Talking to: Tabideee
Our very own Heba, creative director, diversity strategist, and, of course, writer, also goes by the name Tabideee in her spare time, for her side-side hustle as a DJ. Growing up in Slough as a second-generation Sudanese woman, Heba is determined to let everyone remember the origins of techno.
We are massively excited that she has agreed to live-stream a set on 18th September for our brand-spanking new Friday gig night sessions on our Instagram channel. We caught up with her ahead of her live set to chat all things Tabideee.
Tell us all about yourself; what you do apart from DJing?
I have just moved to London and started work as a Civil Engineer, and also I am a writer. I wouldn’t call myself a writer, but I write for The Everyday Magazine, and it is something I really enjoy doing. I DJ because I love music; I want to have fun with it!
When I was growing up music was always being played at home. I was like, three, and my uncle was sixteen, that’s just Sudanese families for you, and he was bringing home all of this amazing music, like 90’s R n B, Tribe Called Quest, Sisco, Usher and The Notorious BIG. My Mum listened to Sudanese music, reggae, and Native American flute music, and my dad loved Nelly. I went through a huge pop punk phase when I was 14 followed by an obsession for indie rock. Then when I went to uni I massively got into electronic and techno. So music was always a big part of my life, I was surrounded by it.
How is it being a female DJ in what is seen as a very male-led section of the music and clubbing industry? Or is that changing?
It’s not so much about being a female DJ, but being a Black female DJ playing techno. When I first started going out to techno nights I would sometimes be the only Black woman there. I felt like an outsider, which is crazy, because techno was made by the Black community in Detroit, using Black music in it’s drum patterns. Now there is a call to ‘Make Techno Black Again’, and that is what I want to do and be a part of. I want to reclaim our spaces, because techno has been whitewashed.
And when did you start DJing - where have you played so far?
I started in January this year, so it is all very new to me. I haven’t had a chance to play out yet, but when I was a student and going out to parties I saw people DJing and always wanted to do it. So, to start with, I would just be playing to a couple of friends, then in March, I just thought, go for it, and did a live stream on my Facebook. And loads of people watched it; I had people’s mums and dads watching, old friends I haven't spoken to in ages commenting, and it was amazing.
Also, I have just moved to London which is amazing for music, surrounded by a Black community. I'm working with my good friend and housemate, Kukua on her radio show for Balamii. Its called Poetry Credits and she explores poetry produced by Black wxmen as well as Black trans non binary and intersex people. We have small discussions throughout the show about the episode's topic, and make mixes to accompany each piece.
So, are you a vinyl junkie?
No, I wish I could be! I play electronically at the moment. I wish I could afford to buy records, but it is just too expensive, but once I have got more experience I really want to learn how to mix using decks.
What genres do you play? Who are your influences?
I love to play techno, but with a strong mix of afrobeats, afro-grime R&B and African rhythms. Sometimes that leads me towards some more house-like tracks but I make sure that depressive energy is still there. I find it empowering to bring a fusion of such different genres of Black music, but through mixing showing how much they've influenced one another. I also bring the VOLUME which tends towards the jungle and sound system culture bought by the Windrush generation. I love Juliana Huxtable; she's probably one of my biggest influences, Helena Hauff, Haai and DJ Stingray. I also love Burna Boy, lots of UK drill artists like Headie One, as well as Four Tet and more ambient electronica; I feel like that relates a lot to my indie heart.
Who are you listening to at the moment? How do you find new music?
Soundcloud is just like a record shop, flicking through the records to find new stuff. I also use Shazam a lot during nights out, and Youtube is really good; really good new stuff always crops up with their autoplay.
What is coming up next DJing wise? Anything you want to achieve?
I think I want to just carry on playing casually, and I would love to play out once lockdown restrictions are lifted more. Not as a headliner, but as support really; just to be able to see the reactions when you play a really good record, I would love that. I can see why musicians love it so much now.
Do you have any words of advice for anyone reading this who may be thinking about taking their love for music to the next level and getting into DJing in public?
Just to go for it! I learnt to DJ through a workshop for under-represented minorities in electronic music. So I think if you are a minority woman, or non binary, it’s really important you get out there and make sure there are more of us represented in electronic music. Look out for these opportunities and pursue them. Things are changing- reclaim your space!
How are you feeling about the Everyday Magazine live stream?
I’m pretty excited, it's kind of my first real performance. What I love about mixing is bringing music and its energy to people that they can't help but feel moved by in some way. It’s also about me challenging where Black wxmen stand in the music scene, which spaces we’re taking up, and feeling empowered. I’m so ready to bring that to everyone when I perform.
Tabideee will be live streaming on Friday 18th September at 8.30pm on our Instagram.
You can hear more from Tabideee on her Soundcloud, on Balamii Radio, and follow her on Instagram.