors by not only collaborating with Afrobeats artists but also by helping to bring the sound to the forefront.
When was the first time you heard Afrobeats in the club or on the radio?
elevating sounds: iphxnedj
written by: Maame Kyerewaah 9 March 2024
Is a phone all a DJ needs to have to give you an unforgettable night? With his presence felt worldwide, mentioning places like London, Ibiza, and his home base Accra, this DJ won’t make you sit still with just a single device. He’s what you call a crowd controller, as he also mingles through the crowd to check the vibe and keeps track of what the audience truly needs.
With his own events like Casablanca and E-Piano, this DJ has already made a mark in Ghana, and you can’t miss him on a night out in Accra. He even succeeded in opening for Wizkid’s London show in 2021 and his unforgetable set at Boiler Room.
But are you really a DJ with a device in your hand? Is this something we should be critical about? One might wonder if it’s all genuine or just a facade. On YouTube, IPhxneDJ demonstrates in his ‘Afrobeats Playmix POV’ set which buttons he uses to make the right transitions in his set. Sounds credible after all.
The reason why we highlight iPhxneDJ on our platform is because of his uniqueness. A DJ who has so much influence in the music industry and that just with a phone! He always manages to push forward the Afrobeats sound. A real inspiration and definitely someone to look forward to. We’re curious about what he has to offer for 2024.
Check his Afrobeats Playmix out!
Happy International Women’s Day!
written by: Maame Kyerewaah 8 March 2024
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8th, symbolizing the resilience and sense of solidarity of women all around the world.
That’s why Aurismag wants to shine a spotlight on these DJs. They operate in a male-dominated field and it’s not easy to express oneself as a woman. Aurismag stands with and for women, including these DJs who inspire us with their mixtapes. Therefore, we have selected four female DJs who have always embraced and showcased the African sound during their sets.
DJ Kezz (@djkezz._), experiments with various sounds. Indispensable in the DJ scene in Ghana and the UK. In this mixtape, you’ll hear how she smoothly mixes the chillest afrohouse, transitioning into amapiano with the sickest remixes.
Nyamecmplx (@nyamecmplx), calling herself a highlife advocate, she truly delves deep into the 90s and 00s of authentic Ghanaian highlife music. This remains a sound that DJs always return to because it is literally the pioneer of the emergence of Afrobeats. Nyamecmplx succeeds in selecting the right songs in this regard. A sound that is essential if you still miss the nostalgic sound of old times in Ghana.
DJ Kitty Amor (@djkittyamor), succeeds in bringing forth the right Afrohouse sounds. This DJ experiments with various sounds within the House genre, and always manages to provide the right coherence and bring the story to the forefront.
Laelo Black (@laeloblack), brings you right into your feelings while listening to this sexy afrobeats mixtape. A perfect blend of slow afrobeats and alté sound. The transitions are to die for, and she also brings you tunes that you definitely need your Shazam for.
Please check and support these beautiful women!
ghana independence day
written by: Maame Kyerewaah 6 March 2024
Today we are celebrating Ghana!
As Ghana marks 67 years of independence, let’s ignite the celebration with six mixtapes curated by talented DJs, setting the perfect mood for rejoicing our freedom!
DJ Pocks (@dj_pocks) kicks off the celebration with his latest mixtape, a masterful blend of highlife, hiplife, and afrobeats, showcasing the gems of Ghana’s musical heritage. Perfect for indulging in nostalgia and reliving the golden eras of our music scene.
DJ Loft (@deejayloft), also known as the “most dangerous DJ” delivers an exhilarating mixtape packed with samples and resurrected tunes you thought were lost to time. His selection of Ghanaian music is simply unmatched.
DJ OV (@deejayovuk), from UK, presents a captivating mixtape that pays homage to the unforgettable rhythms of Ghanaian hiplife. Spanning over two and a half hours, this creative DJ summarizes the essence of Ghana’s musical legacy like no other.!
Enter the realm of new hits with DJ Lord OTB (@djlordotb) whose dedication to showcasing both emerging and established Ghanaian artists is evident in his crafted mixtape. A mixtape curated especially for the culture.
Step back in time with DJ Neptizzle (@djneptizzle) as he transports you to the sounds of former times with his legendary mixtape from 2015. With hidden treasures and classic jams, he introduces you to a musical journey even the most seasoned Ghanaian wouldn’t dare miss.
Last but not least, DJ Kwamz (@kwamzoriginall) delivers an electrifying mixtape brimming with Ghanaian hits that defy expectations. From start to finish, his selection promises an eventful ride, culminating in a finale guaranteed to reignite the azonto times. #bringbackazonto
about us
Aurismag, a digital magazine highlighting the best of the African sound exploring the whole world.
But let’s start at the core.
Auris [ˈaw.ɾis], translating in Latin for ear and hearing
Defintion: a discriminating sense of hearing, “ear”
The ear, a feature to be able to hear music, a way that sounds translate into stories and experiences. And that is what our platform produces: stories translated into experiences.
With our slogan: “Mate Masie”
Mate Masie is an adinkra symbol that translates to “what I hear, I keep.” The symbol is supposed to represent four linked ears, which serves to remind people of the importance of listening and communicating, especially in oral histories and culture.
So what brings these elements together for us: Aurismag is there for an enthusiast who doesn’t just see music for what it is, but also as an experience. The music they hear is translated into stories, which provide inspiration. Over centuries, sound is what brings us together and eventually keeps us together. By listening but also communicating with others about it.
We highlight artists with a focus on DJs, who bring forth the African sound, not only in Africa but also to the entire world. With Ghana as our premise, the country with many cultural influences and also the pioneer of how afrobeats is shaped now.
Aurismag is a blog that ensures artists, such as DJs, are recognized and it provides a platform where you can find authentic sounds. The talents are showcased and praised. You can expect on Aurismag that we have handpicked and critically listened to the best sounds of DJs, also highlighting events that brings out the African sound to the world, DJ debates, interviews, and many more.
Keep listening, keep communicating.
mission and vision
Our mission and vision: We aim for a platform that recognizes the hard work of artists and truly highlights it. We are a platform that by visiting the page, you feel inspired and get the sense that we are a community, by us but also for us. Let it also be joyful and let us inspire each other. It is a platform where you go to gain inspiration and communicate further and takes you into the perspective of the artist.
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