Nitefreak

From the back streets of Bulawayo to the centre of the world stage: Zimbabwean DJ Nitefreak is building a whole new level for Afrohouse. Here he talks whiskey and Wi-Fi and why he won’t be accepting marriage proposals by DM any time soon

Design//Life Africa: What is your go-to song right now?
Nitefreak (bottom): “Sauti” by Francis Mercier is a track that stays on loop. It just works anytime, and for any mood.

Are you more of a headphones, Airpods or speakers type of guy?
These days I use either headphones or Airpods. But back in the day I used to blast my speakers like the whole street needed to hear the beat drop.

If your current mood was a genre?
Afrobeats. Laid-back but still moving. The energy’s mellow but not asleep.

What’s the thing that people always get wrong about you?
That I’m quiet. I am chill, sure. But once we connect? Good luck getting me to shut up.

What’s your hidden talent?
I can cook. If I hosted the Design//Life Africa team, I would go full pasta MasterChef mode. No lie. [It’s a date – Ed.]

If your DJ gear could talk, what would it say to you?
“Bro, not another CDJ.” It would definitely stage a protest.

Ever had a set go wrong?
More than once. But I usually just stay cool and keep going.

Tell us your wildest tour story.
Kenya, 2023. We did a gig and then went straight to a studio for a live set – which then turned into a party. We missed our 6am flight, had to go through immigration all over again. Whole movie.

Where would you live forever?
Bulawayo. There’s no place like home. I have seen the world, but my city always hits different.

Which place helps you to unlock your creativity?
Vienna, Austria. The peace, the vibe. I get serious progress done there.

What’s your go-to meal before you get on stage?
White meat, fish or chicken. Keeps me light but satisfied.

If Nitefreak was a drink?
A smooth whiskey on the rocks, with orange zest and a little bourbon. Bold, balanced and slightly mysterious.

What’s your favourite smell?
Whiskey. Do not ask why – it’s just an oddly satisfying scent.

Sneakers: socks or no socks?
Socks. No debate. I have standards.

Craziest DM you’ve ever received?
A woman once asked me to marry her. She was serious. She pulled up to my show in San Francisco. Whole situation.

You land in a new country – what’s first? Unpack or Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi. Always. I will live out of my bag, but do not think of cutting me off from the world.

What’s something that you’ve bought but with hindsight makes no sense?
A watch. Wore it once. It’s still in its box, looking expensive and confused.

What’s the one song that you play just for yourself?
“1er Gaou” by Magic System. That one gets me every time.

Weirdest gift from a fan?
A guy took my watch off my wrist and gave me his Rolex. I was stunned. We are actually friends now. Long story.

What are you excited about right now?
Moving into my own home. Big moment. Personal milestone kind of energy.

If you weren’t a DJ, what would you be?
A footballer for sure. Still chasing goals, just with boots instead of beats.

As told to Sandra Ndoro

IG: @nitefreakdj @afroholic_records­­
Nitefreak will be hosting Hinde Bulawayo in Zimbabwe on 29 November.
IG: @hinde_soiree