Ya Hu: Unveiling the Power of Techno
Exploring the electrifying music and compelling story of DJ Ya Hu.
When the State of Israel was formed in 1948, 700,000 Palestinian’s were expelled or fled their homes. Many went to Gaza, the West Bank or neighbouring Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, while some were able to keep hold of their property and stay on the land formerly known as Palestine.
These days, the Palestinian experience differs massively depending on location. Mixmag speaks to six pioneering Palestinian artists about their musical journey, the challenges they face every day and the differing ways they use culture as a form of resistance.
About DJ Ya Hu
Listening to one of Ya Hu’s mixes is the aural equivalent of taking a sledgehammer to the head. She developed a penchant for industrial techno while studying for her undergraduate degree at the University of Warwick. Something about the sleepy West Midland’s town summoned a music taste that’ll make your ears bleed.
Ya Hu, Yasmin to her friends, grew up between Ramallah and Jerusalem. Today, she's chatting from a locked-down Jericho, unable to leave due to Israeli checkpoints set up after a shooting, which later turned into a deadly siege.
For Yasmin, music serves as a coping mechanism in the face of occupation. It helps her expend energy and create positivity in a world where negativity can feel unavoidable. “Music will always be part of my life whether I live under occupation or not,” she says.
Mentorship and Influences
Since Yasmin played her first gig in 2017 in Ramallah, her first cousin and DJ royalty Sama’ Abdulhadi has been her mentor. “When I made the mix for our Beatport residency, she made me practice every transition like 500 times,” Yasmin laughs. “She’s such a perfectionist.”
Connect with DJ Ya Hu
Stay connected with DJ Ya Hu to experience her electrifying mixes and updates:
Instagram: @yahuofficial
An architect of sound, constructing masterpieces track by track.
ReplyDelete