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 Akwaflow, a London-based DJ whose approach to music is rooted in emotion, connection, and the energy of the people in front of him. Rather than simply playing to a crowd, Akwaflow sees himself as part of the experience, singing, dancing, and moving through each set alongside his audience. Growing up in London and surrounded by the creativity and innovation of the city’s Black community has shaped how he approaches both his sound and personal style, from reading what people are wearing to inform the mood of a set to intentionally dressing as an extension of the music he plans to play. Still evolving and experimenting with new sounds and styles, Akwaflow is less interested in presenting himself as the finished product and more interested in bringing people along for the journey.:
A: When people experience you DJing, what do you think they learn about you before you ever speak?
A: “I think they learn about how passionate I am about music and performing. You’ll see me singing along, dancing behind the decks, and enjoying myself as if I’m in the crowd too. I’m not just playing music at people, I’m experiencing it with them. That energy is genuine. There’s no detached persona, just someone who’s completely moved by the music and wants everyone in the room to feel that same feeling.”
A: What separates a technically good DJ from someone people remember?
A: “Personally, I think it’s about the emotion you bring out of the audience. Being really technical is great but often won’t resonate with a crowd of casual listeners that just want to have a good time. I value transitions and song selections more than how technical I seem. Being able to shock the audience with a song they haven’t heard in years or a transition so smooth they didn’t even know it happened. That’s what will keep them coming back to your sets. Being technical is still important, don’t get me wrong, I just personally feel that it is important to remember why people want a DJ in the first place.”
A: How intentional are you about what you wear when you DJ, if at all?
A: “Whenever I turn up to a DJ set I want to be the em - bodiment of what I want to play. An RnB set? You’ll see me in an outfit inspired by the 90s. A more jumpy set? I’m trying to stand out, you’ll see me in bright colours. I like to wear things that are not only intentional to my sound, but will also have me feeling my best. You’ll usually catch me with a Gucci or New Era hat on too, so much so that they are synonymous with my style and personal brand. Whenever people see them, I want it to be associated with me.”
A: When you step into a space to DJ, what do you notice first about the room?
A: “I usually look at people’s faces. What emotions are they showing? Do they look comfortable? Happy? Sad? Excited? Anything that will help me to gauge the energy of the room. I also look at what people are wearing. It is usually a telling sign for what kind of music they came to hear, as well as how they may carry themselves throughout the night. Do they look like they want to party hard? Bust a lil two step? Or get on the floor and do the worm? You never really know, but it helps me pick the vibe I want to set.”
A: Right now, what feels most important for people to understand about your work?
A: “My experiences have really shaped how I work creatively, particularly growing up in London. I love things that champion Black excellence, especially here in this city. Seeing the creativity and innovation within the community has deeply influenced how I approach my work and what I want to represent behind the decks. I’m also really drawn to emotion and how people express themselves. I love observing the way people move and let their guard down in spaces where they feel free to be themselves. Connection is everything to me. Seeing people connect with each other, with the music, with the moment, that’s what drives me. When I’m DJing, I’m creating an environment where people feel seen and can find each other. Those human mo - ments, the joy, the release of tension, the togetherness, that’s what influences how I show up.”
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 Akwaflow 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.
