For many years now, Kitty Amor has been one of the leading forces in Afro-house’s steady takeover of dancefloors across the UK and Europe. Regularly working alongside Sef Kombo—the DJ she met while studying at uni in Nottingham—Kitty has pushed the sound on three fronts: as a selector, as a producer, and more recently as the head of her own record label, Mahaba.
Key to Kitty’s success is a deep understanding and passion for the foundations. First introduced to afrobeat pioneers by her father, an avid vinyl collector, she pored over records by the super iconic Fela Kuti and King Sunny Ade at the family home in South London. That jazzy, soulful vibe that pulsed through that era is something she keeps in her productions and DJ sets today.
Kitty has come a long way from her days booking Skepta to play in Nottingham (last year, she shared the bill with him at KOKO as part of Skep’s Más Tiempo takeover), covering magazines, touring the world, and even being the focal point of a whole documentary called Who Is Kitty Amor?.
Today, Kitty Amor steps up for an exclusive Complex Sessions mix, which you can listen to below, and on the flip, check out the Q&A to find out some of the music that has inspired her over the years.
Tell us a bit about your selections in this mix.
I was motivated by the great work of some of my favourite producers, as well as labels that I am very fond of, their output and contributions to the African electronic music scene. I also showcase my own newly-launched imprint, Mahaba, and the music that will be coming out this year.
What was the one track you absolutely had to include?
I had to include “I Like It” by Badbox, Dr Feel & Nae (SA), and “Horus” by AVG. It was important to celebrate these two new tracks; they’re both being released on my label, Mahaba. I also had to include Vanco’s remix of the well-renowned track “Water” by Tyla—such a great job done by a great producer.
Any tracks that narrowly missed the cut?
All were placed intentionally. However, I did almost miss the last track due to time. You’d have to listen to the mix to know what it is and, while you are at it, feel free to Shazam!
What’s the first single or album you ever bought?
I started collecting music at 15 years old, so I most certainly cannot remember the first one. I can say the most influential release in my career has been Culoe De Song’s A Bright Forest EP, released in 2009.
What’s the last physical record you bought?
The last physical was probably either N.E.R.D’s Seeing Sounds or Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Both are genius!
What do you want to see happen musically over the next 12 months?
African artists being celebrated at the forefront of the electronic music scene. There is so much talent in South Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Botswana, let alone the rest of the diaspora. I would love to see them truly acknowledged for their great music and authenticity to their roots.
What trend or scene absolutely needs to die right now?
If I speak, I’m in trouble. What I would say is that original music is still cool. I’d like to see more producers take confidence in their original ideas and run with it.
Tracklist
1. Native P & Eddie ZAR ft. Sobantwana - Isingqi Sam (Shredder SA Remix)
2. Reuxen, Larion ft. Sofiya Nzau - Niuka (40D Remix)
3. Meloko, Selim Sivade, Utli feat. Amazon - Don't Stop (Kgzoo Remix)
4. Yaw Appiah - Into The Times
5. Tyla - Water (Vanco Unofficial Remix)
6. DJEFF vs Homeboyz - ID
7. Breyth & Mavhungu - Vuwani
8. AVG – Horus
9. Dennis Ferrer - Hey Hey (Da Capo & Kitty Amor Remix)
10. Chopstar & Atmos Blaq - Dream Keys
11. Badbox, Dr Feel & Nae (SA) - I Like It
You can catch Kitty at KOKO with Dennis Ferrer on Saturday, March 30. The next single on her label, Mahaba, will be AVG’s “Horus”, released Friday, April 19.
