In this interview, we sit down with an emerging Afro house artist, Patrick Kam, to explore the inspiration behind his debut track “Wimbo” and his approach to fusing traditional Afro and Latin influences with contemporary electronic sounds.
He offers insight into his creative process, detailing how his experiences as a DJ performing at rooftop and terrace venues have shaped his production style. The conversation touches on the balance between innovation and tradition, as well as how the growing popularity of Afro house has motivated him to explore the genre more deeply.
When crafting “Wimbo,” did you have a particular dancefloor moment in mind? How do you envision people reacting to the track?
It’s funny you ask that because that’s exactly why I created the song. I wanted people to have a specific reaction to a particular part. I came up with the first part of the song and got really excited, but then I stopped and didn’t add anything else for a while. After a DJ set, I went home and decided to add that little synth and the heavy percussion right before the drop. That’s the moment I’ve been waiting for—the reaction people would have at that exact point. So when you ask about it, it’s funny because that moment is one of the main reasons I released the song.
Your music bridges Afro and Latin influences with contemporary electronic sounds. How do you balance tradition with innovation in your work?
I believe that innovation often comes from connecting things that have never been connected before. If you look at other genres of music, many artists use samples, blending old tracks or even contemporary music with different genres to create something new. Even the scripture, “there’s nothing new under the sun,” holds some truth, because it’s about reimagining what already exists.
After exploring today’s house music, I also want to dive deeper into what tradition offers. I feel it would be great to bring that influence into modern music, allowing people who are already listening to what we create now to discover something new. It’s a way of showing a part of yourself, a deeper connection to your roots, while introducing fresh ideas into the mix.
And about the Afro and Latin music in house music, I feel that it is something trendy these days. We have great artists already creating incredible songs that I’m really a fan of. As for myself, I also want to be part of this movement. I feel that I can create something unique and bring my own touch. That’s why, sometimes after a DJ set, I feel excited to create something with that same energy, and I know how I will do it. That’s why I’m here now with “Wimbo.”
What drew you to Afro house as a genre, and how does it resonate with your own musical roots?
It’s honestly crazy to me. I never imagined that African rhythms would become something you’d hear on the radio, in clubs, or just everywhere. Growing up, I associated that kind of music with family gatherings—birthdays, weddings, and those kinds of events. But the first time I heard a DJ playing those rhythms in a completely different setting, I was shocked. I recognized it instantly and thought, “Wow, this sounds good!” At first, I wasn’t ready to embrace it, but after a while, I found myself wanting to be part of it. The more I listened, the more I realized how much I connected with it, even more than with the music I used to make.
How has your journey as a DJ, playing at rooftop and terrace venues, influenced the sound and vibe of “Wimbo”?
Performing in front of an audience has truly enhanced my understanding of the kinds of songs that resonate with people. This connection boosts my confidence in the music I want to create and share.
My decision to focus on Afro house music stemmed from observing the increasing demand for it. Unlike festivals, rooftop and terrace events allow for a closer interaction with the audience, making it easy for them to approach me with specific requests—often unexpected. When I play a requested track and see the crowd’s enthusiastic reaction, it’s incredibly rewarding.
I realized that Afro house has been gaining popularity, which further encourages me to explore this genre.
In an era of fast-paced releases, how did you approach the timing and build-up to your debut single?
Your question touches on a huge topic, and it’s definitely a lot of work, especially when you’re just starting your career. I have to stay focused on creating my music, preparing my DJ sets, and managing everything on social media, which can be overwhelming. On top of all that, I still have a regular job, so balancing everything step by step is crucial. Thanks to some recent music business insights, I realized how much third-party support can help. Over time, I’ve started working with these third parties, and I’m hopeful this will make a big difference in what I’m doing. As I continue to progress, I’m getting better at managing everything, and my DJ gigs have been a great source of income to fund what I need to do. But yes, it’s definitely a big job.
I’m able to manage all of this thanks to the internet, where information is readily available. Nowadays, you can figure out how to handle things independently, even without a record label, so I decided to take everything into my own hands. I’m also planning to release all the tracks I’ve been working on, which will be ready soon. It’s a huge undertaking, but I’m excited about it.
Belgium and France have vibrant, yet distinct, electronic music scenes. How do these cultural environments impact your creative process?
I recently moved to France, and I know that this country has many influential Afro house producers and DJs, which is great because it provides me with a lot of inspiration. As for Belgium, that’s where I’ve spent most of my life, and it’s where my roots are. I’ve been a music producer for a long time, but DJing is something new to me, so I can’t claim to know many DJs in Belgium. It’s not a scene I was deeply involved in when I was younger. I started out in hip-hop, then moved into Latin music, and eventually transitioned into electronic music, which is when I began learning about DJing. I’m sure there are many Afro house DJs in Belgium, but I don’t know them personally, so I can’t speak much about that. As a music producer, I’ve learned a lot from the internet and music platforms.
What role do visuals or live performance settings play when you’re imagining the release and reception of a track like “Wimbo”?
The visuals are really important because they help set the mood you want your audience to experience when you’re on stage. For Afro house, visuals with jungle or African-inspired themes work really well. In my case, when I’m DJing on a hotel rooftop or terrace, the vibe is more about chic, luxurious aesthetics, which I absolutely love, haha. But in reality, when you first arrive, you don’t always have full control over everything. However, with your music cover, you have the freedom to create exactly what you want to showcase.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs or producers looking to make their mark with a debut release in today’s crowded music landscape?
Wow. I don’t know if I’m the most credible person to give advice, but here’s what I’ve learned. Quality should always come first. When we produce music, we have to be sure that every part of it is done right—from the production to the mastering. A song with great sound quality gives us the confidence to stand alongside established professionals and opens doors to more opportunities.
But let’s be honest, it’s a lot of hard work, especially when we’re doing it alone. In the beginning, people in the music industry may not trust or support us, making the journey even more challenging. That’s why we need to take things into our own hands and learn what we can. Thankfully, platforms like YouTube offer endless resources and have become some of the best ways for us to educate ourselves.
It’s exhausting, no doubt. After putting in all that effort, we often feel worn out. But we have to keep pushing, because we never know which song might grab everyone’s attention. The road is tough, but with persistence, motivation, and courage, we can keep moving forward and make things happen.
Wimbo is out now
