Tunisia to Paris, Paris to the world. Kenza Kayati’s journey has been anything but conventional. Shaped by a multicultural upbringing and years spent absorbing the best of European club culture, she has developed a sound that is percussive, deep and distinctly her own.

Performances across Europe, the Middle East, North America and India followed, along with a HÖR Berlin set that put her firmly on the map and shared stages with the likes of Solomun, Black Coffee and Jamie Jones. A Highly Commended “Best DJ” at the Time Out Awards 2024 confirmed what crowds had already sensed: this was an artist worth paying attention to.

Now she has a record to match. This April, Kenza Kayati releases her debut EP Mistake on RITIM, the new label from Ede, celebrated for his work on the iconic Innervisions imprint. We caught up with her ahead of the release and found out that her early influences owed as much to George Michael and Dire Straits as the dance floor; that a late-season session at DC10 sparked the entire project; and that her first festival appearance at 23 had her sharing a stage with Solomun.

Hey Kenza, great to meet you! How has your 2026 been so far?

Pleasure is all mine. 2026 has already been a wild ride and we are just getting started. Lots of travel, new experiences, and new music in the works, including my debut release.

Your sound blends deep grooves, percussion, and melody. What cultural or musical influences have shaped your sound so far, and who were your biggest inspirations growing up?

My sound reflects the multicultural environment I grew up in. Being originally from Tunisia, raised in the Middle East, and later spending time in Europe exposed me to a wide range of influences. Being exposed to a variety of genres, that naturally translates into a more dynamic sound that is percussive, punchy, and deep.

Music was always present growing up. My father was deeply passionate about it, probably even more than I was at the time. A lot of my early influences come from the 80s, artists like Madonna, George Michael, Bronski Beat, TOTO, Dire Straits, and The Smiths…

Later on, I gravitated towards electronic music. Artists like Solomun, Maceo Plex, David August, and Laurent Garnier really shaped my direction. It is that balance between depth, groove, and rhythm that defines my sound today.

You’ve spent time between North Africa and Paris growing up. How have these two worlds influenced you musically?

More than I realized at first. Tunisia brings something raw and instinctive, a strong connection to rhythm and emotion. Paris introduced me to club culture and a more refined approach to sound. For me, it is not two separate influences, it is one continuous dialogue.

In your relatively short career, you’ve already shared stages with major artists. How has that felt, and is there a standout show so far?

It has been both exciting and challenging. Playing alongside established artists pushes you to grow quickly and adapt. It forces you out of your comfort zone in the best way. I have always believed in taking the jump, even if you do not feel fully ready. Playing my first festival at 23 and sharing a stage with Solomun was a defining moment.

More recently, Volt Club Milano stands out. Something about that club just does it for me.

Your rise has been fast. What made things click for you?

I would not say fast. There was a lot happening behind the scenes. Years of practice, courses, and long DJ sets, sometimes six hours a day, five days a week. That built discipline and taught me how to read a crowd.

When things started to click, it was preparation meeting the right opportunities. Timing matters, but staying authentic is what makes it last.

Tell us about the starting point of your new release.

It really started with the groove. After Ibiza closing weekend and time at Circoloco in DC10, I fell back in love with minimal house.

I began with something stripped back, but my sound naturally leans deep. Mistake is more emotional, Flavor is more high-energy, both still rooted in that minimal feel. The inspiration was so strong that I finished the first drafts in just a couple of days.

What emotion do you want people to leave with after hearing these tracks?

I want people to tap into a confident, fearless energy. To fully let go and own the moment.

Describe the release in three words.

Sexy. Chunky. Playful.

What can we expect next for 2026?

A lot more music. EPs, singles, and a more consistent release flow.

Summer is shaping up nicely, and I am excited for what is coming.

Long term, what kind of artist do you want to be?

I want to build something recognizable and timeless, both in sound and image. Something that extends into fashion and beyond music.

More than anything, I want people to feel connected to me, not just in the club but on a deeper level.

And finally, what is one track you always come back to?

It is hard to choose one, but Acamar by Frankey and Sandrino has been with me since the beginning.

Kenza’s “MISTAKE” Ep is out on 17th April on RITIM, follow via @kenzakayati