From the traditional rhythms of Benin to sold-out shows across the globe, AMÉMÉ has carved out a unique space in electronic music as both an artist and cultural bridge-builder. The DJ and producer’s journey from corporate banking to becoming one of Afro-house’s most compelling voices is a testament to following authentic passion over conventional paths.
Through his label and cultural movement One Tribe, AMÉMÉ has created more than just a platform for music—he’s fostered a global community that celebrates the deep roots of African rhythm while pushing electronic music into bold new territories. His recent homecoming performance in Lagos and the upcoming remix package for his iconic track “Power” showcase an artist at the height of his creative powers.
AMÉMÉ’s story recently gained additional spotlight through the European Union and VICE documentary series “I’LL RISE,” which examines how a new generation of African creators are reshaping global culture. The documentary explores how improved infrastructure and access to opportunity can unlock creative potential, featuring AMÉMÉ as an example of what becomes possible when passion meets the right conditions.
In this candid conversation, we dive deep into AMÉMÉ’s creative process, his vision for One Tribe’s cultural impact, and his thoughts on the global future of Afro-house music.
1. Your journey from West Africa to becoming a global Afro-house ambassador is remarkable. How do the ancestral rhythms of Benin continue to influence your production process, and what specific traditional elements do you consciously weave into your modern electronic compositions?
I was born, and raised, in Benin – the music and spirit of the place runs through me to this day. I lived and breathed traditional percussion, from African drums like the djembe, and conga which were some elements used in West African ceremonies I grew up around.
2. You left a corporate banking career to pursue music full-time. What was that pivotal moment when you realized music wasn’t just a passion but your true calling? How do you apply your analytical business background to running One Tribe as both a label and cultural movement?
Honestly, my job at the bank came to a pretty sudden end, and that really just made me just stop for a second and think about what I wanted for my future. Music was always in the background for me, I was teaching myself since I was 19, so I was always teaching myself while I was in school or when I was working in banking. When things came to an end at the bank, it gave me space to really look inward and find that fire. It was always there just waiting to be let out.
I was in a leadership position for a long time – focusing on strategy building, and execution – and that’s exactly where I wanted to apply those skills to my music career. I still do a lot of those activities, driving One Tribe and helping execute the overall vision for the brand. I use the analytical side from my business background, with my creative vision from my heart to strive for the best results.
3. One Tribe represents more than just a record label, it’s described as a “global movement” and “cultural phenomenon.” Can you tell us more about your vision for the label?
While music is an important part of it, at the center of One Tribe is the community. The brand has extended beyond just a record label, we have the event series, and have previously collaborated with other creatives in the fashion spaces. While we release a lot of exciting music, One Tribe’s visual identity will always be in-development, and will evolve a lot in the coming year – so stay tuned for more on that!
4. When selecting artists for One Tribe releases, what are you looking for beyond just good music? How important is it that artists align with the “unity” philosophy, and how do you identify kindred spirits in the global electronic scene?
Your vibe attracts your tribe. There’s definitely a sense of real connection that needs to happen between us and our artists, and I’m always focused on creating a bridge between African artists, and artists from all around the world.
5. Your sold-out homecoming performance in Lagos with Group Therapy must have been particularly meaningful, bringing your sound back to the African continent. How did that homecoming feel, and what was the energy like connecting with an African audience through your evolved sound?
Playing for Group Therapy in Lagos was one of the highlights of my year. My career has taken me to dance floors all around the world, but not back to West Africa until that show. Being able to go back home and perform, with my family there, and champion the sound that I’ve been carrying all over the world… It’s very important to go back to the source, and that show was it. Shout to Group Therapy for helping facilitate that, while allowing me to cement the roots of what I do, back home.
6. How do you discover and curate music for your DJ sets? What’s your process for finding those perfect gems that make your sets so unique?
It comes back to the One Tribe community who often help fuel my sets – and I am one of those DJ’s who check their DM’s for promo’s! Baron (FR) who plays a lot for One Tribe sends a lot of fresh music my way. If I hear a song I like, and feel like I have to have it, I ask for it from the DJ, or if I am out and hear a song in the club, sometimes I shazaam it!
7. The original “Power” track from 2022 is getting the remix treatment with Monkey Safari, Markus Martinez, and NenaHalena. What made you decide to revisit this particular track, and how do you feel about other artists reinterpreting your work?
Power is an iconic record, and it was one of the first records that we released on One Tribe when we brought back the record label in 2022. It was only normal that I was going to try to give a second life to the track, so a new wave of listeners could also experience them on the dance floor. Monkey Safari, Markus Martinez and NenaHealena’s remixes of the record are just as powerful in their own ways – all three of them are huge parts of the One Tribe family and they have made some of the strongest adaptations of the original “Power” that I’ve ever heard. Everyone gave really strong, unique takes on the original mix.
8. Looking at the broader electronic music landscape, where do you see Afro-house heading in the next five years? What role do you hope One Tribe plays in shaping not just the sound, but the cultural conversation around electronic music’s African heritage and global future?
There is a lot of music coming out from around the world now inspired by African sounds, but I think people recognize authenticity when they see it. The culture is paving the way for new roads in music every day, and always has been. African music, Afro-house, and music inspired by African people will always be here, leading, you know?