Yaya

In a captivating exploration of Yaya’s musical journey and the ethos of Tamango Records, we uncover a rich sense of creativity, innovation, and inspiration. Tamango Records, born nearly seven years ago, serves as more than just a label—it’s a sanctuary for burgeoning talent, a place of innovation, and a testament to the transformative power of music.

Central to Tamango’s ethos is YAYA’s unwavering commitment to nurturing emerging artists, providing a platform for talents like Rossi., Toman, and the Late Replies duo to flourish and reach new heights. Through his personal journey and distinct sound, YAYA serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring DJs worldwide, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and staying true to one’s craft.

“The label was born almost seven years ago, and seeing it grow over the years is extremely special and meaningful to me. I am very pleased with the path and overall journey the label had, how it evolved over the years while remaining true to its origins and the idea of the sound I wanted to shape when I founded it."

"I’ve always tried to come up with a high-quality, distinctive sound, and I think that I have managed to stick to my initial motivations. Another thing that makes me happy is that Tamango has been one of the first homes of artists like Rossi., Toman, Fleur Shore, and Manda Moor, who, now, are doing very well on their own."

"I am glad to have been one of the very first ones to support their music back in the day. If I must name another talented artist, look out for the Late Replies guys from London."

"Their “What The Funk” EP released last summer on Tamango reached the n1 spot on Beatport and it stayed there for a long time, rapidly becoming our biggest release to date and getting played by every big name in the industry including Jamie Jones, The Martinez Brothers, Joseph Capriati, and many many more”.

Reflecting on his role as a source of inspiration, YAYA humbly acknowledges the impact of his career trajectory on others.

“I am very happy to be a source of inspiration for others. It means that I am still doing my job well!”

From the early days of his career to the present moment, YAYA remains committed to sharing the same vibes that ignited his love for music as a child.

“If I have to give any advice to the new generation, what I can say is to focus on making good music, which I feel is something that will always remain, no matter what. I’ve grown up and I started my DJ career in a completely different scenario without social media, which nowadays is something important to take care of but will always be on top of the list. It also depends on what you want: if you want to become famous or if you want to be a real artist."

"Everyone lives their personal experience in their own way”.

The launch (last December) of his new project of Tamango Xpress represents a bold step forward, expanding the label’s sonic palette and embracing a new wave of gritty, raw, and dancefloor-oriented music. Through this sister label, YAYA continues to push boundaries and foster innovation in electronic music.

“Tamango Xpress was something that I’ve had in mind for quite a while, and I’m super excited that Tamango’s sister label finally saw the light at the end of last year. There are many artists whose works I love and play, but sometimes I feel that their tracks don’t 100% fit with the “Tamango” sound."

"For this reason, I’ve opened a new spot for more gritty, raw, and dancefloor-oriented music. The concept is simple: music “express” and ready to go."

"Not much talk is needed for these groovy rollers. The response has been amazing so far: the second single, “Like This’’ by Freenzy’ has been one of the tracks that I played in almost every set from last year, and the results on the charts have been amazing as well. We have some serious heaters lined up for 2024 and I can’t wait to release them in the upcoming months”.

As the driving force behind Tamango Records, YAYA’s transformative vision extends beyond the confines of the studio, resonating across global dancefloors and igniting the spirits of music lovers worldwide. For YAYA, the dream of remixing his father’s album had always been a lingering aspiration—a tribute to a musical legacy that shaped his own artistic path. Motivated by a dear friend and guided by a profound sense of gratitude, YAYA embarked on the project with reverence and humility, honoring the footsteps of his father while carving out his own sonic foot-print.

Wrestling with the delicate balance of tradition and innovation, he approached every beat with meticulous care, mindful of the weight of familial ties and musical heritage. Yet, fueled by a relentless commitment to authenticity and creativity, YAYA breathed new life into the timeless melodies, infusing them with fresh energy and perspective.

“I always dreamed of remixing my father’s album, who was the percussionist and leading voice of the “M’bamina” ensemble. In this last period, also thanks to the motivation given by a good friend of mine, and after having done some sketches in the past years - I started working on it again."

"I consider myself very lucky because re-working your dad’s music is something truly special that not everyone can do, and I am grateful to have had such a talented musician and inspiring person next to me. The project is evolving nicely, and finally, after a long time, I can finally say that it’s almost done, and it will be released soon”.

As the remix project nears its completion, YAYA reflects on the profound impact it has had on his musical perspective, forever shaping his approach to creativity and innovation. Through this deeply personal endeavor, he has not only paid homage to his father’s legacy but has also forged a deeper connection to his own roots, allowing his music to resonate with authenticity and soul.

