Global voices: Whole united queer festival 2024 (part 2)

Ph: Karolina Jackowska @Jackowska.Karolina

Continuing our conversation with the collectives comprising the 2024 edition of WHOLE United Queer Festival, in our previous feature we dove into the Berlin-based collectives that form the local backbone of this unique event. Now, we expand our horizons to the global voices that make WHOLE a truly international celebration of queer electronic music culture.

From August 2-5, 2024, Ferropolis will once again become a melting pot of diverse sounds, identities, and experiences. This year, WHOLE welcomes 9,000 visitors to its dystopian "city of iron," but it's the collectives from around the world that truly bring this festival to life.

In this second installment, we spotlight four international collectives, each bringing their distinct cultural perspective and musical expertise to WHOLE. From the resilient spirit of Kyiv to the vibrant underground of São Paulo, from Amsterdam's inclusive approach to the dynamic scene of Hanoi – the VESELKA, De Reünie, Mamba Negra, and Equation collectives embody the 'United Queer' ethos that defines WHOLE.

VESELKA (Kyiv, Ukraine), De Reünie (Amsterdam, Netherlands), Mamba Negra (São Paulo, Brazil), Equation (Hanoi, Vietnam)

PH: Courtesy of VESELKA

Pictured: Stanislav Tweeman, Ruslan Mays, Vani Vachi, Nastya Muravyova

Emerging from Kyiv's resilient underground, VESELKA stands as a beacon of queer resistance and celebration in the face of immense challenges faced by Ukraine. Founded in 2018, this collective has rapidly become a vital force in Ukraine's LGBTQ+ scene, using the transformative power of rave culture to foster equality, tolerance, and freedom. In a country grappling with war and societal change, Veselka's presence at WHOLE is more than just a musical showcase—it's a profound statement of Ukrainian queer visibility on the global stage. Their journey from Kyiv's underground to WHOLE embodies the indomitable spirit of queer culture in Eastern Europe.

Responses provided by Stanislav Tweeman of VESELKA Collective.

Mixmag: Introduce your collective! What can people expect from Veselka at WHOLE?

Stanislav Tweeman: "VESELKA (rainbow in Ukrainian) was founded in Kyiv in 2018 as a safe space for queer and open-minded people. From the first episode, club kids found a place where they could express themselves and be free without any judgment. The mission of VESELKA is to spread equality, tolerance, and freedom for open-minded people through the power of rave.

On the dance floor we are preparing a journey through 3 decades of groovy and trancy beats and a cherry on pie Vani Vachi's live performance. During the whole WHOLE we would like to follow the flow and enjoy the experience in a full mode."

Mixmag: How does VESELKA contribute to topics surrounding global music, local scenes, queer culture, international culture, diversity, inclusion, equity, or justice?

Stanislav Tweeman: "We try to focus on the development of queer culture in Ukraine and the establishment of such basic concepts as tolerance and self-expression. If not in everyday life, then at least at parties, where not only members of the community feel free, but also straight people, for whom it is important for us to convey the normality of being different from everyone else.

On an international scale, it is very important for us, as a Ukrainian collective, to continue to spread the word about what is happening in our country while the war is going on and to promote Ukrainian culture, showing that our values are much closer to European ones than they seem at first glance."

Mixmag: Could you share a recent experience or initiative from your collective that you're particularly proud of?

Stanislav Tweeman: "At the beginning of this year, we did a take-over at the Museum de Fundatie in the city of Zwolle, where we shared the experience and history of the formation of queer and rave culture in Ukraine, as well as showed the performance '1,000,000 Roses of Donbass,' raising the topic of the ongoing war in Ukraine and its scale and consequences.

On the eve of the second anniversary of the great war, we held a large event in Brussels 'SLAVA' in collaboration with local queer communities, at which we managed to raise 10,000 euros in fundraising to support humanitarian foundations and queer organizations in Ukraine.

