Beyond the DJ Booth: Fatima Hajji discusses her new label Strobo, Verknipt Brazil & more!

For nearly two decades, Fatima Hajji has been a commanding presence in the global electronic music scene. With her signature blend of tribal grooves and relentless Hard Techno, she has carved a unique path, staying true to her roots while constantly evolving her sound. From the underground parties of her teenage years to headlining some of the world’s most prestigious festivals, Hajji’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

2024 has been another banner year for the Spanish DJ and producer. From touring the USA four times to electrifying audiences in South America and Asia, Hajji’s relentless energy continues to resonate across continents. Whether it’s through her explosive performances at festivals or intimate, curated All Night Long events, she connects deeply with her audience, creating experiences that linger long after the last beat drops.

Her passion for innovation extends beyond the DJ booth. With the launch of her label, Strobo, Hajji is redefining what it means to deliver a fully immersive musical experience. By combining sound, visuals, and lighting, she’s setting a new standard for Techno events, proving that music is as much about connection and atmosphere as it is about rhythm and melody.

Despite her global success, Hajji remains grounded, drawing inspiration from nature, her pets, and the vibrant cultures she encounters during her travels. For her, balance is key—between the chaos of the stage and the serenity of the mountains, between intense Hard Techno drops and the moments of melodic respite. This philosophy, rooted in authenticity and passion, is what makes Fatima Hajji a true force in electronic music.

On the eve of her highly anticipated performance at Verknipt Brazil, we sat down with Fatima to dive deeper into her journey, her inspirations, and what lies ahead.

You have been a force the electronic music scene for almost two decades. How do you see your evolution as an artist over this time?

More than half of my life. In the area where I lived when I was 16, Techno parties were starting to pop up, primarily featuring Hard Groove. I couldn’t attend them yet, but the recorded sets from the clubs spread like wildfire. So when I discovered that sound, I was totally hooked. I began playing Techno and Hardgroove; I was excited by tribal sounds… gradually, tracks started coming in that were faster and harder, so I started increasing the pitch until I reached hard techno, always keeping the Groove in mind.

For many years, I explored those sounds, but there came a time when most Hardtechno productions began to hit a point of bass distortion that no longer fulfilled me. Then a decline in the number of tracks came, and it became really difficult to keep my sets fresh with enough new music that satisfied me and made DJing fun. So for a couple of years, I looked for new paths, diving into more techno sounds and occasionally incorporating some strong-kick Techhouse tracks into my sets.

I tend to be very active while DJing and like to showcase everything I can technically. At that time, when I was playing at lower BPMs, I incorporated the RMX into my setup to achieve a greater mixing rhythm and effects. Gradually, the production of Hardtechno returned, and there were more hard gems I could incorporate into my sets, so in about a couple of years, I was able to create hard sets again while maintaining freshness and having fun at each one. I believe that is a vital part of what I do and exactly what I aim to convey.

How has 2024 been for you so far? Any special moments you’d like to highlight?

It’s been a great year! I’ve been fortunate over the past few years to tour the world with my music. This year, I’ve been in the USA with four tours, and I’ve had the chance to go to South America and Asia for major events, playing in many of the best clubs and festivals around the world, meeting countless people and vibing with thousands of souls every week.

Because of this, it’s difficult to choose just one moment since there have been so many special ones. I can only thank all the people who make this possible and work hard to keep it going for many years. If I must mention one, I definitely need to talk about the only All Night Long event I did this year in Madrid, which was absolutely insane due to the huge turnout and the special energy that was present.

Your sound is known for connecting your roots with contemporary Techno. How do you keep innovating and bringing new influences to your music?

For me, it’s natural; music is within me. It’s truly my passion and one of the most important parts of my life. I’m very flexible and have no prejudices when it comes to producing and DJing. If I like something, I incorporate it into my sets or tracks, regardless of current trends or potential criticism.

The only criterion is that it makes me feel alive. I enjoy uplifting music and always try to create that effect with my sets. Most of my childhood memories are tied to African music that my father constantly played, and I believe that has had a clear influence on my tastes and my way of expressing myself musically.

Now about the latest album, what was the main inspiration for this work and how was the process?

The process was a lot of fun and the result is very satisfying. The first track (and this is an exclusive) is a collaboration with Hector Oaks; he proposed a fun, salsa-like vocal with a lot of groove, and within an afternoon in his studio, we practically had the project focused. We then made several arrangements until we found the optimal balance between a very danceable groove and a powerful punch.

