International Afro-house singer, producer, and DJ AWEN — the unmistakable voice behind the global smash Your Voice — joined TheJournalistDJ.com moments after her electrifying performance at KUNYE in Johannesburg. Fresh off stage and still buzzing with energy, she reflected on the night, her journey, and her growing love for South Africa.
“I’m good, so good,” she said. “Johannesburg has been good to me.”
Who Is AWEN?
Born in Paris to a French mother and Malian-Senegalese father, AWEN carries a rich cultural heritage that shapes her soul-stirring Afro-house sound. Her name, drawn from Celtic mythology, symbolizes creative inspiration — something she channels into every performance.
“I am a singer, producer, DJ, and the voice of Your Voice,” she declared.
A Roller Coaster Performance at KUNYE
Her KUNYE appearance delivered high drama. A sudden burst of rain interrupted her set for nearly 30 minutes — but the crowd refused to let the night end there.
“It was a roller coaster,” she laughed. “I was crying inside when I had to stop… but coming back? The people were like, ‘We wanna party!’ It was incredible.”
She had previously missed a KUNYE performance due to unforeseen circumstances, making this comeback especially meaningful.
The Story Behind ‘Your Voice’
South Africans adore AWEN for Your Voice, her iconic collaboration with Caiiro. Fans at KUNYE belted out every lyric with her.
“That song is everything to me,” she said. “It changed my life. It’s about my son — it’s like a prayer.”
Many assumed it was a romantic love song.
“It is a love song… to my son,” she clarified.
Building Bridges With South African A-Listers
AWEN’s footprint in the South African music landscape keeps expanding.
“I’ve been collaborating with Shimza — we performed our track tonight,” she shared. “I’ve worked with Zakes Bantwini, and I have a studio session with Mpho.Wav on Monday.”
“You’ve got all the A-listers!” we joked.
“Yay!” she laughed.
A Performer Like No Other: Singing While DJing
AWEN’s unique artistry shines in her hybrid performances — DJing while singing live.
“I wanted to stand on stage by myself, not just be the singer on the side,” she explained. “I’m a performer. I love sharing the music I love.”
Top Destinations That Love AWEN Back
AWEN has taken her sound to every corner of the world — but Johannesburg now has a special place in her heart.
“South Africa is definitely in my top three,” she said.
Other favourites include Turkey, Brazil, and Kenya — a country beloved in the Afro-house community.
“The people in Kenya love the vibe. They go with you. And their music level is really high, like here.”
What’s Next: Brazil & Her Own Label
AWEN is stepping into a new era of independence and creativity.
“Next is Brazil,” she revealed. “I just launched my label yesterday.”
The first five releases will be her own music, after which she’ll open the doors to emerging artists.
“Send me demos — on Instagram. I check all my messages.”
A Heartfelt Thank You to Johannesburg
Despite the weather challenges, AWEN’s KUNYE set became one of the festival’s unforgettable highlights.
“Thank you Johannesburg,” she said. “Thank you for bearing with me despite the rain. You were amazing.”
KUNYE witnessed a moment of magic — a night where resilience, talent, and pure musical energy merged into something unforgettable.
