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 K3, a London-based DJ helping shape the growing global presence of Amapiano through both sound and visual identity. Since beginning his DJ journey in 2022, K3 has quickly established himself within the scene through high-energy sets, seamless transitions, and a deep connection to African electronic music culture. Inspired by figures such as Black Coffee, Major League, and Romeo Makota, his approach blends the vibrant energy of Amapiano, Afrohouse, Afro-tech, and Gqom into a distinct sonic perspective rooted in both community and culture. Across clubs, festivals, and digital spaces alike, K3 brings together music, fashion, and presence in a way that reflects the evolving relationship between African sound and contemporary style:
A: When people experience you DJing, what do you think they learn about you before you ever speak?
K: “Before I ever say a word, people can feel that I’m confident and slightly unpredictable. There’s a calm control, but there’s also something wild underneath it. And most importantly, they can tell I really know my music. I’m not just playing tracks, it’s intentional.”
A: How do you think sound and style work together in shaping your presence?
K: “Sound and style must speak the same language. Amapiano is a growing global sound, but it carries elegance and depth. I try to reflect that in how I present myself, a mix of old and new, heritage and modern energy. It’s about balance. The music is smooth but powerful, and my style mirrors that.”
A: When you step into a space to DJ, what do you notice first about the room?
K: “I notice the energy immediately and honestly; you can read that through how people are dressed. A room full of dresses carries a different energy from a room full of tracksuits. It tells me how I might build the set. The crowd always speaks before the music does.”
A: What outside of music currently influences how you present yourself creatively?”
K: “Anime.The way characters are built with layers. The exaggeration of identity. The idea that presence is designed. That mindset applies to how I approach both fashion and sound.”
A: Is there a moment in your career when your image and your sound finally aligned?
K: ” Last year felt like the beginning of that alignment. It’s a journey though. I think true alignment happens in stages. We’ve started building it and when it’s fully locked in, you’ll feel it.”
A: What’s a common expectation placed on DJs that you personally push back against?
K: “There’s this idea that DJs should always wear black. I love black too, but colour brings emotion. Colour brings understanding. It shifts how people perceive the energy before you even press play. I like challenging that expectation.”
A: Right now, what feels most important for people to understand about your work?
K: “There’s no rush. We’re building properly step by step. The focus is long-term: building the brand, strengthening the sound, and taking Amapiano to the world and back. This isn’t hype. It’s foundation.”
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 K3 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.
