FEATURE: Spotlight: Hazel Marimba

FEATURE:

 

 

Spotlight

PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Bremner

  

Hazel Marimba

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THIS is a bit of…

a challenge for me, as I usually spotlights D.J.s who have conducted interviews. Whether Olive F, Carly Wilford or BETH, there has been some press out there. Not that nothing is known about Hazel Marimba, though I couldn’t find any print interviews. I am not sure if that is because she wants to keep things focus on her sets and radio work, or whether she has not been approached. There is no denying that Hazel Marimba is one of our best D.J.s. Based in London, this D.J. queen has played around the world. I love what she does. I am going to drop in some of her work. A lot of it is on Soundcloud (I have popped in something from Soundcloud, so apologies if you need an account to access it). Marimba is someone who works across multiple genres. Many D.J.s tend to stick with one genre or work within Dance and Electronica. They can do amazing things and splice in different sounds, though Marimba has this wider palette. I wonder if she has been approached by DJ Mag or another publication, as she is a hugely respected and acclaimed D.J. and producer. One reason why I would love to read an in-depth interview or a profile is to see which artists she grew up with. Her transition into becoming this amazing D.J. and broadcaster. I would love to know whether Hazel Marimba began this quest into music. Whether it was a particular album or moment that led her in. Evermix did spotlight her in 2019, and we do get some insight there. What I love about her is that she has covered so much sonic ground. As Resident at Rinse FM, this has been one of her biggest achievements in a career that has lasted over a decade. From working at SWU FM when she was in Exter, this incredible new step-up has occurred. Marimba is living the dream, though you know there still so much more to come from her.

I am going to continue in a minute, but I wanted to drop in this biography from Rinse FM. You can check out Hazel Marimba’s shows here. I don’t think there is enough attention on smaller or independent radio stations. I have spotlighted a few when discussing and interview D.J.s. I feel Hazel Marimba has had such a busy, exciting, inspiring and compelling career that she deserves to be the focus of a load of featured and interviews. Included in the Ones to Watch lists of D.J. magazines and websites:

“DJ. Producer & Singer Hazel Marimba, is known for rocking crowds with her high energy genre fluid sets. Spanning from UK Funky, Soca & R&B to Edits, Dancehall,

House, Neo Soul, Commercial, Club and everything in between. Hazel is the Touring DJ for Eva Lazarus and has performed alongside the likes of Sean Paul, Rita Ora and D Double E. Bringing her mighty sound to hot spots that include Fabric, Burning Man and Outlook Festival. Hazel crafts her own signature productions which land hard on the dance floor. With a career in music spanning over a decade, she has been front and centre in the UK dance music scene, seeing her perform all over the globe. Hazel has a vast music collection and can provide tailored sets to any brief”.

I have been looking around YouTube, and there is some cool bits there. I am committed to highlighting and championing incredible women. I think there is still gender imbalance regarding D.J.s. Festival bills and playlists. Even if there have been some small steps in other areas, I think that there is still a massive divide. The industry not valuing women as much as they should. Women still exposed to sexual assault and misogyny. The truth is that women are dominating and I feel are the most talented and powerful D.J.s. When writing about Carly Wilford multiple times and seeing how she travels around the world and delivers these hugely energetic and memorable sets, she should be headlining festivals and getting more attention.

The same with Hazel Marimba. I have pitched a U.K.-based D.J. festival that is entirely dedicated to women. There are smaller festivals, but having multiple stages where the D.J.s could headline, shine and collaborate. Still, festival line-ups are not as balanced as they should be. I have also suggested it would be great to have a YouTube series where these queens are sat in a studio – or I think a cool cocktail bar where they are in a room, on comfortable seat and the set looks amazing – and share their memories, favourite albums, and we get to see them drop the needle and play some of their favourite mixes and music. Advice to other women who are getting into the industry, and shouting out the best clubs, festivals and spots. There is this massive focus on artists and musicians. D.J.s still seen as underground, niche or not as important. I do think they are as essential and plaudit-worthy as artists. So many of them also record their own music. A natural shift. I am intrigued if Hazel Marimba has thought of putting out an E.P. or mixtape. I can see a lot of big moments coming. She is at Rinse FM right now and plays all around the world. I do think that Marimba will get some shifts on major radio stations Whether she has ever considered BBC Radio 1 or feels that this is something that is a bit commercial and not het thing, she is going to go from strength to strength. Looking at her Instagram feed, and you can tell how much she is loving what she does! So much passion and drive. She is also a tour D.J. for Eza Lazarus. I have spotlighted Lazarus before, and they recently joined forces in Brighton. We are coming out of summer, which might mean Marimba is shifting from festivals and idyllic outdoor gigs and moving indoors. That sounds naïve, but obviously this country’s weather is unpredictable. Marimba may have some international gigs later in the years where she can catch some sun, though thew autumn and winter months provide a different dynamic and reality. Whether she finds the summer is the best time and when audiences are at their best, or she likes the cooler and colder days and getting people united and energised.

I am a new convert to her Rinse FM shows, and I love the All I Wanted 4 The Club (Paramore Edit). This makes me wonder whether this is the start of something special. Putting more of these incredible mixes on Bandcamp. I do feel that Marimba will put out her own work and we will see an E.P., though I don’t want to manifest things for her, as she is very much forging her own path and has her own plans. I do hope that there are some interviews very soon, so that more and more people can learn about this incredible D.J. and broadcaster. A phenomenal producer. Hazel Marimba was D.J. at the afterparty for SNL UK over six weeks. It seemed like it was a career highlight. Her C.V. is so eclectic and interesting! A name that carries a lot of weight and respect, I feel the next five or so years are going to be her busiest and most astonishing. Marimba is not done with 2026, though we are heading near autumn and it will give her time to look back and look ahead. I am already excited to think what 2027 holds in store. I do hope that one of our most captivating and talented humans get some love and props from some of the biggest D.J. mags and websites. Apologies if I have missed any interviews or features, but I do think that she is overdue. Go and follow Hazel Marimba on Instagram and go and check out her shows and work. I have probably not done her full justice, but I did want to show my appreciation and praise. Marimba has had an astonishing career and she must have so many unforgettable memories that are still in her mind. When it comes to this queen, so many wonderful memories…

ARE in her future.

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Follow Hazel Marimba

Sam Liddicott