INTroducing:LAMSI
Amsterdam-based DJ and producer Lamsi is quickly becoming one of the most exciting names in electronic music. Drawing from his Surinamese roots, he blends grime, Afro-diasporic club sounds, and traditional Kawina rhythms into his own distinctive style. Whether it’s through viral remixes like “One Gqom Man” or collaborations with names like JME, Unknown T, and Bambii, Lamsi is shaking up dance floors across Europe and beyond.
We caught up with him to talk about his upcoming EP Dimi, his influences, and his mission to put Suriname on the global map.
Interview BY amrit kambo
You’ve said before that your first musical inspiration was 90’s R&B and Hip-Hop. What led you to creating music that fuses so many genres?
LAMSI: I’ve been making music for around 8–9 years. When I create, I need to feel a spark. I’ll be in love with a specific sound for a couple of years, but after a while, it becomes redundant. That’s when I feel I need to do something completely different so I don’t get bored.
I’m really inspired by what’s happening in Africa right now. There are people like Wizkid and Burna Boy who are making traditional music in a modern way — it’s very cool to go back to your roots for inspiration, so I’ve been focusing on that. I’ve also been influenced by the UK scene recently, so I’ve been mixing all of it up!
Your recent single ‘Tyar Faya’ has such an intense energy. What was the vision behind the track when you started working on it? Did it evolve from the initial idea, or did you know exactly what you wanted from the start?
LAMSI: It was originally another song! I first had the acapella, sung by a Surinamese artist, and I fell in love with it. He has such a distinct voice. He sounds like he’s from the UK — like Flowdan or another grime MC! We worked together to merge our Surinamese culture with UK sounds, and that’s how we ended up with Tyar Faya.
The upcoming EP has a beautiful story behind it — an homage to your late cousin. Could you talk us through how it came together and what listeners can expect?
LAMSI: I was looking at people like Juls — he has these projects that take listeners on a journey through his roots and inspirations. I realised that for me to establish myself as a household-name producer, I had to have a story to tell. I knew I wanted it to be about Suriname and my background, and my entry point into music was my cousin. He loved experimental music and knew all about different scenes around the world; he was so passionate and knowledgeable. He exposed me to so much music that inspires me.
Do you have a favourite music scene in a city?
LAMSI: I’d say Berlin. In Berlin, there’s always a no-phone policy, so people really dance. They don’t care about what they look like or who’s watching - all they care about is moving. I love London, but as an artist, it’s a bit intimidating! You have so much music and so many artists coming through, so it’s hard to impress Londoners. I played a party once, and at first people weren’t really dancing, so I thought I bombed my set. Afterwards, people were coming up to me saying, “That was a crazy set!” I’ve never been so confused! But I do love London - people from all over the world look to London for what’s next in music.
The EP is a complete exploration of new sounds. For those who haven’t heard it yet, what can they expect?
LAMSI: I’ve tried a lot of styles! The drums and rhythms are very Surinamese, but they’re mixed with different genres to make them more palatable to new audiences. I’ve got a lot of features on it - I’ve been working with Deela, Bambii, Brazy, and more. It really pushed me musically and tested my skills. The song I’m most excited for the world to hear is Alhaji. It’s for the girls!
You said in an interview a few years ago that your goal was to have a label full of artists who are innovative and make music fun again. Is that still something you want to achieve?
LAMSI: I think my goals have changed since then. Now, I’m focused on pushing my Surinamese-fusion music. I want to create a movement and build a community that puts my country on the global map. In Amsterdam, there are a lot of like-minded people who love music and want to support my sound, and I’m so grateful. I hope the release of my EP helps move the sound forward so the world can experience my roots.
Is there anything else you want to share about Suriname?
LAMSI: Suriname is a melting pot of cultures — we have people from all over the world. My mum is half-Chinese, my grandfather was Indian; there are so many influences from different parts of the world. Growing up in Amsterdam alongside Surinamese DJs was a really special experience. Jarreau Vandal, for example, is Indonesian-Surinamese, and his grandmother is Creole. We’re all mixed in together, so our culture is really interesting and fresh! I can’t wait to visit this year and experience the traditions and music at this stage of my creative journey.
Do you think about how your music will age or how your sound might evolve, or are you more focused on capturing the moment?
LAMSI: I’m living in the moment, and I’ll tell you why. Someone recently said to me, “I hope your sound blows up, and that you keep control of it.” There have been people in music who were too innovative, too early, and didn’t get the credit when the sound went global. So I’m taking it all day by day!
If you had to come up with a tagline to sum up your sound, what would it be?
LAMSI: Polarising, powerful and sexy!