AQUTIE Brings the African Diaspora to the U.S.
“I feel like I was placed on this earth to make an impact through music.”
Image courtesy of Infamous PR
Every day is a woman’s world, and AQUTIE is a testament to why. A Harlem native, AQUTIE is both a DJ and producer by way of South Africa and Guinea. Hers is a sound collection that celebrates the vast sounds of the diaspora and prioritizes women in the music space. As relentless as this summer’s weather, AQUTIE continues to bring the heat with a two-track EP, Coolest In The City. She’s been booked and busy with performances at the Brooklyn Mirage, Boiler Room, Savaya Bali, and upcoming events, including the co-curated Heat House and Central Park Summerstage. Amid this, 1202 MAGAZINE caught up with AQUTIE to reflect on her experiences and find out what’s next.
Congratulations on your recent performance at The Brooklyn Mirage! You’re not new to the stage, but what was that experience like?
This was my third time playing at Avant Gardner — once in the Great Hall with Uncle Waffles, then with Black Coffee in the Mirage, and recently Keinemusik. Honestly, each experience has been amazing. Each lineup was different, and the crowds were different, so I was able to really show my strength and range in each performance.
You have a very distinct sound. I read earlier that your music interests started in the church. How has this impacted your music and the evolution of AQUTIE since then?
Growing up in the church allowed me to connect with my musical abilities in a different way. I’m a strong believer in God and higher powers in general. Music has always been spiritual for me. I feel like I was placed on this earth to make an impact through music. It helps me connect with people in such an impactful way, and it’s the one universal language everyone understands. It moves crowds and inspires people from many different backgrounds. I always knew from a young age that I’d be involved with music in some capacity. Music gives me the freedom to be me.
What was your process like creating your latest EP on Noir Fever, Coolest in the City?
This EP has been years in the making! I always had the concept because a friend of mine inspired it. She was giving me my flowers one day and told me that I was the ‘coolest in the city.’ Receiving this compliment was an honor, and it felt good to know that I was being seen by my community. I’m very happy with how it turned out and the support it’s received.
You marry the sounds of the diaspora with New York. What’s your favorite part of your approach to making music across multiple genres?
I enjoy many genres of music and play around with different sounds. It’s all about trying new things and seeing what sounds good to you. I like mixing elements that most people probably never heard together before, like a tech synth with a Spanish horn and some African djembe drums. It’s all about being fearless with your creativity and figuring it out as you go. That’s the method to my madness.
You run a monthly event series, Heat House. What’s this experience been like for you?
It’s been fruitful! We just made it a year in June, and it’s been lovely seeing it grow. Wemi and I are working hard to bring an event that’s new & fresh to NYC. We’re both lovers of music, and we share that passion together. We felt like something was missing in the NY club scene and wanted to do something that was authentic and intentional.
You’ve had an exciting year so far and have a few more gigs lined up. What are you most looking forward to next?
On July 27th, I’ll be playing on the Central Park Summerstage with Piano People, a UK event and collective known for pushing the Amapiano culture worldwide. The rest you’ll have to stay tuned for!
Where can listeners hope to see your name in the next few years?
Bigger stages, fabulous venues, wonderful experiences, more music, more collaborations, and more business ventures! I just want to keep growing and learning and continue to inspire people.
