iNTRODUCING: RICKINZI
words BY SOPHIE EMMETT
London-based DJ Rickinzi is a rising force in the electronic music scene, known for his genre-blending sets that effortlessly fuse house, techno, and UK garage. With an ear for deep grooves and infectious rhythms, Rickinzi has quickly gained a reputation for lighting up dance floors across the city’s underground venues and club nights. His unique sound reflects the diverse musical landscape of London, bringing both raw energy and refined taste to every performance. Whether spinning in intimate basements or commanding festival stages, Rickinzi delivers an experience that keeps audiences moving and craving more.
How did you first fall in love with DJing?
I first fell in love with DJing after a trip to Paris during Fashion Week years ago. I saw so many DJs play that week and thought to myself, “If they can do it, so can I.” That experience really sparked something in me and I decided to teach myself how to DJ.
Tell us about the origins of Hit on the Rebound.
The birth of Hit on the Rebound actually predates Rickinzi. One of my closest friends Randy a.k.a @raaandy.zip began running the parties in Manchester while he was at uni. When we later moved in together in London and I started DJing, he asked me to come on board to help and together from there, we’ve built what we have now.
How would you describe your typical DJ set?
Energetic, chaotic - but still thoughtfully organised. There’s structure in the madness!
What makes a night out unforgettable to you?
There are three key things: the company you're with, the music that's played, and how cheap the drinks are. If you get all three right, it’s a night to remember.
What was your “this is really happening” moment?
My first this is really happening moment was playing for the Places+Faces anniversary party at Fabric in December 2023. Playing at one of the most iconic venues in London was a real milestone for me and just gave me the energy to keep pushing forward!
How do you balance brand collaborations with creative control?
A lot of the brands that have approached both myself and HYOTR respectively do so because they’re drawn to what we’ve already been authentically building in the nightlife scene. That’s allowed us the freedom to bring our vision to life in a way that feels natural. We’ve been able to strike a balance between brand alignment and creative integrity by being selective about who we collaborate with and curating lineups with DJs we genuinely rate. That mutual respect helps create a real synergy resulting in nights that feel memorable for all the right reasons.
Outside of HYOTR, I’ve been lucky to collaborate with brands that have trusted me to bring my full self to the table - whether that’s through music curation or expressing my personal style. That kind of freedom is what makes the work resonate.
“I’m not sure I’ve been in the nightlife scene long enough to predict where it’s going next and still feel like I've got a lot to learn, so I'll say I’d have to get back to you on that one!”
Whats next for the nightlife culture?
Do you have a dream partnership?
Honestly, I can't really nail one specific one down but working with New Balance on global activations has been some of the most interesting work I've been able to be involved in. Implementing product into subcultures through music and getting the chance to programme a live PA and DJ lineup for the New Balance Olympic Townhouse in Paris last year was a major moment. It was exciting to help shape how the brand showed up culturally during such a global event. Being in Paris outside of Fashion Week also gave me a completely different perspective on the city, especially seeing how it moves as a host for something as huge as the Olympics and really felt like a full circle moment.
What’s next for you?
For me, it’s mainly about continuing to explore and define my own sound and playing it in as many venues, for as many people, as possible.