EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
In a captivating exploration of Yaya’s musical jour- ney and the ethos of Tamango Records, we uncover a rich sense of creativity, innovation, and inspira- tion. Tamango Records, born nearly seven years ago, serves as more than just a label—it’s a sanctuary for burgeoning talent, a place of innovation, and a testament to the transformative power of music.
Central to Tamango’s ethos is YAYA’s unwavering commitment to nurturing emerging artists, provi- ding a platform for talents like Rossi., Toman, and the Late Replies duo to flourish and reach new heights. Through his personal journey and distinct sound, YAYA serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring DJs worldwide, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and staying true to one’s craft.
“The label was born almost seven years ago, and seeing it grow over the years is extremely special and meaningful to me. I am very pleased with the path and overall journey the label had, how it evol- ved over the years while remaining true to its origins and the idea of the sound I wanted to shape when I founded it.
I’ve always tried to come up with a high-quality, dis- tinctive sound, and I think that I have managed to stick to my initial motivations. Another thing that makes me happy is that Tamango has been one of the first homes of artists like Rossi., Toman, Fleur Shore, and Manda Moor, who, now, are doing very well on their own.
I am glad to have been one of the very first ones to support their music back in the day. If I must name another talented artist, look out for the Late Replies guys from London.
Their “What The Funk” EP released last summer on Tamango reached the n1 spot on Beatport and it stayed there for a long time, rapidly becoming our biggest release to date and getting played by every big name in the industry including Jamie Jones, The Martinez Brothers, Joseph Capriati, and many many more”.
Reflecting on his role as a source of inspiration, YAYA humbly acknowledges the impact of his career trajectory on others.
“I am very happy to be a source of inspiration for others. It means that I am still doing my job well!”
From the early days of his career to the present moment, YAYA remains committed to sharing the same vibes that ignited his love for music as a child.
“If I have to give any advice to the new generation, what I can say is to focus on making good music, which I feel is something that will always remain, no matter what. I’ve grown up and I started my DJ career in a completely different scenario without social media, which nowadays is something impor- tant to take care of but will always be on top of the list. It also depends on what you want: if you want to become famous or if you want to be a real artist.
42
mixmagde.com
Everyone lives their personal experience in their own way”.
The launch (last December) of his new project of Tamango Xpress represents a bold step forward, expanding the label’s sonic palette and embracing a new wave of gritty, raw, and dancefloor-oriented music. Through this sister label, YAYA continues to push boundaries and foster innovation in electronic music.
“Tamango Xpress was something that I’ve had in mind for quite a while, and I’m super excited that Tamango’s sister label finally saw the light at the end of last year. There are many artists whose works I love and play, but sometimes I feel that their tracks don’t 100% fit with the “Tamango” sound.
For this reason, I’ve opened a new spot for more gritty, raw, and dancefloor-oriented music. The concept is simple: music “express” and ready to go.
Not much talk is needed for these groovy rollers. The response has been amazing so far: the second single, “Like This’’ by Freenzy’ has been one of the tracks that I played in almost every set from last year, and the results on the charts have been amazing as well. We have some serious heaters lined up for 2024 and I can’t wait to release them in the upcoming months”.
As the driving force behind Tamango Records, YAYA’s transformative vision extends beyond the confines of the studio, resonating across global dancefloors and igniting the spirits of music lovers worldwide.
For YAYA, the dream of remixing his father’s album had always been a lingering aspiration—a tribute to a musical legacy that shaped his own artistic path. Motivated by a dear friend and guided by a profound sense of gratitude, YAYA embarked on the project with reverence and humility, honoring the footsteps of his father while carving out his own sonic foot print.
Wrestling with the delicate balance of tradition and innovation, he approached every beat with meticu- lous care, mindful of the weight of familial ties and musical heritage. Yet, fueled by a relentless commit- ment to authenticity and creativity, YAYA breathed new life into the timeless melodies, infusing them with fresh energy and perspective.
“I always dreamed of remixing my father’s album, who was the percussionist and leading voice of the “M’bamina” ensemble. In this last period, also thanks to the motivation given by a good friend of mine, and after having done some sketches in the past years - I started working on it again.
I consider myself very lucky because re-working your dad’s music is something truly special that not ever- yone can do, and I am grateful to have had such a talented musician and inspiring person next to me. The project is evolving nicely, and finally, after a long time, I can finally say that it’s almost done, and it will be released soon”.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
