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There’s something undeniably magnetic about the rise of Maqossa and its vibrant offspring, Qlub. The jour- ney of transforming a DJ act into a thriving label and event series is a story of friendship, creativity, and a relentless passion for music. This narrative is not just about a group of friends who loved to play music; it’s about how that love got turned into something bigger, something that resonates with people on the dance floor and beyond.
Maqossa’s evolution is a testament to the power of collaboration and the magic that happens when li- ke-minded individuals come together with a shared vision. From the early days playing at small gigs to now hosting some of the most talked-about events, Ma- qossa and his crew have always been about creating a unique experience. The journey has been marked by pivotal moments, challenges, and a deep connection to their roots, all of which have shaped the sound and spirit of Maqossa and Qlub.
THE BIRTH OF MAQOSSA
The story of Maqossa began with an app group and a chance opportunity. “We started Maqossa with three friends.”
It was a casual start, born from a simple need to fill a spot at the infamous Disco Dolly every Tuesday. The group, humorously named “Knalpijpen” at the time, saw this as a fun challenge.
What began as a one-off gig quickly turned into so- mething more as the group started getting booked re- gularly. The trio realized that what they had stumbled upon was more than just a casual DJ act; it was the beginning of something bigger.
The name “Maqossa” itself has an interesting backs- tory. Inspired by the track “Soul Makossa” by Manu Di- bango, the name was chosen for its sound and aesthe- tic appeal.
“I liked how it sounded and looked on paper,” he says.
But when they discovered there was already another DJ/producer with the name Makossa, they decided to tweak it. “I said let’s change the ‘K’ into a ‘Q’. I thought the letter ‘Q’ looked cool, and directly thought that if we ever set up an event and/or label, we should call it Qlub.” And thus, the seeds of Maqossa and Qlub were sown.
Starting a label and event series during a pandemic is no small feat. The challenges were numerous, but the team behind Qlub embraced them with determination and creativity. The first event, held in a photo studio, was as much an act of defiance as it was a celebration of music.
“When COVID began, my fiancée’s roommate sug- gested we should take some press shots together, but upon seeing the photo-studio, his mind immediately raced to the possibilities: “You could throw an amazing party out here!”
The first Qlub event was a logistical nightmare but also a resounding success. From clearing out the stu- dio to selling tickets manually via Tikkie, every step was a labor of love. Despite the challenges, including the ever-present risk of being shut down by the police, the event was electrifying.
“The energy was amazing, people were so happy to be dancing as one big crowd to a big soundsystem. You saw people had missed this.”
That first illegal party set the tone for what Qlub would become. It wasn’t just about throwing a par- ty; it was about creating a space where people could come together, even in the face of adversity, to cele- brate music and life. Qlub quickly grew, moving from the photo studio to BRET, a venue that offered a new level of professionalism and exposure. The event series attracted top-tier DJs like Archie Hamilton, Richy Ah- med, and Jackmaster, solidifying Qlub’s reputation as a must-attend event.
BUILDING A LABEL: FROM MAQOSSA TO QLUB’S MUSICAL VISION
While Qlub was making waves in the event scene, Ma- qossa was also busy building the label. They released several EPs, including remixes by Boris Werner and II Faces, and an EP by Mad Again. The label’s vision was clear: to offer a platform for talented friends and pro- ducers to showcase their music. The upcoming EP by resident DJ Kim April, is a testament to this collabo- rative spirit.
The label’s growth mirrors the evolution of the Qlub events—both are driven by a desire to create some- thing unique and meaningful. The success of the la- bel is not just measured by the number of releases but by the impact those releases have on the dance floor. Each track, each EP, is a piece of the Maqossa puzzle, contributing to the larger picture of what Qlub repre- sents.
One of the standout releases from the Maqossa crew is “Peaches,” a track that has garnered significant at- tention. Released on the Boogeyman label, “Peaches” is a reflection of the founder’s musical journey.
“The creative process began with a simple idea—a fun vibe that encapsulates the energy of summer,” he ex- plains.
The track is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, brid- ging the gap between the artist’s early influences and his current sound.
The story behind “Peaches” is as interesting as the track itself. Initially inspired by the iconic song “F*** the Pain Away” by Peaches, the track underwent seve- ral changes before reaching its final form.
“In the first version of the track, I used the theme of that song for my break.”
But when the rights couldn’t be secured, he turned to another source of inspiration—a sample from the BBC documentary Disco Revolution. Despite the chan- ges, the essence of “Peaches” remained, capturing the playful, summer vibe that the artist originally envisio- ned.
COLLABORATION WITH BOOGEY- MAN: A DREAM REALIZED
Working with the Boogeyman label was a dream come true for the Maqossa founder. The partnership came about almost serendipitously, during a Qlub event at BRET. After his set, he ran into Matt Tolfrey, Fleur Sho- re’s manager, and the two started talking.
“We talked about ADE and perhaps joining forces,” he recalls.
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