Sgamo’s DJ sets are a journey, rarely sticking to one genre for any longer than one track, but all juggled in a way that feels like mixing these disparate sounds should have been it obvious. At first glance, the Italian DJ draws on a grab bag of expected genres, running through everything from top 40 rap to UKG and on to baile and Jersey. But then he’ll do things like drop multiple budots cuts at an Amsterdam club. Or he’ll blend Sexxy Redd into merengue (!) before sliding into a classic Sean Paul vocal laced over a rootical instrumental that gives way to a jungle riddim. You’re as likely to hear early dubstep standards like “Poison Dart” and Punjabi cuts as you are Ferg or Sister Nancy or even, well, Britney. It might sound like a bit much, but that’s what makes it invigorating—anything works in his hands. Whether you’re fond of, or even knowledgable about, any of this stuff, it doesn’t matter. He’ll have you locked in.
Sgamo will be playing at Shophouse and Rover this Friday as part of the Blaq Lyte UV night so make sure to tap in!
Raised in Bari, a city in Southern Italy, Sgamo says there aren’t a lot of opportunities there, so he had to get creative. “You either come up with something or you stay put.” DJing was that something for him. “The music scene where I’m from represents true cultural resistance and begins with those who play for passion, not fame.” He says the only thing that matters in the Bari underground, which is a rave scene and free party community, is the sound and the connection to the crowd. The DJs there are experimental by necessity, since many of them don’t have specific equipment and make a party out of what they have on hand. And that’s what provided his roots.
Sgamo’s technical skills and inventiveness are only a foundation that lets him connect with crowds, not an end in themselves—this is music meant for the dancefloor, after all. “A DJ exists for the people, not for self-indulgence. The real challenge lies in being adaptable, sensing the audience’s vibe and adjusting on the fly,” he says. “That’s where you discover if you’re a genuine DJ or merely a playlist curator. Technique provides credibility, but it’s far more vital to read the atmosphere than to stick rigidly to your setlist. Your job is to uplift and entertain, not to teach a masterclass.”
He wants a party with a purpose, though. Sgamo isn’t content to keep a small circle and actively works to make new connections across generation, region, and class. Playing sounds from around the world is intentional: “Connecting cultures is a form of empowerment. A DJ is like a cultural ambassador, linking individuals who would otherwise remain strangers. Through music, we share stories and experiences; each rhythm reflects a unique heritage. I feel like I’m part of something much larger than just music.” Sometimes it can be a challenge, like when dropping Filipino budots in Europe, and people may be confused at first, but eventually they let their guard down and find joy in the unfamiliar.
Music was Sgamo’s only way to travel when he got started and he wants to create a similar feeling for others: “DJing has never been just about playing tracks; it’s about telling stories and taking people to places they’ve never been.” These days, however, it’s not just the music he spins that’s all over the place, so is Sgamo himself. He’s constantly jet-setting, playing everywhere from his backyard in Europe to Southeast Asia and the Bronx. He brings tracks from his travels along with him, planting seeds as he goes. So when he pulls up to Bangkok for his latest stop here, make sure to catch him and experience the trip firsthand.
