Mo Laudi's Global Sound: Blending African Rhythms and Philosophy

South African DJ, producer and multidisciplinary artist Mo Laudi has spent years introducing global audiences to African sounds. Based between Paris and Joburg, he moves between music, art and cultural curation. His latest project, Sea Lion Woman — Mo Laudi Touch, reimagines Kananayé's sound through Afro-house and 3-step influences. This project showcases Laudi's ability to blend traditional and modern sounds.

Laudi's creative journey began with his connection to Nina Simone, sparked by Lauryn Hill's line in the Fugees' Ready or Not. Kananayé had reimagined the traditional African-American song Sea Lion Woman through Mossi warba rhythms and musical encounters in Bobo-Dioulasso. Laudi wanted to bring Afro-house and 3-step influences into the mix while keeping the voice at the emotional centre. His goal was to create sensual, joyful and powerful music.

Living between Paris and Joburg has significantly shaped Laudi's sound. Johannesburg has influenced his understanding of rhythm and the way music brings people together. In contrast, Paris exposed him to disco, playfulness and a different musical sensibility. Laudi has worked with various artists, including Brodinski, Yuksek and Myd, and has played at prominent events like Paris Fashion Week and Art Basel after-parties.

Laudi sees music, art and curation as different languages that communicate with one another. He is interested in how sound, history and culture shape our experiences and identities. Through his work, including the Jeu de Paume project, The Club as a Space for Radical Hospitality, Laudi has explored dance and the body as an archive of memories and experiences.

Laudi is co-curating the Cheuka Harare Art Fair in Zimbabwe, which aims to create relationships that continue beyond the event. The curatorial proposition, Whose Back Against My Back?, explores mutual support and the importance of artists sharing knowledge, resources and opportunities. Laudi has developed connections with Zimbabwean artists, including Wallen Mapondera, Portia Zvavahera and Moffat Takadiwa.

Laudi's philosophy, Globalisto, is rooted in Ubuntu and Botho, emphasizing collaboration and mutual support. His sound work, Congo Square in D# Minor, was presented at the African Artists' Foundation in Lagos as part of the exhibition, Nsi: After the Harvest. Laudi believes that African artists should have the freedom to experiment without being confined to a fixed idea of what African music or art should be.

To thrive globally, African creatives need ownership, fair pay and institutions that creatives can help shape. Laudi advocates for radical hospitality, sharing resources and decision-making, rather than simply inviting people into a space. By working together and recognizing the value of collaboration, African artists can achieve more and build something lasting.

Key points

• Mo Laudi blends Afro-house, kwaito and gqom to shape global sound.
• Laudi's philosophy, Globalisto, emphasizes collaboration and mutual support.
• African creatives need ownership, fair pay and institutions to thrive globally.