Sound & Style reflects a global shift in how music and fashion move together, shaping identity, influence, and cultural expression across cities and scenes. From London to Africa to Atlanta and beyond, DJs are at the center of that exchange, translating sound into style and presence in real time. As Sound & Style continues, we take a closer look at the DJs defining how music and style intersect across scenes and cities.
As we continue in the series, today we spotlight Selasi, a Brooklyn-born, London-bred DJ whose sound is rooted in soul, rhythm, and cultural connection. Drawing from his Ghanaian heritage and a deep appreciation for genres including R&B, Neo-soul, AfroJazz, Soulful House, and South African electronic music, Selasi approaches DJing as both storytelling and emotional exchange. Whether blending Amapiano, 3 Step, GQOM, or Afrohouse into his sets, his selections prioritize feeling as much as movement, creating an atmosphere where sound carries intention. Having started in radio before transitioning into live events and festival spaces, Selasi continues to shape experiences centered around community, energy, and the universal language of music.:
A: How do you think sound and style work to- gether in shaping your presence?
S: “You often find that how you look dictates how you are perceived and treated. As a DJ, people usually see you for a long time before speaking – if ever. People will consume your looks, how you present, your style, branding and your sound before speaking to you. My sound is soulful, can be relaxing and energetic, pulse-driven and moving, paired with smoot seamless mixing. My style and fashion choices evoke similar connotations. Both my style and sound are key points in my branding as a DJ because they are key features in my everyday life outside of DJing. Working as a civil engineer, and curating playlists for radio stations, music is always around me a how I dress is always on point.“
A: What separates a technically good DJ from someone people remember?
S: ““Song Selection and Personality wins. A technically good DJ is great – having the knowledge of music theory, how to mix in key, understanding pacing, building tension, scratching and effects tricks are all amazing things to have in your arsenal. However, technical ability tends to mainly impress other DJs or have in depth appreciation for it. The general audience generally remembers great song selection and the DJs personality. What they gleam from their personality varies from person to person. Some DJs may be great at talking through the mic MCing and crowd control. Personally, it’s definitely my style and fashion choices which shapes my personality paired with the song selections. A main component for my outfits is comfort. I have to feel comfortable in what I wear at a set because the comfort adds to my energy. When I feel comfortable, any nerves I may feel dissipate, and my energy translates into the song selections and what the audience receives. People often say I exude a calm and safe energy.”
A: Right now, what feels most important for people to understand about your work?
S: ““I want people to leave my sets having discovered something new; Whether it be a new song, a new artist, the original sample of a record they knew, a friend, or an experience that reminded them of a past time. My sets are built to make the audience feel and dance. I care about the visuals, the aesthetics and the curated space which allow for the right energy to be felt in tandem with the music being played. This goes from the venue and event choices, to what I wear and what I play.”
Explore the full Sound & Style feature in Issue 008, now available in print and digital, and spend time with the DJs shaping culture across sound and style. Follow and support Selasi as he continues to build her presence, and tap into the Spotify soundtrack to experience the artists and sounds moving through each DJ’s world.
