IN CONVERSATION WITH BUSY TWIST

Interview by Samo Šajn

Busy Twist is a London-born producer and DJ known for blending African, Caribbean, and UK club sounds. He travels the world recording with local artists, creating music rooted in real connections and cultural exchange. His latest project, Busy Life Vol 1, is a vibrant journey through the global dance underground.

Your new album Busy Life Vol 1 is like a musical diary. Is there one track that feels most personal to you and why?

All of them feel personal because they were made over such a long period of time and carry memories. It’s like each song was made by a different version of myself, and what I created then wouldn’t be the same as what I’d create now. Over the years, you mature and change, so the project is a good reminder of the journey and that this music was always meant to be shared with the world.

You travel a lot to make music. How does being in those different places change the way your music sounds?

Every place I visit influences my music, and I learn new things which is why I love travelling. Each location allows me to connect with different people for collaboration and exposes me to diverse sounds. The music I create shifts depending on the environment. Being in a new place, my subconscious absorbs so much from the music playing in clubs, on the streets, in taxis and it helps me create something that feels authentic and true.

You work closely with local artists and communities. How do you make sure those collaborations feel real and respectful?

Respect is fundamental to any collaboration, and I only want to work closely with people I have a real connection with. I believe in building a friendship before diving into the creative process. Creating music is often personal and vulnerable, so it’s important to have an environment of mutual respect, trust, and a shared vision. That’s where the real magic happens. I aim for each collaboration to be meaningful and to uplift local artists and communities so their voices can be heard for generations.

You grew up hearing Caribbean music and later got into London club sounds. How do you mix all those influences together in your music?

It kind of happened naturally, from always being surrounded by those sounds. I started making music at an early age, based on what I was listening to. Over time, it became second nature to understand different rhythms and styles. Being a DJ helps too as you get familiar with mixing genres and understanding what makes a track hit. I bring that knowledge into my production work.

Your song with Kombilesa Mí used the Palenquero language, which is very rare. Why was it important to highlight that?

Palenque has an important history as the first free town in South America, and it’s surprising how few people know about it. From the beginning, the goal was to celebrate different cultures and this song does that, with a powerful message in Palenquero, a language spoken by only about 4,000 people. It plays a vital role in preserving the cultural identity of the Afro-Colombian community. The track later being featured on the FIFA 2025 soundtrack reaching millions felt like a major win for us.

You’ve worked with both big names and underground artists. What do you look for in someone before deciding to collaborate?

I look for artists with positive energy and a message behind their music. A genuine connection is important. I like to work in person so if we can hang out, talk about life, and share food, that usually leads to the best creative relationships. That’s when anything is possible.

You carry a portable studio with you. What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever recorded a track?

I’d say Colombia in a remote area around the Sierra Nevada jungle. I was in a jungle cabin with my setup powered by a generator, recording vocals. It was dark and a rainstorm hit while animals made noises all around. But somehow, it worked and actually added to the vibe of the recording.

You often talk about sharing food and stories before making music. Can you share a moment like that that really stuck with you?

Last year, I got the chance to work with Amadou & Mariam in their home studio in Bamako, Mali. The studio is on the top floor of their building with a terrace where you can see the city skyline as the sun sets. Before we started, they served a huge plate of traditional fish with a special sauce and rice, one of the most amazing things I’ve ever tasted. In Mali, people eat with their hands, so we all sat around sharing the food. It was beautiful. After that, we had tea and got to work. At one point, the vibe in the room was so strong that it turned into a full-blown party with everyone dancing and clapping. Mariam, who is blind, even jumped up and started throwing bills to one of the uncles who was skanking out. It was a special moment.

Why did you decide to start your own label, Busy Life Music, and what do you hope to achieve with it?

I created Busy Life to be a platform for this global network of friends and talented artists I’ve built and will continue to build over the years. I come across so much amazing music from different cultures that deserves to be shared so I want to help bring that to a wider audience and encourage more cross-cultural collaborations.

With so much music out there, how do you keep your sound fresh and different from everyone else?

It comes from always being in different environments. Travelling exposes me to new influences and sounds which keeps me inspired. That inspiration flows into my production process. As long as I keep moving and learning, there will always be something new to bring to the music.