Get to know: Maqossa

There's something undeniably magnetic about the rise of Maqossa and its vibrant offspring, Qlub. The journey of transforming a DJ act into a thriving label and event series is a story of friendship, creativity, and a relentless passion for music. This narrative is not just about a group of friends who loved to play music; it's about how that love got turned into something bigger, something that resonates with people on the dance floor and beyond.

Maqossa’s evolution is a testament to the power of collaboration and the magic that happens when like-minded individuals come together with a shared vision. From the early days playing at small gigs to now hosting some of the most talked-about events, Maqossa and his crew have always been about creating a unique experience. The journey has been marked by pivotal moments, challenges, and a deep connection to their roots, all of which have shaped the sound and spirit of Maqossa and Qlub.

The story of Maqossa began with an app group and a chance opportunity.

"We started Maqossa with three friends."

It was a casual start, born from a simple need to fill a spot at the infamous Disco Dolly every Tuesday. The group, humorously named "Knalpijpen" at the time, saw this as a fun challenge.

What began as a one-off gig quickly turned into something more as the group started getting booked regularly. The trio realized that what they had stumbled upon was more than just a casual DJ act; it was the beginning of something bigger.

The name "Maqossa" itself has an interesting backstory. Inspired by the track "Soul Makossa" by Manu Dibango, the name was chosen for its sound and aesthetic appeal.

"I liked how it sounded and looked on paper," he says.

But when they discovered there was already another DJ/producer with the name Makossa, they decided to tweak it. "I said let's change the 'K' into a 'Q'. I thought the letter 'Q' looked cool, and directly thought that if we ever set up an event and/or label, we should call it Qlub." And thus, the seeds of Maqossa and Qlub were sown.

Starting a label and event series during a pandemic is no small feat. The challenges were numerous, but the team behind Qlub embraced them with determination and creativity. The first event, held in a photo studio, was as much an act of defiance as it was a celebration of music.

"When COVID began, my fiancée's roommate suggested we should take some press shots together, but upon seeing the photo-studio, his mind immediately raced to the possibilities: "You could throw an amazing party out here!"

The first Qlub event was a logistical nightmare but also a resounding success. From clearing out the studio to selling tickets manually via Tikkie, every step was a labor of love. Despite the challenges, including the ever-present risk of being shut down by the police, the event was electrifying.

"The energy was amazing, people were so happy to be dancing as one big crowd to a big soundsystem. You saw people had missed this."

That first illegal party set the tone for what Qlub would become. It wasn’t just about throwing a party; it was about creating a space where people could come together, even in the face of adversity, to celebrate music and life. Qlub quickly grew, moving from the photo studio to BRET, a venue that offered a new level of professionalism and exposure. The event series attracted top-tier DJs like Archie Hamilton, Richy Ahmed, and Jackmaster, solidifying Qlub’s reputation as a must-attend event.

While Qlub was making waves in the event scene, Maqossa was also busy building the label. They released several EPs, including remixes by Boris Werner and II Faces, and an EP by Mad Again. The label's vision was clear: to offer a platform for talented friends and producers to showcase their music. The upcoming EP by resident DJ Kim April, is a testament to this collaborative spirit.

The label’s growth mirrors the evolution of the Qlub events—both are driven by a desire to create something unique and meaningful. The success of the label is not just measured by the number of releases but by the impact those releases have on the dance floor. Each track, each EP, is a piece of the Maqossa puzzle, contributing to the larger picture of what Qlub represents.

One of the standout releases from the Maqossa crew is "Peaches," a track that has garnered significant attention. Released on the Boogeyman label, "Peaches" is a reflection of the founder's musical journey.

"The creative process began with a simple idea—a fun vibe that encapsulates the energy of summer," he explains.

The track is both nostalgic and forward-thinking, bridging the gap between the artist’s early influences and his current sound.

The story behind "Peaches" is as interesting as the track itself. Initially inspired by the iconic song "F*** the Pain Away" by Peaches, the track underwent several changes before reaching its final form.

"In the first version of the track, I used the theme of that song for my break.”

But when the rights couldn’t be secured, he turned to another source of inspiration—a sample from the BBC documentary Disco Revolution. Despite the changes, the essence of "Peaches" remained, capturing the playful, summer vibe that the artist originally envisioned.

Working with the Boogeyman label was a dream come true for the Maqossa founder. The partnership came about almost serendipitously, during a Qlub event at BRET. After his set, he ran into Matt Tolfrey, Fleur Shore’s manager, and the two started talking.

"We talked about ADE and perhaps joining forces," he recalls.

That conversation led to a collaboration for the upcoming ADE 2024 edition of Qlub X Boogeyman and the release of three tracks on the Boogeyman label.

The experience of working with Boogeyman has been nothing short of amazing.

"They are such a professional team, to start, the cover looks sick, made by their designer. And the PR is also very much on point."

The partnership has not only elevated the profile of Maqossa but has also opened up new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

"I see a long-time partnership and friendship with the guys, and I couldn’t be happier with the whole result."

Looking ahead, the future of Maqossa and Qlub seems bright and full of possibilities. There are big plans on the horizon, from international tours to collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry.

"I would love to work on a few projects with producers such as Jesse or AJ, I think they are both great and love their sounds."

There’s also a desire to bring Qlub to new locations, both in Europe and beyond.

"I would love to do something in Milan, Paris, but also Bali and Thailand," he muses.

But no matter how far Maqossa and Qlub go, the founder is committed to staying true to the values that got them here.

"As a DJ, I believe it's crucial to always stay true to my roots and remain humble throughout my career," he says.

This humility, combined with a relentless drive to innovate and evolve, is what will keep Maqossa and Qlub at the forefront of the electronic music scene.

As the electronic music landscape continues to evolve, so too will Maqossa and Qlub. But in the midst of all the change, there’s a clear intention to balance innovation with staying true to their roots.

"While I value consistency in delivering the high-energy performances that my crowd loves, I also recognize the importance of staying innovative and pushing boundaries," he says.

This approach is what has kept Maqossa relevant and will continue to do so in the years to come.

Whether it’s through exploring new sounds, collaborating with other artists, or expanding the reach of Qlub events, the future is full of exciting possibilities. But at the heart of it all remains a deep love for music and a commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for everyone who steps onto the dance floor. As Maqossa and Qlub continue to grow, they will undoubtedly bring their infectious energy and unique vision to new audiences, inspiring the next generation of electronic music lovers.