29 JUN 2020 My name is Kikelomo (pronounced kick-el-omo)—artist name and real name. I was born and raised in London with a strong connection to my Nigerian roots but have been living in Berlin for about 4 years now. I’m a DJ, radio presenter, Boiler Room host, event curator and aspiring producer (I’m still learning!), as well as working 4 days a week in music tech. I’m also a member of No Shade: a collective, club night series and mentoring program for DJs and visual artists based in Berlin. I’ve definitely got many fingers in many pies, but everything is rooted in my love of music and the way it can bring people together.

Even though I’ve only been DJing since 2017, I’ve experienced an explosive growth in my career ever since I started. 2019 was definitely the busiest and most transformative year in terms of artistry for me. With the global pandemic essentially decimating the live music industry—subsequently resulting in the disappearance of all my bookings domestically and internationally—I was forced to reflect on what being a DJ means to me, how much weight it had in terms of my identity and what I am contributing to the music industry. The contrast with last year is stark to say the least!

However, I came to realise that even if I can’t physically play in clubs and festivals at the moment, my love of uplifting and healing people with the music I play isn’t limited to the physical space. Through Zoom parties, radio shows, live streams on platforms like United We Stream, and, more recently, small open air gatherings, I’m still able to do what I love with a global reach, even if it isn’t quite the same.

In addition, the Black Lives Matter movement highlighted to me my position standing at the intersection of multiple worlds: the corporate music industry and underground music/club culture.

Over the past few weeks I’ve been able to use my platform as an artist, my experiences as a black woman in queer spaces and my position in the music industry to accelerate the construction of the bridges I was already trying to build between these worlds—this time with even more support. I won’t pretend like it’s been easy; at times I have been completely overwhelmed by the current state of the world, particularly when confronted with endless reminders of the oppression that myself and so many others like me face. However, seeing the potential to transform systems, build lasting infrastructures and possibly change lives in the music industry gives me the energy to push through the strife.

Lockdown made me realise how essential keeping physically active is for my mental health. I try to do some form of physical activity 5 times a week, ranging from going to the gym now that they’re back open, going for runs, home workout videos or yoga. I even bought a skateboard so I can finally learn!

I have an extremely active mind, and I’ve always been skeptical about my ability to meditate and the benefits I got from it, but over lockdown I downloaded the app Headspace and tried to stick with it. I have to say that it really was life changing—developing the ability to be more mindful really brings a new perspective to life.

I must admit, buying a bike just before lockdown was also one of the best investments I ever made. Cycling around Berlin with the current weather (and also not having to deal with the madness of the U Bahn) has transformed my view of the city.

Seeing friends, even with the social distance, and talking regularly with my family has also helped a lot.

I also developed an unhealthy attachment to plants, I started off quarantine with 15 and I’m nearing about 60 plants now. Almost all my plants have names—my favourite is called Keanu Leaves ;) I’m not sure if I’m beginning to lose it a bit, but it could have been a much worse addiction, so I’m not complaining!

I’m definitely inspired by the strength and resilience I see from marginalised communities in the face of adversity right now, especially the black and queer communities. The fact that we are seeing what is potentially the largest civil rights movement in history is breathtaking for me, particularly as someone who had started to reluctantly accept the status quo. Voices that I never expected to speak up are using their platforms to drive home lasting change. People who have suffered adversity and hardship their entire lives are continuing to keep up the fight, channeling their energy and passion into creative, constructive projects. It inspires me to keep going and reminds me that I am so lucky to belong to such a vibrant, ardent community.

It’s pretty cliché, but I’m excited for international borders to open again, even though I’m not sure what long-distance travelling will look like post Covid-19. I was in the process of forming connections with artists and communities around the world who are doing similar work to what No Shade is doing in Berlin. I was lucky enough to visit and DJ in Japan and South Korea in 2019. I was planning on visiting Latin America this year. I hope I can also go back to Nigeria in the near future, at the moment the cultural arts scene in Lagos is thriving, particularly driven by the fusion of the native experience with the influence of the returning diaspora. There is something like a West African renaissance happening right now; the music, art and fashion that is emerging is so innovative, and I would love to be a part of that movement.

I’m also very, very, VERY much looking forward to when the clubs reopen. The energy exchange as a DJ with a crowd that loves the music you’re playing gives you a rush like no other, and living in Berlin I've been fortunate enough to experience the best of the best. Music really is transformative.

You can keep up to date with me here: Instagram, Facebook, Soundcloud, Cashmere Radio Shows.

I will eventually be releasing my music when I feel confident enough, so watch this space :D