Interview: Franc Fala

Congratulations on the success of 'Yamore,' which has just surpassed 12million streams on Spotify! Can you share the story behind the creation of this track and how the collaboration with MoBlack, Salif Keita, Benja, and Cesária Evora came about?

Thanks! 'Yamore' was quite the journey. The production took much longer than my usual projects—over a year and a half, actually. It all started with Benja, who had the brilliant idea to use the vocals of Salif Keita and Cesária Evora. He whipped up a rough draft that instantly hooked me. We hit the studio together, meticulously dissecting the stems and recreating each track while keeping the essence of the original idea but adding a club vibe.

Later on, MoBlack (Mimmo) jumped in, and his input was crucial in shaping 'Yamore' into what you hear today. I get why people might be puzzled by seeing five names on the credits, but honestly, every single one of them brought something irreplaceable to the table. We couldn’t have done it without any of them.

Do you remember the moment you realized that you had something special with 'Yamore'?

Honestly, I felt the magic of 'Yamore' during those initial studio sessions. But, if I’m being real, I get that feeling with almost every project I dive into. So, I've learned not to get too attached too soon. Afro House is bigger than ever right now, so I sensed that 'Yamore' was hitting at just the right time.

What really set it apart was the second half of the track—it just had that big stage energy. The moment it truly hit me was when Keinemusik played it at the Brooklyn Mirage in NYC. Seeing it come to life on such a massive platform was overwhelming. I remember standing there thinking, "Fuck, I’m seeing this, but I still can't believe it." That's when it all sank in for me.

What drives you as an artist?

For me, music is all about the element of surprise. When I’m at a show or listening to a track, I crave that unexpected twist—whether it’s an innovative blend of genres or an unforeseen shift in the musical narrative. It’s that unpredictability that keeps the experience fresh and exhilarating.

I see music as a snapshot in time, a moment captured but never truly finished. Each piece evolves and grows, always open to reinterpretation and reinvention. This perspective fuels my creativity and pushes me to explore beyond the familiar. I’m driven by the challenge of creating something that defies expectations and keeps listeners on their toes. It’s this constant quest for the unexpected that keeps me inspired and motivated as an artist.

Those familiar with 'Yamore' would probably describe you as an Afro-house producer. But how would you describe your sound yourself?

With the success of 'Yamore,' I get the Afro-house tag, and I’m totally cool with that. I absolutely love the Afro sound, and I’m excited to keep exploring that path. But honestly, I don’t want to box myself into one genre. I’ve done that before, and it stifled my creativity.

To me, being a musician is about ignoring those ‘marketing exec made borders’ and just going with what feels right. Right now, that’s Afro, but the real magic happens when you blend elements that shouldn't work together but somehow do. So, expect a mix of Afro, House, Melodic, and everything in between. I’ve always been a bit musically confused, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. That inner conflict gives my sound its edge.

What upcoming plans or projects do you have in the next few months for Franc Fala? Anything you're particularly excited about?

I’m really excited to dive deeper into this new musical direction. Over the next few months, I'll be releasing new tracks that carry the same energy as 'Yamore.' The success of 'Yamore' initially brought some pressure, knowing that people now have expectations. But I’ve found a way to build on this sound while staying true to myself.

I'm especially looking forward to my upcoming releases on Armada. We’ve been working closely to craft a style that’s Afro and groove-focused yet innovative. Beyond my solo projects, I have a new collaboration with Benja that I'm really excited about. We’ll also be announcing shows for the end of the year.

The success of 'Yamore' feels like the official starting point of Franc Fala, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.

You’ve been living for a long time in Amsterdam now, how has the city's culture and music scene influenced your music? What makes Amsterdam special to you as an artist?

First off, Amsterdam is wilder than I ever imagined. There are parties from Tuesday afternoon till Sunday morning, and everyone dives in headfirst. It’s easy to get lost in it all, and sometimes we do. But being part of such a vibrant city with so much young talent and a thriving underground scene is endlessly inspiring.

Amsterdam breeds some of the country’s greatest talents, and just being around these people and feeding off each other's energy is invaluable. The main influence the city has had on my music is in my drive. Having all these insanely talented people around pushes you to reach levels you wouldn’t have otherwise. Before I moved to Amsterdam seven years ago, I was so inconsistent with my production. Now, thanks to this city and its creative pulse, I feel inspired all the time.