Smooth and stylish sounds

By Mahes Perera

The vibes at Yumi were different from the normal music centres of entertainment provided by the spinning of music on vinyl and CDs, centres where the young and old throng to on a weekend. The scenario at Yumi is sophisticated. No anthems, no acid trance, no funk, no techno, no break beat and no hip hop - tunes that send the groovers into a frenzy.

What filled Yumi the latest cool music 'station' were vibes of 'deep house' that lures you to stay and chill out. Spinning these vibes to a packed appreciative audience was the pretty captivating young Angelika, specially imported from Kharkin City, Ukraine, exuding friendliness that has endeared many a music fan to her, since her arrival. In this scenario you have to forget your dreams of Ibiza, forget Majorca, this is a new scene at Yumi at the Taj Samudra, a not-to-be missed daily happening scene.

Domain

Now no longer the domain of males, the world of deejaying has seen female DJs selling out stadium shows and topping the music charts. Today they are the most sought after and some of the leading names are Maya Jane Coles, Tatiana, Sandra Collins and Aune Nigtingale. During a break in the music we had the opportunity to have a conversation with Angelika Abdulagatova.

Question: Welcome to Sri Lanka! This is your first visit to the East and we hope you will have a pleasant stay in our country. When did deejaying move into your life as a career.

Answer: About seven years ago. Before this I was involved in dance not classical but modern. I worked with Ukranian teams for video clips used in TV and I enjoyed it.

I still dance but not so often as when I was young. I went to University studied IT but I felt I needed to do something different. I wanted a new experience. Music comes first in my life. IT takes second place. In fact I have to confess IT is not me.

Training

Q: Did you have any professional training in Ukraine to work behind a console?

A: I just started playing the music as I found it interesting. I didn't go for professional training. I began by playing a little bit in small clubs at home and now deejaying is my life, my work, my everything! My dancing experience has made me sensitive to music. Unlike other young people do I did not have a formal study in music but dancing has made me be appreciative of the different rhythms in music.

Q: At Yumi the music is comfortable and relaxing what is the type of music you are concentrating on?

A: I play 'deephouse' only, the rhythm is slow, more slow than 'house' and not up tempo. The rhythm is such that everybody can enjoy it whether they are young or old. The sounds are calm won't get on your nerves and you can really relax of an evening after a day's of hard work. 'Deep house' is now popular around the world, and the music is smooth and sophisticated.

Q: Before you came to Sri Lanka what were some of the places at which you had performed?

A: At Netherlands, then I was in China for a month. I was there with my team. I was also at the Fairmount Pacific Rim, Reflections Lounge at Hotel Georgia, the Media Hotel in Cancun, Mexico. When I go back home after my gig at Yumi I'm going to give myself a good holiday before moving on to another assignment.

Q: When you played at other music centres in your assignments was your music only 'deep house'?

A: No. I played funk, funky house, dance, hip hop and break beat. From my childhood I have always liked break beat. But at Yumi the scene is different. This is a special kind of place catering to people of a special level and break beat is not for Yumi.

Patrons

Q: When you are not behind the console spinning the discs to keep the patrons happy from 7 pm to midnight daily how do you while away your time?

A: Well, I have my hobbies. I read and I love to travel. So far I haven't been able to see the many attractive places in your country but I'm hoping to do so soon. Back home of course I enjoy cooking, I have five sisters and I get together with them and we enjoy ourselves.

Q: Travelling around like you do how do you collect the music you need for your assignments. Is the music you have all from Ukraine?

A: No. It's international and I buy it whenever I need the latest releases or something I feel I should have in my work. I don't have a particular favourite band or singer. There are so many nice songs and so many nice styles available in the market and sometimes I feel I cannot decide on what I want!

Q: Will we have the opportunity to meet you again when you come back for a second assignment?

A: Come back to Sri Lanka? Of course I'd love to come back. I love the sea food, I love the happy faces of the Sri Lankans, always with a smile on their faces, the nice people at the Taj Hotel who are now my good friends. The next time when I come back, I intend coming with my team and I'm confident you will enjoy their performances.

Before Angelika Abdulagatova leaves our shores experience her creativity, her journey in music which is a unique blend of sophistication, skill and track selection.