Such events are very important both for the community and for Ukraine as a whole. We are very grateful to everyone involved and are now working on implementing a project aimed at supporting Ukrainian queer artists. Essentially this is a camp for visual artists and musicians to realize their projects and present them in Europe. We are currently looking for grants for this very important project for our culture."

VESELKA @veselka_kyiv – Kyiv, Ukraine

Stanislav Tweeman Co-Founder of VESELKA

Denis Pinchuk – Co-Founder of VESELKA

Ruslan Mays – Resident Artist

Nastya Muravyova – Resident Artist

Vani Vachi - Resident Artist

Vadim - Resident Artist

Ph: Courtesy of De Reünie

De Reünie emerges as a powerful force from Amsterdam's vibrant electronic scene, redefining the parameters of safe and inclusive nightlife. Since 2020, this collective has been at the forefront of fostering environments where respect and mutual understanding are not just ideals, but tangible realities on the dance floor. De Reünie's presence at WHOLE embodies a progressive approach to party culture that prioritizes the wellbeing and empowerment of all attendees. Their innovative strategies for creating truly inclusive spaces challenge the status quo of nightlife, promising to bring a spirit of care and community to the festival.

Answers provided by Stef de Haan and Nick Edwards of De Reünie, Amsterdam.

Mixmag: Introduce your collective! What can people expect from De Reünie at WHOLE?

De Reünie: "De Reünie is an Amsterdam-based collective that has been building a community focused on creating safer and inclusive environments on the dancefloor. For the past four years, We have been organizing gatherings in some of the city's most iconic venues, including RADION, radio radio, BRET, and club Atelier."

Mixmag: What does the 'United Queer' ethos of WHOLE Festival mean to your collective?

De Reünie: "The 'United Queer' ethos of WHOLE Festival resonates deeply with our collective, De Reünie. Our mission since 2020 has been to foster safer clubbing environments in Amsterdam, creating spaces where inclusivity and mutual respect are prio. We believe that safer spaces should not be a mere buzzword used by event hosts but a genuine commitment that requires continuous effort and dedication.

To embody this spirit, we prioritize having a strong team of like-minded individuals both on and around the dancefloor. Our awareness team plays a crucial role in ensuring that everyone feels respected and safe, reflecting the inclusive and united spirit of WHOLE. Through our work, we strive to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their identity, can enjoy themselves freely and without fear. This commitment to inclusivity and safety is how we bring the 'United Queer' ethos to life in every event we organize."

Mixmag: How does your collective contribute to topics surrounding global music, local scenes, queer culture, international culture, diversity, inclusion, equity, or justice?

De Reünie: "We curate events that showcase diverse musical talents from around the world, while also nurturing the local music scene in Amsterdam. This blend enriches our community by exposing them to a variety of sounds and cultural expressions.

Celebrating queer culture is at the heart of our collective. We provide a safer and welcoming environment where individuals can express their identities freely and authentically. Our events are designed to be inclusive spaces where everyone, regardless of their gender or sexuality, feels understood and respected.

We are committed to creating environments that are not only inclusive but also equitable. This means actively working to remove barriers and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate and feel valued.

The importance of highlighting these issues cannot be overstated. In a world where many still face discrimination and exclusion, our collective strives to be a beacon of acceptance and understanding. We recognize the power of feeling understood and being part of a community, or 'tribe,' as a vital part of mental and emotional well-being. By facilitating spaces for connection, we bridge generational gaps and foster a sense of belonging for both the younger and older generations."

Mixmag: How does your collective aim to create a more inclusive and equitable environment within the electronic music scene?

De Reünie: "We do this by implementing a strong toolkit. This includes having an awareness team connected to security, a contact number for immediate assistance, and a robust door policy. These measures try to ensure that everyone feels safe, respected, and included at our events."

Mixmag: Could you share a recent experience or initiative from your collective that you're particularly proud of?