Amidst the emotional depths of the remix journey, Tamango Records continues to soar to new heights, its vibrant showcases lighting up cities around the world. From the bustling streets of New York City to the picturesque landscapes of Amsterdam and Barcelona, Tamango’s global groove odyssey captivates audiences with its electrifying energy and infectious rhythms.

“2023 has been a crazy year for Tamango Records. I have so many good memories, and every show was fantastic. I can’t wait to announce a couple of new parties in Italy but that’s all I can say at the moment. Another city that I am looking forward to is London: I just love the crowd there, and a crazy number of my and Tamango Records’ followers come from there."

"After the successful New York debut in July, another US city I have on my radar is Miami. I can also tell you that you can catch some Tamango beats in May at Colorado Charlie – a very cool open-air spot nearby Amsterdam – and, later this year, in Barcelona”.

Stepping into the sun-drenched streets of Lisbon, YAYA finds himself embraced by a new rhythm of life; a stark contrast to the bustling energy of his hometown, Turin. Reflecting on his transition, YAYA shares insights into the unique experiences and vibrant landscapes that have shaped his journey as a musician and a global citizen.

“My life in Lisbon is going great. I feel like that is the perfect place to chill, relax, and recharge the batteries between my tours and gigs. My home is close to the seaside, and it allows me to get a lot of inspiration to make new music and to train every day while eating good food with amazing weather”.

Nestled close to the seaside, his home becomes a sanctuary for creativity, offering a constant wellspring of inspiration amidst the backdrop of azure waters and sun-kissed shores. Here, YAYA finds solace in the simple pleasures of life; good food, amazing weather, and the gentle lull of the ocean waves.

Yet, amidst the tranquility of Lisbon, Turin holds a special place in YAYA’s heart.

“Turin is where I was born and raised. It’s always a pleasure to visit my family and friends, to play at my favorite party, Savana, where I’ve been a resident DJ for as long as I can remember”.

Tamango has had many special shows around the world, but one that recently stood out was at the legendary Fabric London club on Sunday, June 30th. At this iconic venue, renowned for its exceptional sound system and vibrant atmosphere, Yaya played an all-night-long set, which could not have been a better experience.

The anticipation leading up to the event was intense, with fans eagerly awaiting the marathon set that promised to take them on a journey through Tamango’s diverse sonic landscape. This night was a perfect blend of musical exploration and connection with a young, enthusiastic, and heterogeneous crowd, making it a truly memorable event.

"When I received the invitation to play an all-night-long set, I felt very grateful and excited because it gave me the opportunity to showcase the wide spectrum of sounds that represent me instead of just playing for 2 or 3 hours as I usually do. While preparing for the show, I made sure to go through each one of the hundreds of demos I receive on Trackstack and via email, while also rediscovering some gems I hadn’t played in a while. Besides that, I added some of the next releases on my labels Tamango Records and Tamango Xpress, plus some unreleased bombs from up-and-coming artists. I really like to play and support music by newcomers; it feels like a tribute to those who once supported my tracks and a way to give back to the new newcomers in this industry.”

“We announced this event just a few days before the actual date, but I immediately received many messages from friends, fans, and colleagues with words of encouragement. When the day finally arrived, I was a bit nervous, but both my team and Fabric’s team assured me that it would be a night to remember, and they weren’t wrong! What a show that was... I started at 11 PM with an empty dance floor, slowly setting the vibe, and ended with the club full, playing for almost six hours until 4:30 AM. Thinking of my first years behind the decks, I obviously have great respect for the resident DJs who know how to set the mood in the best way, as I was one of them for a long time; that’s why it was a bit strange but definitely pleasant to do a warm-up set for myself. Later, as the dance floor started filling up, I raised the bpm and energy, closing the set the way I like the most on such a clean and powerful sound system as Fabric’s.”

Yaya’s experience at Fabric London was nothing but extraordinary: his ability to maintain the energy and interest of the crowd for almost six hours. His trademark rolling, hypnotic grooves unfolded in the tunnels of the historic club, finding a way to hit each attendee’s mind, body, and soul. Smiles were all over the place, hands in the air from start to finish. Without a doubt, it was an unforgettable night for everyone present.

PH:

Cover:

Elisabett ariccio: https://www.instagram.com/elisabettariccio/

Fabric:

Adam Hatch Berry: https://www.instagram.com/adam.hatchberry/