To complete the EP, we included one track from Hector and another one of mine, both are bombs in their own style. It was easy and fluid, while also being brutal because the groove has always been linked to my music, and it’s clear that this is a defining characteristic of Hector’s sound, while Hardtechno is part of me; it runs in my veins.
I’ve been able to test the tracks in my sets, and I’m very satisfied with the crowd’s reaction when they play (that’s the true final test I look for to see if a track is ready for release).

The creation of your new label, Strobo, is an important milestone in your career. What are your goals with this project, and how does it differ from others?

When the Techno and Hard scene began, the “only” thing that mattered was having a good sound system to achieve a sound that reached the audience’s soul. Gradually, as the scene has grown, other factors of good event production have gained importance, such as lighting and visuals, among others, which help create a much more complete and immersive experience for the audience.

My new label arises precisely from this new avenue to explore the sensations produced by bringing together sound, lighting, and immersive visuals. In all my sets, I request a specific type of lighting that creates a sense of freshness and moving energy, all reinforced with very immersive visuals, intending to maximize the experience for the people who come to enjoy, connect, and escape through music.

With your “Fatima Hajji Invites” events, you’ve been creating unique experiences for the audience. What makes these events so special?

Organizing my own events allows me to have more control over the aspects we discussed earlier, from the lineup (always prioritizing musical progression with artists whose sets complement each other and where tracks are not repeated throughout the night) to the range that goes from Techno groove to hard Hardtechno, while allowing people to savor each style and gradually adapt their ears to faster rhythms, with the goal of enabling everyone to enjoy different tempos at every moment.

I can also rely on my VJ, who creates my visuals and always accompanies me in the Invites. Accompanied by his own light jockey, the idea is that everything works together with the music, making the experience complete.

Last year, your All Night Long event in Madrid attracted 10,000 people. What can we expect from the next edition? Any surprises planned for the audience?

It was absolutely insane, with over 12,000 attendees in the last edition… Besides the huge number of people, the energy created is very special because everyone attending is in sync; a unique feeling emerges among the attendees.

I’d say it’s another level of connection. If this occurs in a club like Fabrik, which is top-notch in every aspect, the evening is something that is hard to describe with words; it needs to be experienced.

I’m very grateful to everyone who makes this possible; it feels like a dream, and it’s happening for the third time in a row now.

Yes, there will definitely be several surprises, but they can’t be revealed just yet because that would ruin the surprise.

As a spoiler, I can say that this time, people will leave with more than just a memory in their minds. :)

As an artist who travels the world, you have a strong connection to nature and animals. Does this influence your music or how you connect with your audience?

For me, it’s essential to disconnect after tours, airports, hotels, clubs, and crowds… I love all of that, and it keeps me alive, but it’s always important to seek balance, and I find that by spending time with my pack (two dogs and three cats at the moment) and taking long walks in the forest. I’m fortunate to live not too far from Madrid’s airport but in a beautiful mountain natural setting with multiple trails where you rarely encounter anyone for hours.

When I’m touring in Asia or America and can’t return to Europe during the week, I always look for natural environments to retreat to, where I can experience unmatched sensations, admiring nature and seeing wild animals in freedom, which is the only place I want to see them, and where they belong.

With so many incredible projects happening, what is your main goal for next year?

In 2025, I’m planning to do a few more All Night Long events. It’s true that people from all over Europe come to Madrid, but I’m also aware that many wish they could come and can’t due to distance, so now is the time to plan more events to offer that experience to those who haven’t had the chance to enjoy it yet. The same goes for the Invites; my team is working to make it possible in some of the most iconic clubs in the world.

This weekend, you’ll be performing at Verknipt Brazil in Campinas, São Paulo. What can the audience expect from your performance?

I’ve been to Brazil several times, and it’s always been amazing; the energy of the people is incredibly high, and I feel like we’re vibrating at the same frequency. I’ve never been to Ame before, but I know it’s a legendary club and I have great references. Plus, with a production by Verknipt, you know the level is going to be top-notch since the Dutch are masters in the Hard scene with their incredible shows.

So, the audience can expect a 100% Hajji set in an unparalleled setting. We’ll have intensity and freshness; I always try to take the crowd to the absolute limit of exhaustion, only to later provide more melodic moments for them to breathe in… I want them to give it their all and, in those moments when they can catch their breath, smile before returning to give it everything with even more strength.

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Photos: On The Shoots