We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Aphrosoul Lukumi . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Aphrosoul below.
Hi Aphrosoul, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose or one of my purposes, in music, behind the turntables. It was many, many moons ago, circa 1998. I had already began a part of my music journey as a community radio broadcaster. I was cohosting a music broadcast called SOULAR GROOVES, with host DJ SUN. Somewhere along the was I met legendary DJ ROCKY B who was resident DJ of a dance club named Club 410. This was in downtown Houston, TX where I was living at the time. Long story short, she saw something within me and before I knew it, I found myself in the DJ booth learning the way of the DJ. No DJ school, no bedroom DJ, no practicing at home. Didn’t even have DJ equipment to practice on. I learned to way of the DJ by doing it, on the spot, trial by error, trial by fire, in a dance club full of people, with vinyl records, no laptops. I learned to match beats, mix, and blend song together. Telling a story, taking the listener on a journey, creating an atmosphere a vibe, with music. That part, being able to communicate, heal and uplift with music, I believe is something that one either has within them or they do not. Three months after I first started, I was mixing and blending songs, another three months after that I had my first paid DJ booking. I found myself, my purpose the night I first stepped behind the turntables.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am Aphrosoul Lukumi, also known as LukumiPeople. I am a working DJ with over 25 years experience. I learned the way of the DJ in a dance club and have since then spun DJ sets in various cities, also spinning with and opening for various artists ranging from House Music diva Barbara Tucker, sister duo Les Nubians, soul songstress Amel Larrieux, R&B group After 7, World Music singer songwriter dancer Wunmi, soul singer Rahsaan Patterson. I am also a producer as well as a Community Radio Broadcaster with two stations, MOJÙGBÁ RADIO, 2am-5am Eastern Time Thursdays on WPFW 89.3FM, and SOLSDANCE 7pm-10pm Eastern Time, every 1st and 3rd Wednesday on EATON RADIO. I also co organize and co-curate two outdoor festivals focused on Deep House Music, Health and Wellness in Washington, DC. I am a messenger, a healer, a guide using music as an instrument to uplift. I am also an artist of various mediums including visual as well as audio.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most important qualities or areas of knowledge to me would be first and foremost being your most trust and authentic self. Look into the self, learn and know who you are and that. Second would be always put your best foot forward, no half stepping or throwing it to the wall to see what sticks, third and most important, do it right or do not do it at all.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
This goes back to my martial arts training. During my short time in community college I took a martial arts coarse where Bruce Lee’s art and philosophy was taught. The philosophy “Absorb What Is Useful, Reject Was Is Useless, Add What Is Specifically Your Own.” Everyone has a natural strength and/or ability in specific areas. We focus and build on our strengths but also strengthen our weaknesses. What ever you are strongest at will be the dominant factor. This not only applies to Bruce Lee’s art and philosophy of Jeet Kune Do but also, more so life in general. Have a strong foundation and be well rounded and still have your strengths in areas.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lukumipeople
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/lukumipeople
- Other: https://mixcloud.com/lukumipeople
