Natalie Robinson: a journey of rhythm, identity, and soul

Natalie Robinson’s ascent in Berlin’s club scene is as inspiring as it is soulful. Known for her ability to fuse classic, garage, soulful, and underground house elements, Natalie’s DJ sets are emotional and beautiful. Weaving her cultural heritage with her artistic vision.

Born in a Ghanaian and American household, Natalie embodies a rich blend of her roots that shape her music and identity. Her presence in Berlin, a city celebrated for its diversity and innovation in music, amplifies her story as a black queer DJ who bridges heritage and artistry.

From competitive Hip-Hop dancer to celebrated DJ— Natalie’s career trajectory is proof of her resilience and passion for music. Her sets are communal celebrations of history, rhythm, and emotion.

In this article, we’ll explore Natalie’s background, and share insights into her creative process, challenges, and aspirations. Her story reveals how she has become a torchbearer for house music’s soulful roots while navigating the complexities of identity, authenticity, and artistic evolution.

Natalie’s music is deeply rooted in her Ghanaian-American heritage. When asked how her background influences her artistry, she reflected:

"House music, with its soulful origins and focus on rhythm, storytelling, and emotional connection, reflects my cultural duality. Because of my heritage, I feel a strong connection to its roots, which are deeply tied to the rhythms, communal spirit, and traditions of Black Music."

Thanks to her culture and identity, Natalie’s upbringing was steeped in Disco, Gospel, Soul, Funk, Hip-Hop, and R&B. These genres, she explained, share a direct lineage with house music. Gospel’s uplifting harmonies and Funk’s grooves laid the foundation, while Hip-Hop’s rhythm added raw expression. In her DJ sets, Natalie pays homage to these influences, creating spaces where the rich history of Black music comes alive, blending the old with the new in a way that feels inviting to feel its power

Natalie’s journey to becoming a DJ wasn’t premeditated. It was born from a love of music and a need to express herself after her competitive Hip-Hop dance career ended. Moving to Berlin in 2014 marked a turning point. As she recounted:

"In 2018, I took my first vinyl DJ course in Berlin. After a break, promoters began reaching out to me in 2022, which marked the unexpected start of my DJ career."

Her background in dance profoundly influences her approach to DJing.

“DJing, like dance, is a way to create moments that bring people together, and for me, it’s always been about the love of music and connection with people.”

Rhythm and groove are at the heart of her sets, turning the dancefloor into a shared space of connection and expression. Natalie credits venues like Berghain/Panorama Bar for shaping her sound and deepening her connection to house music. Her ability to intuitively understand the energy of a crowd has made her a favorite in Berlin’s iconic clubs, where her sets feel like journeys guided by rhythm.

In an international hub like Berlin, Natalie’s sets stand out for their authenticity. She explained:

"I’m not chasing trends or hype. My sets always have a soulful, groove-driven foundation that reflects my heritage. When I weave in tribal percussion or gospel-inspired vocals, I’m paying homage to the communal spirit that shaped house from the beginning."

“Staying true to myself” isn’t about shutting out global influences, it’s about letting them flow in naturally while still highlighting the music’s deeper history and spirit.”

This balance allows Natalie to educate her audience, introducing them to house music’s deeper roots while embracing the genre’s global evolution. By blending African rhythms, Gospel’s spiritual depth, and Funk’s energy, she creates a dynamic yet grounded experience. Her ability to stay true to herself while engaging a diverse audience is a hallmark of her essence .

Among her many milestones, Natalie highlighted two defining moments: performing at Panorama Bar and the Boiler Room Festival in 2023. Speaking of these experiences, she said:

"Panorama Bar is not just a club; it’s a genuinely safe space where individuality is celebrated and where I can truly be myself. Each time I´ve returned to play there I’ve grown both musically and personally, pushing my boundaries in ways I never imagined. Boiler Room allowed me to connect with a wider audience and share the soulful sound I’m so passionate about."

However, her journey hasn’t been without challenges. Natalie faced judgment from those who questioned her authenticity based on her identity. Reflecting on this, she shared:

"One of the hardest parts was getting many hateful messages from people who judged me before they ever heard me play. Some thought I was only booked because I’m Black, queer, and female. That was painful, but those negative voices pushed me to refine my craft and remain true to who I am."

These experiences strengthened Natalie’s resolve to prioritize authenticity and passion, reminding her of the joy music brings. Her ability to overcome such obstacles demonstrates the importance of resilience and self-belief in creative pursuits.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of Natalie’s craft. She spoke fondly of working with her partner, Katy De Jesus:

“Being a couple and still connecting so well musically isn’t something you can take for granted, so our synergy feels very special. We share a deep love for underground House Music and a raw storytelling style, making our sets a constant dialogue—encouraging each other to dig deeper, experiment, and take risks.”

“I’ve also had the honor of playing b2b with Virginia at Berghain’s 20th anniversary in December 2024. Sharing the booth with someone who had such a big impact on my journey was something very special and so much fun.”

“I’d love more opportunities like this one—collaborations where we can truly learn from each other and spark new ideas.”

Looking ahead, Natalie is excited about ‘SAUDADE,’ a project with Katy that aims to unite key elements of their community while honoring authenticity and connection. Natalie is also venturing into music production, ensuring that her work reflects her true self rather than succumbing to industry pressures. Her passion for innovation and collaboration positions her as a forward-thinking force in the house music scene.

The rise of social media has transformed the DJing landscape, often prioritizing branding over art. Natalie expressed concern:

"The underground thrives on authenticity and a deep respect for the roots of the music. It’s not about chasing fame or numbers but about crafting meaningful experiences."

“At the same time, I know it’s part of the industry now, so I try to find a healthy balance—staying visible without letting it take over. I’m also very grateful that there are still promoters out there

who go against the grain and value the craft itself. For me, the music and the connection with the crowd will always come first, no matter how loud the social media noise gets.”

Despite these challenges, Natalie remains committed to preserving house music’s spirit. She encourages audiences to seek out artists who bring depth and authenticity, ensuring the scene stays true to its origins. Her perspective offers a valuable reminder that love and integrity are essential for the genre’s growth.

Interviewing Natalie Robinson was not only an insightful experience but also a deeply personal one. Her warmth, passion, and authenticity resonated on every level, leaving a lasting impression. Talking to her felt like being invited into her world—a space where music, identity, and community converge in beautiful harmony.

Natalie’s journey reminds us that music is more than entertainment; it is a medium for storytelling, a bridge between cultures, and a source of healing. Her commitment to honoring the soulful roots of house music while creating spaces of joy and connection shows her true character. Each set she performs is a gift, crafted with care and infused with the spirit of her heritage.

As I reflect on our conversation, I’m struck by Natalie’s courage and clarity. She has faced adversity with grace, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and self-expression. Her ability to stay true to herself in a rapidly evolving industry is not just inspiring—it’s transformative. She reminds us all of the importance of integrity in both life and art.

In Natalie Robinson, we see an artist who embodies the essence of house music: unity, freedom, and love. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and a relentless dedication to her craft. It is a privilege to witness her journey and to share in the magic she creates on and off the dancefloor. Natalie’s music leaves an indelible mark, not just on the scene but on the hearts of all who listen.