KENZA KAYATI (@kenzakayati) steps into 2026 with “MISTAKE”, a two-track EP landing on RITIM, the new imprint from Ede, known for his work with Innervisions. The release is dropping in April and draws directly from time spent in Ibiza, where closing weekend sets and extended sessions at Circoloco pushed her back toward a more minimal, groove-led approach.
That influence carries into both tracks, with “Mistake” focusing on restraint, vocal detail, and subtle movement, while “Flavor” shifts the same central idea into a more direct, club-driven framework. Together, the EP reflects a clear focus on control, pacing, and texture rather than obvious peaks.
That same mindset runs through this conversation. KAYATI speaks about DJing in a way that places attention on timing, tension, and long-form energy rather than short-form moments built for clips. Her perspective comes from experience across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, and it shows in how she approaches risk, crowd connection, and preparation.
With “MISTAKE” as the backdrop, the interview gives a direct look at how she thinks about modern DJ culture, and how she maintains a consistent approach in an environment where visibility often competes with musical intent.
Interview With KENZA KAYATI
Have you ever felt like sets these days are being recorded more than they’re being felt?
I think it’s partly in how music is produced now. Shorter structures, bigger drops, and more instant impact. So more hands in the air moments. When I first started out, I thought the more hands in the air, the better the set was. Now I see it differently.
I’m drawn to tension, to restraint, and to letting things breathe. Fewer big drops, but when they come, they mean something.
Even in my production, I stay away from obvious buildups. I much prefer something more organic. Something that unfolds rather than explodes.
How do you navigate the balance between creating a memorable moment and getting a viral clip?
You can still create a strong moment just by playing music you genuinely believe in. It doesn’t have to rely on big drops to land. Some tracks don’t follow an obvious structure and still create a real reaction from the crowd. For me, it’s always about timing. Playing the right track at the right moment.
That’s what people remember, even more than the clip.
Have you changed the way you prepare or play because you know people might be filming?
Not really, my approach has always stayed the same. I play the music I genuinely like and want to share with the crowd, without overthinking how it will look on camera. In terms of performance, I’ve always had a lot of energy behind the decks. It’s never been about engineering a “show.”
For me, the key is to stay authentic. Play your music, enjoy yourself, and give the crowd what they need in the moment.
What’s something that used to matter more in club culture before everything became a photo op?
The music, honestly. It sounds simple, but in some cases it feels like the focus has shifted. There’s so much music coming out now that it can be harder for tracks to really stay with people over time.
Some tracks from 10 or 15 years ago are still among my all time favorites today. I’m curious to see which of today’s releases will have that same longevity. I understand it’s a faster generation and things evolve, but there’s something special about sets that stay with you, that make you discover something you’ve never heard before.
Do you think the pressure to look good behind the decks has affected how DJs perform?
I think it’s definitely had an impact. This generation is very driven by media, and every industry has felt that. Looking good is part of the picture, but it should always be secondary to the music. That’s still the foundation.
Sometimes it can feel like the visual side takes more attention, but at the same time, I see it as a form of self expression. As long as it doesn’t replace the substance, it can coexist with it.
What happens to risk taking in a culture that values content over presence?
If I speak for myself, I probably take more risks now than ever. I think the crowd is a bit more open than we think and still wants to hear something different. I spend a lot of time digging, especially in older records from around 2012 to 2016. I like bringing those tracks back and giving them a new life.
For me, taking risks is what makes a set feel like a story. That’s where it becomes interesting.
Have you ever had a night where nothing went viral, but the vibe was unforgettable and that was enough?
I’ve had many nights like that. Especially during my residency at Gate Two in Dubai, where phones weren’t allowed. Those nights will stay with me forever.
The energy in that room… a camera could never fully capture it, and made each and every one of them a special show.
You have your new “MISTAKE” EP coming up on RITIM – Can you tell us how it came about, and the inspiration around the release?
Ibiza closing weekend played a key role in shaping the EP. Being immersed in that energy, especially at Circoloco, pulled me back into a more minimal space. It was all I was listening to, and that naturally carried into the studio.
The starting point was something very stripped back, focused on groove. From there, my instinct for deeper textures and subtle melodic movement came in, creating a balance between minimal and something more emotive.
Mistake leans into that emotional side, while Flavor takes the same vocal idea into a more high energy, club-driven direction. There’s a dialogue between the two, Mistake with a more feminine vocal tone, and Flavor answering with a more masculine presence, almost like they’re flirting within the same story.
What else do you have coming up that you can share with us?
A lot more music, that’s for sure. I’ve been experimenting more in the studio, even with my own vocals, so maybe an album isn’t too far off. And some fun shows are coming up that I’m really looking forward to. Stay tuned 
The post KENZA KAYATI Reflects on DJing in the Age of Clips and Content appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.