ANGELS ROCK by Hibotep

Already established as a remarkable figure in the East African music and global scene for her genre-bending DJ sets, Hibotep is known for pushing the boundaries of electronic and hybrid sounds. Her unique sonic palette draws on a rich and diverse blend of musical influences, merging global genres like trap and hip-hop with deep-rooted African styles such as Kenya’s Taraab, a Swahili coastal music tradition, and Morocco’s spiritual Gnawa music. This fusion not only reflects her vast cultural experience but also exemplifies the fluidity with which she navigates between tradition and modernity.

Her approach is deeply informed by her identity as a cultural nomad with roots in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Uganda. This transnational identity gives her the ability to cross borders, not just geographically, but musically hence resulting in a hybrid form of music that is at once experimental, accessible and futuristic yet deeply rooted in ancestral sound.

This cultural exploration is evident in her debut EP “Angels Rock” which serves as a profound expression of Ancestral connection, acting as a voice for the past while navigating the space between darkness and light. It reflects a deep listening to the voices within, those echoes of history, memory, and spirit, allowing them to shape a musical landscape that bridges the intangible realms. By doing so, it creates a sense of spiritual resonance, where the ancient and the contemporary collide in sound.

Through these rich sonic explorations, the album taps into the eerie and the mystical, encouraging listeners to confront and embrace feelings that are often hidden or suppressed. The eerie atmosphere is not intended to frighten but to challenge, inviting people to experience a different dimension of emotion—one that allows for deeper introspection and a journey into the unknown parts of the self. These soundscapes are crafted with authenticity, using experimental textures that carry the weight of history while also offering fresh, innovative expressions.

Beyond its artistic ambitions, this album stands as a powerful cultural statement for Africans. It calls for the reclaiming of power, identity, and voice. In a world where African history and heritage have often been marginalized or misrepresented, the album asserts itself as a beacon of pride and empowerment. It is a reminder that Africans can redefine the narrative, reclaim their heritage, and draw strength from their roots. By channeling the voices of ancestors and weaving them into a contemporary sound, it becomes more than music; it becomes a movement—a call for self-determination, liberation, and the celebration of African power and creativity.

Somali DJ, producer, Femme Extraordinaire Hibotep comes packed with hard blows to weave energies into sonic narratives that are both haunting and liberating.



A walking, breathing example of the diversity of Kampala’s arts and culture scene