Shakkar Sonics is back! And for our reintroductory feature, we’ve taken a trip to London.
Our feature, DJ Laelo Black (formerly Tsasha) has been on a 3 year roller coaster in her journey to DJ stardom. Her journey was interrupted by the pandemic but she hasn’t let that stop her.
The crazy part? She never even wanted to be a DJ! But a lifelong love for music, a restless spirit and a desire for expression and experimentation changed all that. Find out more about her below.
So, tell me about your background.
Born and raised in London and my family is from Uganda.
And how long have you been DJing for?
This is my 3 year anniversary!
Oh that’s amazing! Happy Anniversary!
Thank you
So can you describe the past 3 years, how has that been?
Not to be cliché, but a roller coaster – the beginning was scary but exciting. I love going out so the fact I was getting booked to play at parties was the icing on top. I’ve found a lot of inspiration from travelling to different parts of the world as a result of booking and networking (including Shakkar in Lagos)! Then the pandemic hit and it was hard. It caused a lot of uncertainty but it also pushed me to look more into the production side of things and I made my first DJ edits/remixes which I’m very proud of. Most importantly, it made me really dig deep into more electronic sounds like Afro-house, Amapiano, etc and it has shaped the sets I play now.
It’s been very refreshing and … idk..wholesome? Haha… to play outside and get back into my groove!
That was an extremely detailed response, I love it. And that sounds really exciting! Do you think you will explore the production side even further?
Yeah, 100 % – it makes sense and it’s always been something I’ve wanted to get into. My best friends bought me a MIDI keyboard so there are no excuses. I’m taking baby steps at the moment until I find my feet. I also feel like events are something I’ll be exploring more. I hosted my first night event with my friends called AURA which was wavy! It was a teaser for people who are open to experimental sounds and I can’t wait to see how that continues to grow.
Wow. You’re keeping yourself busy! You sound like you love adventure haha
No literally, I am always on my toes. My friends say I can never sit still anywhere like I’ve got ants in my pants haha!
Restless spirits have the most fun!
Literally! You rest, you rust.
So, why DJing? Desire for adventure? Love for music? Let us know
Music is spiritual! I’ve always found comfort in it from a young age – but I never wanted to be a DJ. I thought it was too much pressure (which it is!) but I got bored of hearing the same typical sets on nights out. I felt like I wanted to express myself and open people up by putting them on new sounds and unexpected blends.
So, you really just did it out of service to the streets
I’m a guardian of the streets haha
What’s your favourite genre of music to listen to?
I don’t really have a favourite, I think I just go off of energy or nostalgia.. So atm I’ve really been in my early 2000s bag.
How does your personality influence your style choices?
I’m chaotic but delicate. I think it’s all about balance, so when it comes to style I love to mix combats, trousers, etc with something sexy and feminine
Three essentials you won’t leave the house with
Gum, USB, Perfume
You have to do a set and you can only pick one genre – what are you playing?
Yikes! Tricky. Maybe Afro-House because I could cheekily mix in other genres and still fit the vibe
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Outside… internationally. I’m currently building something for the culture with my friends so yeah, I reckon it will be an exciting journey.
You in 3 words
Eclectic, curious and warm.
You’ve renamed yourself Laelo Black, why the switch?
It’s just a rebrand, as I venture into more of the electronic world. I feel I outgrew Tsasha and I’m ready for a new beginning!
Finally, what’s your favourite eyewear brand?
*wink*
