Kid Fonque (ZA)

Unique in his ability to merge a myriad of different influences into a style that is entirely his own, Johannesburg’s Kid Fonque (AKA Allan Nicoll) is one of South Africa’s most reputable DJs. Since the late 90s he’s appeared on countless line-ups, playing at virtually all the seminal underground night clubs and festivals around the country. Whether he’s spinning otherworldly electronica, velvety soul, house laced with saucy samba rhythms, chin-stroking nujazz or dubstep that makes your ribcage vibrate, a Kid Fonque set will always be fresh, refined and technically adept. His first residency at legendary night club 206 defined his direction as a master of smoky lounge sounds, but is growing popularity shifted Fonque out of the chill room and onto the main floor— supporting international imports like Jazzanova, Ame, DJ Krush, DJ Cam, Charles Webster, Mr Scruff, Fink, Luke Solomon, Rainer Truby, Gilles Peterson, Darshan Jesrani (Metro Area), DJ Craze, DJ Yoda, Aaron Jerome, Basement Jaxx, Simbad, Gaslamp Killer, Kode 9 and Till Von Sein. Working his way up from CD stores to label manager of independent powerhouse Soul Candi Records—it’s clear that music has never been a side project. Kid Fonque has released five critically acclaimed mixes to date, the latest being 2011’s ‘Two Sides of the Beat’. His monthly night at Kitchener’s of the same name coalesces all his influences, bringing together an eclectic array of international and local DJs. You also find him spinning at rooftop party The Warm Up and as a special guest at Thesis Social Jamz and Cnr 537 in Soweto.