Mixed Feelings | DJ SASHAY

A special guest-mix series where DJs are invited to create a soundtrack for tomorrow's days. Next up: DJ SASHAY, a DJ, house dancer and culture lover, born and raised in Utrecht with bicultural roots in Ghana and the Netherlands. With a background deeply rooted in various dance styles, she has expanded her passion into DJing. Her eclectic sets span from soul to techno and everything in between. For this mix, Sashay explores her recent interest in Latin and Afro-Cuban House.

Every Mixed Feelings podcast is accompanied by a few questions that provide a little insight into the DJ and the mix they've prepared for us and for you.

Which feelings do we find bottled in this mix?

Bottled up feelings of finally having the sun back in the Netherlands and the season of summer festivals arriving— Having the sun on your skin, a cold drink, and just enjoying life!

What message does the music you play convey?

The music I play is an invitation to dance, to groove, to let go. At its core, it’s about joy, movement, and connection with yourself and people around you. I've always been drawn to uplifting House tracks that carry words of encouragement and soul in the voice. Also, rhythms that lift people’s spirits and bring them into the present moment. I want the music to create a space where people feel free, alive, and part of something bigger.

How is the mix reflecting your current music taste?

Lately, I’ve been diving deeper into Latin and Afro-Cuban House music. As a House dancer, I’ve always been drawn to rhythm, and this music really speaks to both my body and soul. A good friend of mine, deeply rooted in Salsa culture, helped open my ears and feet to the rhythms, steps, and history, showing me how it’s all connected.

Together, we started a project called Homemadesauce to explore the Afro-Cuban roots that run through both Salsa and House dance/music culture. This mix reflects that journey — I'm definitely at the start of this deep dive into the Afro-Cuban rhythms and culture, but some of my curiosity is reflected in this mix for sure!

Who should release a new album/EP already?

Marlon D!

What is magical about music?

It can make you feel like you belong.

What is your main source for finding new music?

Streaming services, ✨ Myspace ✨, Parties, Dance battle events and Jams.

If the mix was a soundtrack, what (kind of) movie/video/audio-visual content would support it best?

An outdoor dancing party where it's not about polished performances and more about shared joy, sweat, and swing. Some of the iconic street scenes from the documentary Fania All Stars – Our Latin Thing (Nuestra Cosa Latina). Think of a summer night in 1970s New York where folding chairs are lining the sidewalks, old & young people dancing in the streets, clapping along to the clave rhythms, others just chilling, having some good food and drinks. It's a spontaneous, raw, alive, and communal scene.

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Tracklist:

• Emmaculate – Shaving Powder

• Luis Radio – Human Chemistry

• Emmaculate – New Day (Club Mix) ft. Lee Wilson

• Sunlightsquare – Oyelo (Love Soul Remix) ft. Atjazz

• Emmaculate – Higher Vibrations (Mac’s Afro Sax Mix)

• Geoffrey C. – This Is Hot (Yes Indeed) ft. Coflo

• 3 Amigos: Jellybean, Marlon D. & Mena Keys – You Bring Me Joy (Guy Robin Remix)

• Louie Vega – How He Works (Coflo Remix) ft. Nico Vega

• Joe Claussell – Yambu (Sacred Rhythm Mix) ft. Daymé Arocena

• Dazzle Drums – Can You

• Geoffrey C. – Yo Barnum (Jihad Muhammad BTD Remix)

• Louie Vega & Cerrone – Love Dance Ritual Medley

• Ezel – Con El Agua

  
  

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