A conversation with Sef Kombo.
DJ and producer Sef Kombo has been immersed in the vibe, the rhythm, the culture, and the deeper roots of Afro House for more than 15 years at home in the UK and across the globe. He has played alongside Black Coffee, Themba, Culoe De Song, Diplo, and Black Motion. Kombo is recognized on the international stage, having played at Defected Croatia and Roskilde Festival as well as for Boiler Room, DJ Mag, Hï Ibiza, Djoon, Watergate, and Blue Marlin. From broadcasting for BBC Radio to producing his own events and serving as an A&R for Defected Records’ Sondela label, Kombo has been creating and holding space for Afro House music with passion and intention that shines through all his endeavors.
UltraMaroon welcomes Sef Kombo to our house on Sunday, March 24, at Blue Midtown, along with resident Someone From Berlin and an opening from part of our UM fam, Bomba Zeen!
DXD: How would you describe your sound?
SK: A rhythmic mix of music represented from the motherland; sounds which may be unfamiliar, but are engaging to the ear.
DXD: You were originally known as Funkin Sef and went on to release a mix CD, “Afro Power.” What led to the change to Sef Kombo?
SK: I felt along my discovery of more soulful and deep house music that my ear and taste were beginning to evolve and thus maturing. Sef Kombo represented that change by bringing a shortened version of my name and keeping my surname.
DXD: You have an extensive history as a radio broadcaster. What do you enjoy most about your radio shows that you can’t do with a live set?
SK: I really loved presenting music that was out of my comfort zone of just house music and giving people a taste of what I’ve been discovering musically, which challenged me to hone my skills as a broadcaster. I used that when I went back to my own specialist shows to feel more confident about presenting dance music in another light.
DXD: You started the Til Two party in 2009. What inspired you to create it?
SK: I was greatly inspired to do my own parties to launch my own take on the music whilst building creatively in an intimate space that was influenced by Djoon Club in Paris and also building a platform for the community of DJs to show they were artists as well. The late Shaun Bloodworth’s capturing of Rinse FM radio presenters headshots inspired me to create not only the conversation between my peers and its benefits to them, but also the brand that housed the information about them.
DXD: You appeared on the MixMag cover in Feb. 2021 with Kitty Amor. Was there any moment during that process that you both realized all your work was really being recognized.
SK: After challenging the media in 2019 to search deeper into the journalistic space and unearth talent, stories, and movements beyond what they are normally accustomed to, what we already had laid down foundation-wise allowed us to tell a story of longevity and integrity. I feel that when it was widely known that our work was longstanding, the real recognition came organically. When we played the Originals Festival in 2021, our community celebrated us in a way which was different to previous years. It is a moment that remains in our thoughts.
DXD: You also collaborate on the Motherland and Sessions parties with Kitty Amor. What do you feel is the common thread to how you approach different events?
SK: Motherland and Sessions give that raw “open your catalogue” feeling. What sets them apart is the headline showcase nature of Sessions. The arena and settings allow our guests to really be front and centre of the show and immersed in an environment of expression; whereas, Motherland is still very much expressive and stands on the music rather than who is playing at the time.
DXD: As an event producer/promoter creating space for Afro House in London over the years, has there been a highlight moment that makes you especially proud?
SK: I have so many! Wow, like even selling out a show in 17 minutes is just incredible. When hosting a huge show recently with HERE at Outernet, I’m super proud of introducing Oscar Mbo to London. I will also never forget Til Two Classics Night at a packed Sway Bar on a Wednesday night in October 2013. I walked down the steps and had a viewpoint of a space full of joy and excitement with their hands in the air in unison and thinking, “I’ve achieved the unthinkable.”
DXD: As A&R for Sondela, a sub-label of Defected Records, what advice might you give up-and-coming artists looking to be scouted?
SK: People say this a lot, and when seeing it from the lens of an A&R in the last few years, it really is about sticking to who you are as a creative in the moment. Don’t take things personally, but keep working. The capabilities will be spotted and kept in mind. The time might not be for them, but I promise it will be for them at some point. Keep believing in yourself!
DXD: What stands out most from your experiences playing in South Africa?
SK: Where do I start? The vibe experience is so beautiful; it’s truly something to witness for yourself if you get the chance. I really love the way they absorb music and truly get down with it. Word of warning, they will let you know if you are not coming with the good music, so come with your A-game!
DXD: Will this be your first time playing in NYC? What is your perception of the dance music scene here?
SK: Yes, it will be my first time and I’m looking forward to it. Some greats have come from the city, like Masters At Work & Mr. V. I’ve heard a bit about how dance music was there in the past, but now as I’m working more closely with DJs from the states, the viability of venues and brands has me feeling like NYC is a very vibrant and accommodating place for dance music.
DXD: Is there a set/track/artist that has been inspiring you lately?
SK: Darque from South Africa inspires me greatly as I love the way he glides through a set – it’s so smooth on the ears. I also love Oscar Mbo and the way he mixes up the common genres of dance music coming out of South Africa. As far as tracks, “Yeke Yeke,” by Bun Xapa and, “Thandaza,” by Keinemusik and Alan Dixon are faves.
DXD: What are you looking forward to most for your upcoming Sunday at UltraMaroon?
SK: I’m looking forward to meeting some new faces and presenting Sef Kombo to them. The brand is a safe space for partygoers to enjoy themselves and wind down to end the weekend. It’s going to be a lot of fun!
Thank you Sef Kombo! Keep up with him on Instagram and Soundcloud. You can hear his NYC debut at UltraMaroon on Sunday, March 24, along with resident Someone From Berlin and an opening set by Bomba Zeen. Get your tickets here. Doors open at 5pm at Blue Midtown.
Xx,
DavidXDaisy