Afem Syko: Finding Groove in a World Obsessed with Hardness

Afem Syko has lived on both sides of techno’s current divide. He cut his teeth during the Hard Techno explosion, but in recent years, he’s stepped away from the louder-is-better race to carve out a sound rooted in trance, flow and groove. The decision wasn’t without risk. Still, for Afem, it was essential: a return to authenticity and the joy of dance music as he had first experienced it.

He recalls how his early sets already carried playful and groovy textures, even while the pressure of the scene pushed him toward faster, harder sounds. For a time, he went along with that current as an upcoming artist. Still, eventually he realized that the relentless direction of Hard Techno no longer reflected what he truly felt inside.

“Looking back at my sets from a few years ago, I wasn’t always playing hard. My sound was energetic and raw, yet still playful and groovy. However, over time, the techno scene evolved and became increasingly challenging, with a growing influence from hardstyle and hardcore. It felt like the only thing that mattered on line-ups was who could play harder and faster… After many conversations with my team and with people I trust, I decided to take a risk, change direction, and return to a style that truly represents me, regardless of outside expectations.”

Shifting sound comes with its own obstacles. Fans, promoters, and peers can be slower to adapt when an artist changes course. For Afem, the early months of this transition tested his conviction.

“Going harder as an artist is actually quite easy: promoters, events, and the crowd usually adapt very quickly to it. But moving the opposite direction turned out to be much more challenging… It takes a great deal of courage to stay true to your plan and not deviate from it. I had to accept that some fans would drop off. But honestly, I’m really grateful for my core fanbase, which is super open-minded and can appreciate different styles in one night.”

That core support eventually gave birth to a new identity: “Bouncy Syko,” a nickname that stuck due to the playful, off-beat basslines in his latest productions. Authenticity, he insists, is everything.

“What I play now is still very energetic and driving, but the feeling is happier, more flowing, even more sensual. The first thing I noticed was the way people move and dance. It’s less aggressive, with more smiles, and it feels more relaxed and expressive… That being said, I don’t think the key values are opposites at all. Both cultures share the same foundations: respect, love, caring, and togetherness.”

This openness between styles is what fuels his creativity. After a set, he often wanders through festivals to soak up completely different energies. Listening to all kinds of genres, seeing other stages at festivals, soaking up their energies, and embracing the musical beauty... for Afem, that's the real lifeblood of electronic music. For Afem, that’s the real lifeblood of electronic music.

Although he’s moved into more melodic territory, Afem hasn’t abandoned the technical and structural lessons that Hard Techno taught him.

“Hard techno taught me how to build and release tension, how to structure a track so it keeps people on edge, and how to deliver that rush of energy at exactly the right time. I still use those techniques today, just in a different context.”

His current productions lean heavily into melody, vocals, and bounce, often beginning with a strong central idea that locks the track into focus. For Afem, producing has become as much a spiritual ritual as a technical exercise.

“For my tracks, I usually start with a vocal, a harmony, or a melody and then build everything else around that theme… For me, producing is a very spiritual process, with so many factors that impact creativity. That’s why I pay attention to my state of mind and body before going into the studio. I try to start my day with movement, good food, and sports or meditation. When body and mind are at peace, it’s so much easier to reach that flow state.”

He also embraces new learning curves: from designing sounds from scratch to planning drum lessons in order to capture more organic rhythms. For him, curiosity is the key to artistic growth.

Collaboration has taken on new importance in this chapter of his career. Working with peers from different genres has not only expanded his sound but also deepened his sense of connection to the wider music community.

“Recently I’ve started doing a lot more collaborations with other artists from the same musical background, but also other genres. A recent highlight for me was a full-circle moment: producing a track with one of my childhood idols, who was behind some of the biggest national and international hip-hop records back in the day. That experience reminded me how music cuts across genres and generations.”

With a shift in style comes a recalibration of release formats. Afem has been more deliberate about timing and context, choosing singles and carefully curated EPs rather than rushing to flood the market.

“Before, the focus was more on EPs with four or more tracks, but right now we’re concentrating on singles for my new sound, to make people more aware of it and to let the direction settle in… To fully answer your question: it will be a mix of everything - singles, EPs, and collaborations. But not just for the sake of releasing - only when it really makes sense.”

Touring brings with it both exhilaration and strain. Afem has learned to protect his creativity and health through a mix of discipline and small rituals.

“The DJ and producer lifestyle is demanding. It’s not just touring anymore; there’s also the constant pressure of maintaining a social media presence… What keeps me grounded is strength training. Sitting for hours in planes and studios takes a toll, so working out resets my body and clears my head. It also fuels creativity. After training, ideas flow more easily.”

Earplugs at night, cold showers in the morning, and mindful habits form his shield against burnout. Variation, he insists, is key to keeping the mind fresh.

When it comes to the pressures of the industry, Afem sees discipline and authenticity as his compass.

“The industry is full of expectations… faster releases, more content, constant presence. I think if you follow every demand, you lose yourself very quickly. For me, balance starts with knowing my own values and being able to say no, even when it feels risky. I’d rather miss out on an opportunity than do something I don’t really support.”

For him, authenticity is not just a strategy but a survival mechanism.

Afem Syko’s vision for the future is clear: growth without compromise, passion without pretense.

“My biggest goal is to reach people’s hearts and souls with my music, just like I experienced when I first discovered raves and techno. That energy completely changed my life, and now my purpose is to give back to the scene that gave me so much. If Afem Syko can inspire that same feeling in others and help shape the Trance/Groove movement with authenticity and passion, then I’ll know I’ve done my part.”

Afem Syko’s path is a reminder that electronic music is not just about speed, volume, or hype. It is about conviction, curiosity, and the courage to follow your own instincts even when the scene pushes in another direction. His move away from the harder-faster-louder race was less about retreat and more about embracing joy and authenticity as the true core of his sound.

What makes his voice resonate is the balance he strikes between discipline and freedom, structure and spontaneity. He carries the intensity of Hard Techno into his Bounce and Trance era without losing sight of the playfulness that first drew him to the dancefloor. By doing so, he challenges an industry obsessed with trends and reminds us that the true power of music lies in its ability to open hearts.

As festivals expand and genres blur, Afem’s story demonstrates that the artists who endure are those who adapt without losing their identity. He has crafted a sound that feels lighter, brighter, yet just as powerful, allowing the crowd to breathe, smile, and move together.

In the end, Afem Syko stands not just as a DJ or producer, but as a signal flare for a scene in transition. His music is proof that authenticity is still the strongest currency in electronic culture. And if this truly is the future, then Afem is already living in it.