Akua: Bridging Global Techno Legacies Through Vinyl and Connection
For Berlin-based artist Akua, the art of the DJ set is deeply rooted in the tactile nostalgia of 1990s mixtape culture. In her latest contribution to DJ Mag’s Recognise series, the Ghanaian-American selector delivers a masterclass in duality. The project is a double-sided vinyl journey: the A-side pulses with the infectious, rhythmic energy of funk-infused jacking house, while the B-side descends into the raw, churning intensity of peak-time techno. Beyond the decks, Akua sat down with Claire Francis to discuss her evolution across international dance floors and her philosophy on techno as a vital vessel for personal discovery.
A Summer of Sonic Momentum
The 2026 festival season has been a whirlwind for Akua, marked by a relentless schedule that has seen her command stages across two continents. From the intimate, immersive environments of The Great Beyond and Wire in the United States to the massive, high-octane arenas of Europe’s Awakenings, Veta, Lighthouse, Stone Techno, and Sónar, her presence has been ubiquitous.
Reflecting on this high-velocity period from her Berlin residence, Akua radiates a sense of fulfillment. “There has been an overwhelming sense of positivity following me,” she notes. For Akua, the appeal of these performances isn’t just the scale of the production; it is the human element. She emphasizes that her role transcends the technical act of mixing records. “I cherish those micro-interactions-the brief, sweet moments of connection with the crowd. This summer has not only reignited my passion for performing but has solidified that these human exchanges are a fundamental necessity for my creative spirit.”
The Art of the Archive
Akua’s reputation is built on her uncanny ability to unearth and recontextualize forgotten gems from the late 1990s and early 2000s. By weaving these vintage, high-energy cuts into contemporary sets, she bridges the gap between the genre’s foundational era and its modern iteration. Her approach serves as a reminder that techno is a living, breathing history-one that requires constant exploration and reverence to keep the dance floor evolving.
As the genre continues to see a resurgence in vinyl-focused DJing, Akua remains at the forefront, proving that the physical medium is more than a trend; it is a commitment to the craft of storytelling. Whether she is navigating the soulful grooves of house or the industrial grit of techno, her selections remain a testament to her deep-seated respect for the roots of electronic music.
