SHADU is one of the rising voices of the Afro House and Latin House scene, blending pulsating rhythms with emotional storytelling and a raw, intuitive connection to the crowd. In this interview, she talks to Beatport about her ever-shifting live sets, her deep love for Afro-Latin culture, and how she turns challenges into unforgettable moments.

You often perform at open-air venues. What excites you the most about these shows — a new crowd, the atmosphere, or the challenge of adapting your set?

For me, it’s always about the people. The main goal is to make the crowd move, feel something unforgettable, and remember the set forever. Even though I prepare carefully for every performance, things often shift on the spot — the vibe, the crowd, the energy. That’s when a new set is born, right there in the moment. I adapt fast and shape the energy on the fly. That’s the magic of it.

Your performances always have a clear dynamic — like a storyline unfolding. Is that based on intuition or a carefully crafted structure?

Each set is a story I tell — not just a playlist. I try to build a strong structure, something that flows and makes emotional sense. But once I step on stage, I often feel something different in the room. That’s when intuition kicks in. I read the energy of the crowd and adjust. The most important thing is honesty — emotions must come from the heart, and the audience will feel that. That’s why my sets always feel alive and real.

Afro and Latin influences are central to your sound. Were there any defining experiences, places, or artists that shaped that direction?

My sound is a cocktail of emotions and cultural influences. Afro and Latin rhythms inspire me deeply — they make your heart beat faster and your body move without asking permission. I genuinely love and listen to these genres all the time. It’s not just music to me — it’s pure inspiration.

I want to create a space where people can let go and just enjoy the moment. My music reflects my inner world and life experiences, and I hope everyone finds something personal in it. Artists like Hugel, Keinemusik, and Black Coffee had a big impact on me — they showed me how Afro House and Latin elements can be blended into something emotional and full of life. That’s the energy I strive to pass on to the crowd.

Was there ever a set that surprised even you — where nothing went as planned but it turned out better than expected?

Yes — one recent show in Mexico really caught me off guard. The DJ before me suddenly started playing heavy techno, which usually comes after Afro or Tech House, not before! It completely shifted the vibe.

I was honestly nervous — how could I bring the crowd back after such a sharp transition? But in the end, it turned out even better than I imagined. I found the right flow, preserved the energy, and even took it higher. That moment reminded me how powerful improvisation can be. It became one of the most inspiring and euphoric sets I’ve played — pure magic born from chaos.

Your music draws from Afro House, Latin House, and Tech House, yet it feels cohesive. How do you blend such varied textures into one signature sound?

For me, mixing Afro, Latin, and Tech House isn’t just about genre — it’s about creating something unique that reflects my own musical vision. That’s where the magic lives: blending styles into one emotional, organic experience.

I love to experiment — to take the most powerful elements from each style and weave them together into something that feels whole. The key is balance: every sound should complement the others and build a strong atmosphere. That’s what gives my music its identity.

Do you dream of a specific show — a festival, venue, or stage you’re aiming for?

Honestly, it might sound like a classic answer, but I dream of playing the legendary stages — Tomorrowland, Ultra, Coachella. These places are iconic, and just imagining sharing my music with a global audience in that kind of setting gives me chills.

I’d also love to perform at clubs like Hi Ibiza, Pacha, or Space Miami — places with insane energy and a deep connection to electronic music culture. For me, these aren’t just venues — they’re temples of dance music. I want to be there, not just to play a set, but to bring my full energy and connect with people from around the world.