The Scottish-raised Southern African DJ/producer KILIMANJARO shows off his expert selector status with some choice cuts for Beatport’s Playlist of the Week.
I am KILIMANJARO, a London-based, Scottish-raised Zambian Producer/DJ. Having properly broken onto the scene last year with my Boiler Room debut (now on 1M+ views) and having now established myself in the scene with a packed summer diary and an All Night Long show at London’s Village Underground this November 3rd, we’re set to finish the year strong.
I really enjoyed bringing this selection together for Beatportal. After a couple of releases with Rami Ali this year, I’m excited to celebrate the success of my Higher Ground debut with Junior Simba, “Channel Z,” ahead of my highly anticipated first solo release due later this month…
I’ve tried to focus on a combination of smaller and larger acts from around the world. Ranging from Afro house to house (and maybe a little heavier), this playlist is an eclectic selection of tracks, old and new, that have been featured in my sets around the globe this summer. From high-energy heavy hitters to slow, melodic groovers — this playlist has them all.
KILIMANJARO, Junior Simba – Channel Z [Higher Ground]
Aggressive from the off. My Higher Ground debut comes with a heated call and response between myself and fellow producer, Junior Simba, backed by a high-hat-led groove. Expect the unexpected…
Rami Ali, KILIMANJARO (UK) – FREAK [Black Butter 1]
The 2nd release from my collab EP with Rami Ali – also featuring “Upper Tooting” – is for the heads. With a driving vocal to match the euphoric synths, this one is always fun to play out!
Tibasko – Hawt (KILIMANJARO Extended Remix) [Another Rhythm]
The first time I heard the original, I fell in love. Having built a great friendship with two of the nicest dons on the circuit, it was an honour to have been asked to put my KILIMANJARO bounce on an already great record.
Van Damn – Blame It On The Baseline [Southern Fried Records]
Huge track from good friend and fellow Scot, Van Damn. With the looping drums kicking in early, expect to be bouncing from minute one. Been getting a lot of love from peers and dancers alike!
Storm Mollison – Dirty Dance [Hot Haus Recs]
This groover from another good friend, Storm Mollison, comes with a sultry vocal to match. Really love the build and drop in this one. Has been doing bits at festivals all over Europe this summer.
Sam Girling – Ankerklause [Southern Fried Records]
High energy from the jump. This record by Sam Girling went off at the pop-up rave I threw this in August with Junior Simba. The drums and vocal bounce around like a ping-pong ball, and I love it!
Junior Simba – Kutamba [Kitsune Musique Singles]
The track that made me fall in love with my now production partner and good friend, Junior Simba. With vocal and percussive ties back to his native Zimbabwe (neighbouring my native Zambia), it was love at first listen.
Joy Orbison, Overmono, Kwengface – Freedom 2 [Kwengface LTD]
Already being a massive fan of Kwengface and his flow, as soon as I saw he hopped on a record with Joy Orbison and the Overmono boys, I knew this was going to be an instant hit. “How did we get this far..?”, is all I need to say!
Mall Grab – Love Reigns [Looking For Trouble]
One of the feel-good records of the summer for me, with the hook repeating the words, “love reign down on me”. It’s the energy you want to emit. Matched with solid keys and a solid beat, it’s a certified winner.
Magic System, Francis Mercier – Premier Gaou (Nitefreak Remix) [SPINNIN’ DEEP]
If you’ve come to see me anytime in the past year, you’ll know that I’m in love with this track, and I recently discovered this Nitefreak remix. Dark, deep, emotional, powerful – this record is everything an Afro house mover should be.