De Reünie: "Our highlight is definitely WHOLE festival last year but we did so much beautiful parties in Amsterdam as well."

Mixmag: What are your hopes for the future of the underground queer music scene?

De Reünie: "We envision a scene where good music, respectful behavior, education, and a deeper understanding of the community are prioritized. Events like WHOLE Festival can contribute to this vision by highlighting diverse artists, fostering inclusive environments, and providing platforms for education and dialogue.”

De Reünie – Amsterdam, Netherlands – https://www.instagram.com/de.reunie

Stef de Haan – Co-Founder of De Reünie and ½ of Cybersex

Nick Edwards – Co-Founder of De Reünie and ½ of Cybersex

Ph: Courtesy of Mamba Negra Collective

Hailing from São Paulo, Mamba Negra stands as a formidable voice in Brazil's underground electronic scene. More than a collective, Mamba Negra blends raw musical energy and culture with potent social activism. Their events are resistant acts intended to celebrate the diversity of Brazil's LGBTQ+, Black, and marginalized communities. At WHOLE, Mamba Negra brings the unapologetic energy of Latin American queer culture - a vibrant showcase of Afro-Brazilian rhythms, avant-garde performance, and revolutionary spirit.

Responses provided by Cashu, Alírio, and Alma Negrot of Mamba Negra

Mixmag: Introduce your collective! What can people expect from Mamba Negra at WHOLE?

Alírio: "We are Mamba Negra, straight from the raw and vibrant heart of São Paulo's underground. Expect nothing less than an explosive blend of Latin electronic beats, including the infectious energy of funk, wild experimental rhythms, and mind-blowing visuals. When you step into a Mamba Negra experience, the dance floor transforms into a playground of radical self-expression and collective euphoria."

Alma Negrot: "I see Mamba Negra as a baroque movement fueled by diverse talents capable of evoking a wide range of emotions in the audience. Our identity is dynamic, never static—like a snake, we are always in motion, honoring our history while seeking what the new has to offer. As a performer, I frequently find myself crafting atmospheres for the audience with innovative DJs and musicians, and I find that process amazing. Often, the 'new' emerges through the magic of unexpected encounters."

Mixmag: What does the 'United Queer' ethos of WHOLE Festival mean to your collective?

Alma Negrot: "Mamba Negra is both a collective and a party, deeply committed to fostering diversity primarily among black individuals, queer communities, and women. Our focus is to provide a welcoming space for these groups. Our party celebrates diversity and showcases various cultural expressions, aiming to empower cultural producers in Brazil without prioritizing commercial interests. It's more than just entertainment; our presence is a political statement given the current landscape."

Mixmag: Could you share a recent experience or initiative from your collective that you're particularly proud of?

Cashu: "Beginning of the year we decided to do an instagram post showing and open our numbers to the community, because of the recent and constant reclaims about the increase of ticket entrance. This was very important to create a direct communication with the public, and most of the people understood that the ticket price is actually very cheap compared with what we offer in terms of venue, sound, art and experience. Mamba Negra is a party with a festival size, and in every place in the world the ticket price for this type of festival is 3 or 4 times more expensive."

Alírio: "One of the recent moments I'm particularly proud of with Mamba Negra was our 11-year anniversary festival held in May this year. It was a profoundly meaningful experience where I had the opportunity to perform a b2b set for the first time with Cashu to close out the festivities (my third time playing at the party, but my first as a resident). The final track was Madonna's 'Nothing Really Matters,' just days after her iconic show in Copacabana, which was a cathartic moment."

Mixmag: What are your hopes for the future of the underground queer music scene?

Alma Negrot: "What we know as 'underground art' also needs decolonization. There is a powerful movement growing from marginalized communities, primarily outside the Northern Hemisphere axis, such as in Latin America, Africa, and their diasporas. The 'ballroom' and 'funk' scenes in Brazil are excellent examples of this phenomenon; they are not just musical styles but have formed communities and are gaining recognition and appreciation worldwide. We must continue to inspire one another and embrace increasing diversity, ensuring collective advancement and mutual success."

