NYK—mag 0225
02 Franchesika Nyakaisiki;
reflections on Sound,
Identity & Space
Link: @djxzyl
Song recommendation:
African Children's Choir - Sauti
What's your relationship with electronic music, and what sub-genres do you feel mostly drawn towards lately?
My relationship with music is deeply rooted in a sense of connection and energy. And with electronic music, I would say that growing up in Uganda, I was always drawn to rhythms that spoke to me, and electronic music, particularly Afro-house, became a natural extension of that. It's more than just beats; it's a feeling, a way of storytelling, a way of life, where the vocals carry a powerful message and the percussions are rich and labyrinth. I also find myself exploring the vibrant sounds of Amapiano, which has the whole world on its knees right now and the evolving Afro-tech scene, all while appreciating how they blend traditional African sounds with contemporary electronic sound.
Do you remember a moment or a space where a specific sound really clicked for you?
Yes and no. I couldn’t remember a specific moment but I know my whole life has been filled with such moments, first and foremost being that I grew up around a very sound enthusiastic household, and although that changed constantly, I genuinely was always fascinated by any sound that seemed to take me to a place I could only live through imagination. Whenever such a sound filled the room, I felt an undeniable pull, a sense of belonging within that rhythm. It has been and always will be a realization that music can carry the essence of my heritage and translate it to a global audience. And those moments still occur to me based on where I am in life and where I am living
Do you think that your cultural background and heritage shape the way you connect with music? — if so, in what way?
My cultural background and heritage are the very foundations of how I connect with music. Ugandan music, and African music in general, is intrinsically linked to storytelling, celebration, and spiritual expression. This ingrained understanding of rhythm and narrative means that I don't just hear a beat; I feel its pulse, its history, and its potential to move people. My ears are naturally attuned to the polyrhythms and vocal nuances that are characteristic of African music, and this influences my selection (of music) and how I structure my sets. It’s about channeling that ancestral energy into the contemporary electronic soundscape.
Do you consider certain sounds or musical traditions as sacred? — how so?
I most definitely consider certain sounds and musical traditions as sacred. For me, the traditional rhythms and vocalizations from various African cultures and different parts of Africa are sacred. They are not just sounds because they carry centuries of history, ritual, and communal memory. When I hear a traditional drum pattern or sound of an instrument, like a xylophone or a specific vocal chant, it evokes a deep sense of reverence. It's a reminder of where these electronic genres draw their inspiration and power from. To me, respecting these origins is paramount, and it's why I try to incorporate them authentically into my sets and not just as samples, but as living expressions of heritage of different parts of the motherland.
Have you ever felt like you had to “adjust” your sound to fit a certain crowd or venue? What’s that experience like?
Living in Denmark or anywhere else for that matter will certainly have any creative do that unless you are creating for your own personal consumption. And so, I have experienced moments where I felt the need to "adjust" my sound. I would say, coming from a vibrant club culture in Uganda where Afro music is mainstream, to a scene here where it's still finding its footing, can be a transition. Sometimes, the initial energy of a European crowd might be different, and I've found myself starting with more accessible tracks, perhaps less percussive or vocally driven, or just the regular chart topping hits to ease in the community I now live in. It's a balancing act. I want to introduce people to the beauty of Afrocentric sounds, but also ensure they connect with it. It can feel like a compromise at times, a subtle negotiation between my roots and the immediate environment, but my goal is always to eventually bring them into the full, unadulterated experience.
What would you want listeners to know or feel when they hear your DJ set?
When listeners hear my DJ set, I want them to feel a journey. I want them to feel the warmth of the African sun, the positive and hard hitting energy, a sense of communal gathering, and most importantly, the undeniable urge to move. I want them to know that this music is rich, diverse, and deeply spiritual. I want them to feel liberated, joyful, and yet connected, not just to the music, but to a global rhythm that transcends borders. Ultimately, I want my sets to be an invitation to explore the vast and beautiful tapestry of Afrocentric electronic music and to experience its power to uplift and unite and that’s why my name is XZYL (pronounced exile), because once I take you in, there's no coming out.
What keeps you inspired to keep playing the music you do? And what do you hope the future holds for Afro-house and its communities?
The sheer dynamism and evolution of Afro music is my core inspiration. It will take time and it has taken time to get here, but a few years back, nobody thought we would get here. And the plus side is there's always new talent emerging, new fusions, and new stories being told through the music. The energy I get from the crowd now shows that there's an upward curve into the reception, and seeing people connect with the sound I love is all the fulfillment I ever need. For the future of Afro-house, I hope for continued growth, but more importantly, for deeper respect and recognition of its origins. I hope for equitable opportunities for African artists and producers, and for spaces where the music can be celebrated authentically, free from appropriation that strips it of its soul. I envision a future where Afro music is not just a global trend, but a globally respected and understood movement, with its roots firmly acknowledged and nurtured.
Final question; what's a song you'd like to recommend right now?
Right now, I'd recommend "African Children's Choir - Sauti”, which by its title, Sauti (a swahili word that means sound), is a track you want to turn up the sound and vibe to. On the track, the African Children's Choir perfectly encapsulates the depth, emotion, and infectious rhythm of modern Afro-house. It’s a journey in itself, with powerful vocals and an incredible build-up that truly resonates with what I aim to embody when I express myself through Afro music.