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 the series, today we spotlight Ni’Coco, a Zimbabwean-born, London-raised, Scotland-based DJ whose sound reflects the richness of the African diaspora. Influenced by her love of travel and diverse cultural experiences, she has become known for her energetic blends of amapiano, gqom, house, Afrobeats, dancehall, and rap, creating sets that are both uplifting and deeply intentional. Whether performing in South Africa, Dubai, Scotland, or across the UK, Ni’Coco approaches every room differently, curating music that speaks to the audience in front of her while staying true to her roots. Through her commitment to exploration and introducing listeners to both familiar favorites and undiscovered sounds, she continues to prove that great DJing is as much about connection as it is about music.:
A: When people experience you DJing, what do you think they learn about you before you ever speak?
N: “One thing I pride myself on is having an eclectic music crate. I love incorporating different genres/edits so I think people learn that I like adding an element of surprise.”
A: How do you think sound and style work together in shaping your presence?
N: “To me, they work hand in hand—essentially they’re the same thing. You can’t have a notable sound without knowing your style. I use my back - ground as a personal fashion stylist to help me shape my sets; to me, it’s the same concept. I start with a foundaTion sound as my base layer, then I build on it and accessorise. In DJing, that means adding different genres or edits in a way that complements the core musical vibe. So to answer your question, if everything is mis - matched, my outfit—or my set—won’t come together properly. In an industry where your sound is your style and it does the talking for you, what you wear can reinforce that message. You might pair your set with a bold outfit that says, “I’m bold and I’m here to play boldly,” or go for something like a huge hoodie and sunglasses that says, “Focus on the music, not me.”
A: What outside of music currently influences how you present yourself creatively?
N: “Honestly, the event I’m playing for and my mood, creativity is the way I like to express myself, so however I’m feeling presents itself creatively. If I’m feeling cosy and the event allows for it, I might dress more laid-back and create a mellow set for a smaller crowd. If I’m feeling vibrant, I’ll dress bold and play a high-energy set at a club. I like to work with my emotions creatively.”
A: Is there a moment in your career when your image and your sound finally aligned?
N: “I feel like I’m always evolving and exploring, I don’t like to box myself in creatively. As long as I keep my base sound foundation — mine being Afro-electronic music— my musical exploraTon can ebb and flow. That flexibility, in a way that feels right to me, allows me to continually
A: What’s a common expectation placed on DJs that you personally push back against?
N: “That DJ’s should play music they don’t like just because it’s commercial? As a DJ, it’s important to have what’s popular because it’s about making sure people have a good time, but DJ’ing is also largely about having taste. I don’t mind playing a song that’s on the charts if I love it or I’m neutral about it, but I don’t agree with playing something I don’t enjoy. Otherwise, what’s the point? Taste is how we differentiate ourselves—not just in DJ’ing, but in any art form or craft.”
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 Ni’Coco as she continues to build her presence, and tap into the Spotify soundtrack to experience the artists and sounds moving through each DJ’s world.
