AMÉMÉ

Fueled by an innate determination, drive and passion, with attuned intuition applied to both
his music and life, West African native AMÉMÉ channels his cultural roots and ancestry into
everything he does. Born and raised in Benin, AMÉMÉ (Hubert Sodogandji) helms One
Tribe, a global community and brand identity centred on unity and a positive outlook. His
visionary capabilities and unwavering dedication have been the catalyst behind the rapid
growth and proliferation of both his musical endeavours and One Tribe as a whole.
Specialising in Afro-leaning electronic music, with flourishes of tribal percussion and spiritual
vocals built upon a foundation of contemporary deep house and tech, AMÉMÉ’s DJ sets are
eclectic, energetic and nourishing for the soul. Releases on his One Tribe label found their
way to Black Coffee, who supported the music in Tulum back in 2019. With such an
influential figure backing his productions, it was inevitable that AMÉMÉ’s name would soon
be ringing in the ears of other key tastemakers. Over the past few years he’s been signed to
Watergate Records, Blond:Ish has released his music on her Abracadabra label and the
mighty MoBlack has also brought the West African wonder on board. Recently he was
drafted in to remix fellow African artist Omah Lay’s song ‘Understand’ for Sire Records
(Warner). AMÉMÉ was chosen in order to maintain the connection to the motherland,
injecting Omah’s original with unique influences from his own lineage. The remix breathes
new life into the song, while holding true to the energy of their nation.
Meanwhile, he has demonstrated his prowess as a selector, touring the globe to spin in
global epicentres for electronic music; Ibiza, Miami, Berlin, New York, Paris, Mykonos and
Tulum through to events like Burning Man, where his tribal rhythms, spiritually-enriching
vocals and life affirming melodies were right at home. AMÉMÉ’s outgoing persona and
contagious energy behind the decks complement his rapturous selections, creating the ideal
combination to fill the dance floor with uplifting vibrations.
In his homeland Benin, West Africa, the ancient art of voodoo still has a presence in
everyday life. The spiritual practice centres on human connection with the natural world;
plants, animals and inanimate objects. Everything has energy, vibration and life force. Many
of its core rituals are rooted in drums and chants, the voice and percussion, deeply innate
human modes of expression. AMÉMÉ’s early life was indelibly marked by the influence of
this ceremonial tradition and wider African music culture.
As a child he competed with his siblings to produce mixtapes that could be played in the car
on the way to school. Whoever had the best selection was bestowed with the honour of
soundtracking their journey. Later he became part of a hip hop group in his home nation,
achieving nationwide success and supporting French superstars when they toured in Benin.
These two pivotal points instilled in AMÉMÉ crucial skills that would bolster his DJ career;
selecting music and performing.
In 2005 his older brother moved to France after high school and returned to his homeland
with electronic music from the European nation, which, of course, he played in the car,
because he was the oldest sibling. Over the three months of summer, AMÉMÉ couldn’t
escape from French house and (eventually) came to love it. This introduction to the greats of
the French scene forms the bedrock of his shift into electronic music.
Fast forward a few years and AMÉMÉ moved to New York. There he utilised his new
surroundings to begin exploring the possibilities of becoming a DJ, which had been his
dream since he was 12. He bought a controller, taught himself to play and began spinning at
small parties, later becoming proficient with playing vinyl, too. A few twists and turns,
including a hiatus from DJing to concentrate on a career in banking, eventually led to
AMÉMÉ’s decision to go for broke and embrace his dream wholeheartedly. The early stages
and influences in his life imbue his approach to DJing and production; chants, drums, African
musical culture, impeccable selection, performance, French house… it’s all there in the DNA
of his unique sonic identity.
Thanks to his analytical mind, he was aware that it was crucial to establish other creative
outlets alongside his DJing. This led to the birth of One Tribe, a multifaceted platform which
includes an events wing and a fashion label. He became connected with New York’s highly
influential House Of Yes, which served as a launchpad for his vision. In 2019 he moved to
Berlin and made contact with Rise, the subdivision of Watergate, forming a bond with the
afrohouse outfit. Living in the German city further cemented his love for electronic music
culture, and fueled his growth as an artist.
AMÉMÉ’s ability to connect with people and make things happen has been evident
throughout his entire career. He has a considered approach to his ambitions, and plans his
movements accordingly. This natural aptitude for strategising and forward thinking,
combined with his passion for making and sharing music has put him in a position where he
has been the master of his own destiny. For a relative newcomer to the electronic music
world, his rise has been astounding, galvanized by this enlightened approach.
AMÉMÉ’s empire continues to grow in tandem with his profile, demonstrating that true talent
rises to the top. His sincere and humble determination places music and community at the
forefront of his actions, with positive intent behind every new shift and evolution. From Benin
to Brooklyn to Berlin, his worldly outlook and unrelenting drive means AMÉMÉ will be
hosting his own percussion-fueled rituals on dance floors across the world for many years to
come - uniting the global community and reminding us that we are all One Tribe.

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