Mamba Negra Collective – São Paulo, Brasil

Cashu – Co-Founder of Mamba Negra

Alírio – Resident DJ of Mamba Negra

Alma Negrot – Performer

Ph: Courtesy of Equation Collective from Equation Festival 2024

Equation Collective emerges as a dynamic force from Hanoi's burgeoning underground scene, bridging the gap between Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and the global electronic music landscape. As pioneers in their local queer community, Equation Collective represents the vanguard of Asian representation in international festivals. Their inclusion in WHOLE signifies a powerful shift towards true global diversity in the electronic music world. Bringing a unique fusion of Southeast Asian influences and cutting-edge sounds, Equation Collective promises to deliver not just a set, but an authentic cultural experience that challenges common thought and celebrates the universal language of dance music.

Responses provided by Saint Guel, Ouissam, and DI Linh of Equation Collective

Mixmag: Introduce your collective! What can people expect from Equation Collective at WHOLE?

Equation: "Equation Collective, featuring Di Linh, Ouissam, Saint Guel, DOTT, Manikk, TaoFu, and BongBongQuayQuay, is set to ignite Hanoi, Vietnam with a dynamic showcase of underground dance music. Equation Collective promises an eclectic musical journey, blending genres like house, disco, techno, ambient, funk, soul, downtempo. This diverse mix ensures there's something for everyone, catering to a wide range of musical tastes. By combining regional talents with international acts, the Equation Collective aims to offer an eclectic and immersive musical experience that reflects the diversity and creativity of the Asian underground dance music community.

The collective this year includes notable artists like Di Linh, Ouissam, and Saint Guel, who will bring their unique styles and energy to WHOLE festival. With Di Linh, Ouissam, and Saint Guel leading the way, Equation Collective aims to create unforgettable memories through unique interactions and experiences. Their blend of musical expertise and focus on queer culture promises to leave a lasting positive impact, fostering pride, empowerment, and solidarity among all participants."

Mixmag: What does the 'United Queer' ethos of WHOLE Festival mean to your collective?

Equation: "For Equation Collective, the 'United Queer' ethos of WHOLE Festival holds profound significance. It represents a commitment to inclusivity, acceptance, and celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in all its diversity. As a collective deeply rooted in the underground music scene, Equation embraces the opportunity to contribute to WHOLE Festival by curating a lineup that reflects these values.

Our participation signifies more than just music; it's about creating a safe and empowering space where individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations can come together, express themselves freely, and feel embraced by a community that celebrates their authenticity.

Equation Collective sees the festival as a platform to amplify queer voices, promote visibility, and foster meaningful connections through music and cultural expression.

Through our eclectic musical offerings and the immersive experiences we create, we aim to contribute to the festival's mission of empowerment and solidarity. Equation Collective is honored to be part of WHOLE Festival, supporting its 'United Queer' ethos by promoting unity, diversity, and love through the universal language of music."

Mixmag: How does your collective contribute to topics surrounding global music, local scenes, queer culture, international culture, diversity, inclusion, equity, or justice?

Equation:

"Global Music: By collaborating with international artists, we bring different musical styles and perspectives to our events. This not only broadens the audience's musical horizons but also fosters global artistic innovation.

Local Music: We support and showcase emerging artists from local scenes, providing them with a platform to reach wider audiences. This helps nurture local talent and contributes to the growth and sustainability of regional music ecosystems.

Queer Culture: Our events prominently feature queer artists and performers, ensuring their visibility and representation in the electronic music scene. This helps to challenge stereotypes and promote acceptance.

Safe Spaces: We create inclusive and safe spaces where queer individuals can express themselves freely and authentically. This fosters a sense of community and belonging, essential for the well-being and empowerment of queer people."

