VI.BE

MAMBA is the musical alias of Antwerp-based Lola Massoels, a DJ and producer whose sets and productions serve as powerful tools of self-expression. For her, music flows like life itself, is deeply personal and evolves alongside her. Her sound refuses to be boxed into a single genre; instead, she explores a wide range of styles and tempos, constantly looking for common ground to build fluid, genre-blurring sets upon. Known for crafting dancefloor journeys that balance emotional depth with playful surprises and deep undertones, MAMBA creates spaces where people can drift freely and connect organically and authentically, while being kept on their toes as she steers the wave.

The mixtape she wants the judges of 45Toeren to listen to, is that of Radio ACCU. Here she plays an improvised three-deck set with new music she only discovered one day prior to playing (recommend to check the video version on Youtube). She did this to put herself up to the test and force herself to adapt in real-time, really listen to the energy and vibe that each track gives, and follow the music as it goes, rather than to set the tone herself. Instead of focusing on playing a perfect, completely prepared set, she put herself in the shoes of the listener who doesn't know what's to come and steers the energy in a more intuitive way.

Currently, MAMBA is active in Hasselt as a resident with HER Collective, Four on the Floor and Radio ACCU, volunteers with Jammings in Antwerp and occasionally organizes her own events (Alto Ritmo), where she aims to puts the spotlight on up and coming DJ's whom are not as active/reliant on social media.

The reason she is entering 45Toeren is because she recognizes the importance of growing through community, wants to connect and share views with established artists on the current musical landscape, hopes to get advice on how to build out hybrid and live sets, and wants to build a more professional (online) profile. Lastly, she wants to create more safe spaces for queer people too, being a trans woman herself.

Finally, rather than solely playing DJ sets and producing tracks on the laptop, MAMBA is currently preparing a set-up with analog gear to play hybrid DJ-sets with or even live performances in the near future.

Past gigs: Pukkelpop, Dour Festival, Horst Club, Rock Herk, Utopia, Funke, Queer Mess, Full Circle, Queer Future Club, Club Wintercircus...

Radio shows at Kiosk, BX1, GIMIC, WAV, BRUZZ ICE, Radio ACCU...