Q&A with SAFAR: Inside the mind of an Afro House Pioneer

SAFAR is a name that’s quickly becoming synonymous with innovation in the world of Afro House and Organic House. Blending deep rhythms with melodic flourishes, his music creates a rich and immersive experience that resonates with listeners across the globe. Drawing from his African roots and European upbringing, SAFAR’s sound is as diverse as his journey, combining tradition and modernity in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. 

In this exclusive interview, SAFAR opens about future projects, his evolution as an artist, and more. 

Listen to his latest release ‘Ya Salama’ while you read this interview

Looking back, what was your earliest entry into music appreciation? And music

production?

Growing up my mum was always listening to the radio, and it could be anything, one day it

would be folk music and the next day it could be latin, so from the very start she showed me

what music could be in so many genres.

What message do you hope listeners take away from your music?

What my mum gave me, I’m really hoping to pass on to my listeners. I don’t want to be one of

those artists who just copy whatever genre is hyping at the moment. Which is also what my

newly opened label is about. To appreciate music and not to adapt to and try to fit into a

certain box.

Outside of music, what inspires you?

I take a lot of inspiration from nature and the sounds of nature. I spend most of my

time, when not touring, in my studio in Ibiza surrounded by nature and it can be the flowers,

plants or the amazing sunsets that we get to enjoy there.

Is there a particular moment in the music industry that inspires you today as an artist?

Yes! When on tour and I get to explore new countries and sounds, I get really inspired to

create music. I really appreciate the time our partners, from venues, clubs and festivals, take to

show me their culture – it is so rewarding as an artist.

How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue creating, especially when facing

adversity?

That’s easy! Meeting and connecting with my fans and getting to enjoy their excitement is

beyond everything and it pushes me to keep going and being better and better.

How does your Moroccan heritage shape your music, and how do you ensure that

authenticity remains central to your sound as you evolve as an artist? 

As I said in the beginning, it was really how I grew up listening to all genres of music which

shaped my sound and my musical universe, but I am of course especially proud of my

Moroccan heritage and whenever I go to Morocco I try to get a good studio session in with

local musicians which gets recorded and then I use the sounds in my tracks later on.

In your opinion how has your genre/s evolved over the years, and where do you think it

could head in the future?

I think that it is important as an artist to keep evolving at each track – also for the fans. For my

music I have definitely played around and I will keep doing so. At the moment I am really into

melodic techno and tech house, so you can definitely expect some of that from me in the near

future.

What has been your most memorable moment in your career so far, and how has it

influenced your approach to music and performance moving forward?

As a kid I dreamt about playing in Berlin at the parade and I got to do that in 2023 and that’s

where I really got the taste for festivals as well.

There’s of course also the reaction of my fans as well as the DJ community to my music and

that warms my heart.

What can we expect from your future releases or creative projects?

I opened my own label, Scandalosa Records in December 2024 and that’s something that I

I am super excited for, it has definitely given me a platform to be even more playful. Something

that I am hoping the artists who are about to be released on Scandalosa Records feels too.

Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that no-one would expect?

I would say cooking – but if you follow me on socials you know that I love my BBQ, so instead

I’ll say that I won several championships in Chess as a teenager.

What is one piece of advice you want to leave with your fans?

Just to be themselves, to keep pushing and never give up. Never try to fit into someones

expectations of what your sound should look like.

Follow SAFAR

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