Salah Ananse
DJ • PRODUCER • ARTIST
With 30 years as a producer and DJ, Salah Ananse’s talent as a DJ has put him on bills with notable DJ’s such as Vikter Duplaix, DJ Kemit (Kemeticjust), Rich Medina, DJ Spinna, ?uestlove and Kai Alce. He has also held opening DJ spots for artists such as Jay-Z, Dave Chappelle, India Arie, Joi, Res, Fertile Ground, Dwele, Les Nubians, Musiq, The Roots, Donnie and Raphael Saadiq.
Not only does Ananse rock crowds for some of the Southeast’s most popular party series such as One Music Fest, House In The Park and his own Afrique Electrique, he travels the world bringing his unique mix of soul, house afrobeat & hip hop. He’s held a recurring stints in Brazil and Mexico and performed in Ethiopia, Argentina, England, Croatia and more.
Mike Zarin
DJ
Shaping the musical landscape in Atlanta since his late teens, Mike Zarin is a strong presence in the city’s underground dance scene. Mike has been immersed in the Atlanta music scene for more than 10 years during which time he has built relationships with Dj’s, club owners and music industry heads establishing himself as an influential tastemaker.
Throughout the years, Mike has had the opportunity to share his passion with music via radio (Houseworks & Sound Like This Radio Programs – WRAS 88.5FM 2004-2007), club (Head of 4Deep Promo & DJ Crew) and production (CaZ project with partner Chris Nicholson).
Kai Alce
DJ
There is a certain type of artist that transcends generational and artistic boundaries, that channels their experiences while simultaneously fostering an environment for others to thrive. Kai Alcé is a prime example, someone who witnessed the genesis of Detroit’s electronic musical landscape and strives to keep that spirit alive. For him it is imperative to pass on the lessons he has learned, to create a space where deep soulful vibes can reverberate while honoring the African Diaspora roots of dance music’s culture.
Being of Haitian descent laid the foundation for his musical ear starting with his childhood in Queens, New York. Some of his earliest musical influences included his mother’s penchant for soca music and the distinct Caribbean rhythms of his culture. An appreciation of Jazz would be further guided by his father’s expanding audiophile home system. During the 1970s the kindling of Hip Hop and the heyday of Disco perked the ear of a young Kai while they were living in NYC. The Big Apple would remain a constant throughout his musical journey as the years went on, but it was the move to Michigan that ultimately shaped his artistic vision.
DJ Kemit
DJ
DJ Kemit. Once a member of the 2 x Grammy Award winning Hip Hop group Arrested Development who now is clearing his own path in music. After his departure from AD Kemit began the deep house group KemeticJust with long time friend and producer Justin Chapman. The duo are still active with a catalog of music that spans from King Street/Nite Grooves (NYC) to NDATL (ATL).
Kemit is also a well known DJ in celebrity circles, having played private deejay sets for Prince, Jane Fonda, Janet Jackson, Steve Harvey, Jermaine Dupri, Brian Michael Cox and the Capital Jazz Super Cruise. DJ Kemit also serves as the resident DJ for the internationally known tastemaker event Funk Jazz Kafe.
His 2012 debut album “Everlasting,” encompasses the diversity of his DJ sets. Moving effortlessly from Classic Soul (featuring Carl McIntosh of Loose Ends and Jean Baylor of Zhane), to Soulful House (Osunlade, Terrance Downs), to Jazz Funk (Frank McComb) to Contemporary Soul (Eric Roberson, N’dambi).
Kemit is world-renowned for his Grammy nominated production work on Arrested Development’s 2nd LP, as well as Anthony David’s 2011 #1 hit single, “4evermore” which featured Algebra Blessett & Phonte of Little Brother.
DJ Kemit has worked with the likes of Cooley’s Hot Box, Eric Roberson, Lady Alma Horton, N’Dambi, Music Soulchild (Tour), Teddy Riley (Tour), Tasha Larae, Josh Milan, Rich Medina, Lil John Roberts, Robert Glasper & Chris Dave and the list goes on.
It was during the Teddy Riley featuring Blackstreet/Teddy Riley Tour (2010-2011) where Luke Austin & Kemit met and they soon after began creating music together. Once they discovered they both shared the same enthusiasm & love for rare grooves, classic soul, classic Chicago house, soulful house and disco the relationship was solidified and the studio sessions began. The name of their group “the Lounge Lizards” came about from Luke putting titles on demo songs the duo would create.