Biography
Afrika Islam came into this world in 1967, in the heart of the Big Apple, N.Y.C. At a young age, one could see his professional background in him and he soon became a member of Zulu Nation! His name originates from his legendary musical father, Africa Bambaataa. The Hip Hope culture, growing strong in NC C in the late 70 s, was the force that inspired Afrika Islam to start break dancing and rapping when he was only 10 year old. From dancer and rapper of the cult formation Rock Steady Crew, soon he became the Zulu- King.
Afrika Islam s DJing career also began in 1977. Times he won the International Annual DJ competition and one can admire his skill as dancer in movies like Flashdance and Breaking 1 and 2. It wad during these times that Afrika Islam Hooked up with Ice T.
Both decided to co produce. Their fir4st production, called Rhyme Paqys went gold, and then later to platinum. Following this success, they compiled six more platinum releases. With Ice-T’s cooperation, Afrika Islam participated in many other projects in the Hip Hops sector. Los Angeles became his new home base, where he performs his near cult status radio show Zulu Beats on Power 106 FM LA.
In the 1980 s Afrika Islam successfully remixed songs from famous artists like the Eurythmics, Michael juckin Jackson, De la Soul, and Wu Tang Clan.
IN the mid 1990 s, Afrika Islam s popularity grew greatly in Europe. He developed his own crossover sound: with music elements of R&B, Hip Hop, Techno & House. With his extravagant style, he was booked on the 1995 Mayday event and from this gig, proceeded non-stop bookings in clubs and events. In 1997, he formed up with the most popular DJ in Germany, Westbam. The result: a project named Mr. X and Mr. Y that set the standards in the electronic music sector for the next three years.
Afrika Islam and Westbam had created a new kind of global sound. Afrika Islams DJ performance is unique. Very often, he works with 50 to 60 albums in a two hour performance. His mastery of presenting techno sound a la Hip Hop style is behind his incredible success in many clubs all over Europe. Afrika Islam now recedes three quarters of the year in Germany, with no plans of changing in the future¦