In 2009, a single moment at Sónar changed everything for Momoda. Standing in the crowd, hearing a DJ spin tracks he’d personally discovered that same summer, he realized he belonged on the other side of the decks. What followed was an extraordinary journey that would see him help birth Nigeria’s electronic music scene from nothing, navigate the diverse nightlife landscapes of Beirut and Barcelona, and eventually land a release with his dream label, Get Physical.
Momoda has been on our radar for quite some time and we interviewed him already back in 2024 (read here). Now, after months locked in the studio, he is ready to share his most focused work yet—music that carries the weight of experience from three continents and the raw emotion that no algorithm can replicate.
1. You’ve been DJing since 2012, what was the moment or experience that made you realize this was the path you wanted to be a DJ / music producer and pursue it professionally?
My first real inspiration to become a DJ came in 2009 at Sónar. I remember being at a set where the DJ kept playing tracks I had just dug up that same summer. He played at least four or five records that I had personally discovered and bought. That moment really stuck with me and sparked something—I realised I wanted to be on the other side of the decks.
2. Your sound weaves together house, afro, and techno influences. How has your sonic palette evolved from your early sets to where you are now?
In the beginning, I was into many different genres of electronic music. I downloaded everything I liked. Once I started DJing professionally and playing for crowds, I naturally began to narrow down my selection. Over time, I was able to craft a sound that truly represented who I am as an artist.
3. Can you take us back to your early days in the Nigerian electronic scene? What were the biggest challenges in building a house music movement from the ground up?
In 2010, there was virtually no electronic music scene in Nigeria. I had just moved back there for work, and we started by throwing house parties. Slowly, those evolved into public events. At the time, this was completely new. It took years of small, consistent steps before there was a crowd large enough to fill bigger venues and support larger events.
By around 2015, promoters began booking international DJs and the scene grew rapidly. I was playing regularly while also working full-time. It really started from scratch and has grown massively over the years. The biggest challenge was getting people to listen to totally new music—music they had never danced to before.
4. You’ve been deeply embedded in multiple scenes: Lagos, Beirut, and now Barcelona. How do these different club cultures compare, and what has each taught you?
All three scenes are very different. Beirut has a well-established nightlife and is known as one of the best nightlife cities in the world. Barcelona is incredibly diverse—there are events happening all over the city, with different sounds, crowds, and venues.
You can find almost any type of music you want on any given night, which makes it very unique. The city also hosts many festivals that showcase a wide range of artists and sounds.
Nigeria, on the other hand, is more focused on Afro house, which is the most established electronic sound there.
5. This is your debut release on Get Physical, how did that connection come about, and what does it mean to you to be releasing on this label?
I’ve been a fan of Get Physical since the label was first established. The connection came after IMS—we sent them some music, and they selected two tracks they wanted to sign. It was an amazing feeling to have a label you truly respect and love asking to release your music.
6. “Give Me Time” has a soulful, melodic house feel with a prominent vocal element. Can you walk us through the creative process behind this track?
I originally finished the track without vocals, but it felt like something was missing. Finding the right vocal took much longer than I expected. At one point, I genuinely thought I’d never find the right one and considered leaving the track as it was. Just when I was about to give up, I finally came across the vocal—and it fit perfectly. It completely transformed the track.
7. How involved is the label in shaping the final product? Do they give you creative freedom, or is there a collaborative back-and-forth during the production process?
My creative process isn’t very structured. It often starts with experimenting—either with a groove, a bassline, or a melody—and building from there. Some tracks come together quickly, while others take much longer and need time to breathe. I’ve learned not to force ideas and to let the music develop naturally.
8. Can you describe your studio setup? Are you someone who works with a lot of hardware, or do you prefer a more streamlined, in-the-box approach?
My studio is a fairly simple home setup. When I first started producing, I invested heavily in hardware and bought several synths, including a Moog and a Prophet. I still love working with hardware—it really helps my creative process—even though today you can achieve almost everything digitally.
9. AI is increasingly being used in music production and even DJing. What’s your perspective on these tools, do you see them as creative collaborators or something to be cautious about?
AI is already integrated into many aspects of music production today. It has clear advantages and can be very helpful during the creative process. However, I strongly believe that AI can’t fully replicate the kind of music humans create. The raw emotions and personal experiences that producers bring into their work will always make human-made music stand out. That said, learning how to use AI—not just in music, but in everyday life—is becoming essential.
10. Now that we’re in 2026, what are your main goals and plans for the year ahead, both in terms of releases and performances?
My main goal this year is to create and release more music on labels I truly love. I’ve spent the last three months locked away in the studio rather than playing shows. I have a lot of new music ready and can’t wait to share it. I’m excited about what this year has to offer and really looking forward to what’s ahead.
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