Mixmag: How does your collective aim to create a more inclusive and equitable environment within the electronic music scene?

Equation: "Equation Collective aims to create a more inclusive and equitable environment within the electronic music scene by prioritizing diverse representation, ensuring safe and welcoming spaces, and engaging with local communities. We collaborate with like-minded organizations globally to amplify our impact and raise awareness about diversity, inclusion, and equity. By continuously evaluating our practices and seeking community feedback, we strive to maintain our commitment to these core values, fostering a vibrant and inclusive scene where all artists and attendees feel empowered and celebrated."

Mixmag: Could you share a recent experience or initiative from your collective that you're particularly proud of?

Equation: "One recent initiative we are particularly proud of is our LGBTQ+ community party. This involves partnering with international queer collectives and festivals to exchange artists, providing them with opportunities to perform on global stages. This initiative has allowed our artists to share their talents with diverse audiences worldwide and bring unique international acts to our local scene.

This initiative is meaningful because it promotes cross-cultural understanding and showcases the rich diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. It helps break down barriers, fosters a sense of global unity, and supports the professional growth of our artists by exposing them to new experiences and networks.

Our collective actively supports and promotes LGBTQ+ artists by sending them to various parties and festivals, ensuring their talents are showcased widely. We are also regular participants in the monthly SNug party at Savage, contributing to the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere of this celebrated event."

Mixmag: What are your hopes for the future of the underground queer music scene?

Equation: "The Equation Collective has a vision for the underground queer music scene to be more diverse, inclusive, and visible in the future in order to have improved representation. This would result in more visibility of queer artists whether existing in mainstream or underground platforms thus making queer identities and experiences common. Our vision includes diverse lineups featuring artists of all genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, and musical styles, enriched by an intersectional approach addressing the unique challenges faced by different segments of the queer community.

Events like WHOLE Festival play a crucial role in this vision by providing significant platforms for queer artists, increasing visibility and opportunities, and featuring role models to inspire emerging artists. By curating diverse lineups and highlighting intersectional issues, WHOLE Festival fosters broader acceptance and appreciation of different musical and cultural perspectives. Implementing inclusive practices like sliding scale ticketing and physical accessibility, alongside educational initiatives on diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, enhances the festival's impact.

Additionally, WHOLE Festival creates safe spaces for queer expression, connection, and community-building, while offering networking opportunities that foster collaborations and support networks in the music industry. By championing these values, events like WHOLE Festival help shape a more inclusive, diverse, and accessible future for the underground queer music scene, allowing everyone to thrive and express themselves authentically."

Equation Collective– Hanoi, Vietnam

Saint Guel – Artist

Ouissam – Artist

Di Linh - Artist

WHOLE United Queer Festival 2024 stands as a testament to the global reach and impact of queer electronic music culture. From Veselka's resilient Ukrainian spirit to De Reünie's inclusive Dutch approach, Mamba Negra's fierce Brazilian activism to Equation Collective's pioneering Asian representation, these international voices amplify WHOLE's mission far beyond its Berlin roots.

These collectives don't just bring diverse sounds; they embody the struggles and triumphs of their local queer communities. Veselka's wartime fundraising efforts, De Reünie's innovative safety protocols, Mamba Negra's political engagement, and Equation Collective's cross-cultural exchanges all demonstrate how music can be a powerful tool for social change.

As WHOLE approaches, it's clear that the festival is more than a sum of its parts. It's a global platform where underground queer culture converges, challenging norms and fostering solidarity across borders. In a world often divided, WHOLE and its international collectives prove that the beat of electronic music can unite us, celebrating our differences while amplifying our shared queer experiences.

Read Part 1: WHOLE United Queer Festival – An Interview with five Berlin-based collectives fueling the city’s underground pulse

Article written and interviews conducted by Patrick Ames Conner

WHOLE United Queer Festival: Website | Instagram | SoundCloud