Afro House vocalist and producer Deniz Reno has joined forces with South African heavyweights Enoo Napa and Phila De Giant on the So Real EP, released via My Other Side Of The Moon Records this spring. Featuring the acclaimed singles Coffee and So Real, the EP showcases the seamless fusion of Enoo and Phila’s cinematic production style with Deniz Reno’s soulful vocals and evocative songwriting, creating one of the year’s most compelling Afro House releases. Following its strong reception and support from influential artists including Black Coffee and Shimza, the project is expected to be submitted for music industry award season consideration.
A respected figure in the global house music scene, Deniz Reno is a singer-songwriter, producer, DJ and multi-instrumentalist whose music has been released through labels including Armada, Mau5trap, Warner Music and her own imprint, Taksu Records. With the success of the So Real EP, she has emerged as one of the most distinctive crossover voices in Afro House, combining soulful songwriting with contemporary African electronic music while attracting growing international attention.
Let’s get to know Deniz Reno better in our new Face to Face interview.
Who and what inspired you to become a DJ?
Discovering the art of DJing was the result of several factors coming together at a pivotal moment in my life. In 2020, while I was in Bali, I had the opportunity to meet DJ Jazzy Jeff and DJ Zimmie during Jeff’s tour. Watching Jeff perform and learning from DJ Zimmie, combined with my growing passion for Afro House, inspired me to take DJ lessons. By then I had already spent around a decade as a recording artist with an extensive catalogue of releases, and I wanted to bring my own music to the stage by DJing and performing live vocals during my sets. That was the moment I decided to take DJing seriously.
Which kind of music did you listen to as a teenager?
I listened to a wide variety of music, including classical music, R&B, soul, jazz, hip hop and pop. During my late teens I became particularly passionate about piano records, while electronic music also entered my life very early and quickly became one of my greatest musical loves.
I still enjoy all of those genres today, although as a DJ my listening habits naturally revolve around electronic music. I spend a lot of time listening to Afro House, Afro Tech, Amapiano, 3-Step and Organic House. I also love film soundtracks by Hans Zimmer, as well as traditional ethnic music from different cultures. Ultimately, what I listen to always reflects how I’m feeling in the moment.
Which platform do you use to listen to music?
I mainly alternate between YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify, but I actually purchase around 99% of the music I play, so I own a very large personal music collection. I regularly buy tracks from Beatport and also receive promotional releases, which is one of the great benefits of being a touring DJ.
Why is Africa becoming so important in the electronic music scene?
African electronic music has truly taken the world by storm. I believe genres such as Afro House and Amapiano have become so successful because they combine authentic African culture with contemporary electronic production. Afro House never tries to imitate anything else. It speaks directly from the soul and remains deeply rooted in cultural authenticity and storytelling. That’s what makes it so powerful and universally appealing. Real voices, live instruments, percussion and drums give the music a heartbeat that audiences everywhere can connect with. Thanks to the global rise of Afro House, Africa has firmly established itself as one of the leading creative forces in today’s electronic music scene.
Your favourite DJs and producers?
Among the artists I’ve had the pleasure of seeing perform live, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Enoo Napa, Phila De Giant, Da Capo, Shimza, Pepe Citarella, Black Coffee and Enzo Siffredi have all inspired me through their talent, stage presence and musical vision. There are many more artists I admire, but these are the first names that come to mind.
Your favourite clubs and festivals?
Burning Man remains the greatest art and music festival I’ve ever attended because it offers the opportunity to experience so many world-class DJs and producers performing around the clock for an entire week. It’s also one of my favourite places to perform thanks to its truly unique atmosphere. As for venues, my favourite so far has been the Chocolate Factory in Brooklyn, New York, where I had the chance to perform Coffee live alongside Enoo Napa and Da Capo during their Labyrinth Events showcase.
The most important record in your box?
One record that has stayed with me since childhood is Principles of Lust by Enigma, as it’s the earliest musical memory I have. At the moment I’m also listening a lot to Pansa Pansa by Fela Kuti & Africa 70. Among my own releases, however, the So Real EP holds a special place because it was created with a great deal of love and genuinely reflects who I am as an artist.
Your all-time favourite track?
It’s impossible for me to choose just one favourite track, but if I had to select one Afro House record today, it would be Ngonyama yamaZulu (DSF Remix) by Clavi Binos, Ivy Lesson, Xolani and Mcebisi. From my own catalogue, I would definitely choose the So Real EP, created together with Phila De Giant and Enoo Napa.
How can promoters send you promos?
The easiest way is by email at taksurecords@gmail.com or through Inflyte. I always enjoy listening to new music and I make time to hear everything that’s sent to me.
Your favourite food, actor and TV series?
I’m a huge food lover and particularly enjoy Ethiopian, Japanese, Russian, Indonesian, Mexican and Spanish cuisine. One of my favourite actors is Omar Sy, especially for his performances in The Intouchables and Lupin. As for TV series, I love Altered Carbon, Game of Thrones, The Witcher and generally anything that combines fantasy, magic and a touch of science fiction.
Outside of music, I love travelling and exploring the world. I also write my blog, TheFearlessNomad.com, paint, create jewellery, read, write, hike, scuba dive and skydive. Creativity and adventure are both essential parts of my life.
I run my own label, Taksu Records, and I’ve recently released my new solo single Cheza Ngoma, available on all streaming platforms and digital stores. I’m currently working on several collaborations with artists including KIDY, Da Capo, Enoo Napa, Argento Dust and my brother Phila De Giant. We’re also incredibly excited about the success of Coffee, which has received an amazing response and has opened the door to several exciting developments that will be announced soon.
Why did you choose My Other Side Of The Moon for your latest release?
My Other Side Of The Moon Records impressed me from the very beginning. After working with more than a dozen labels throughout my career, it’s rare to find such a genuine sense of teamwork and personal commitment. The label worked closely with me, Enoo Napa and Phila De Giant to ensure the So Real EP reached audiences in the best possible way. MOS is one of the world’s most respected Afro House labels, run by outstanding artists who understand both the creative and business sides of the industry. That balance is incredibly valuable, and I’m grateful for this partnership and excited about future collaborations.
My dream is to live an extraordinary life doing what I love while helping others do the same. I want to be a positive force in the world. Beyond music and art, I’m deeply passionate about animal rescue and environmental conservation, and I hope to continue supporting these causes through both my artistic career and my blog.
featured image: Fred Abramov
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