As Austin pulses with the energy of its most significant festival weekends, Baraza Musiq has commemorated its first Anniversary - a milestone that reflects a year of cultural fusion and community building.
Founded by DJ Ferno, Baraza Musiq has carved out a niche in the Austin EDM scene by blending Afro House’s deep rhythms with vibrant South Asian electronic sounds. Over the past year, the collective has celebrated diversity through music and cultivated a welcoming space where people from various backgrounds can connect. With DJ Ferno at the helm, they embody a mission rooted in love and authenticity, paving the way for a vibrant community that resonates well beyond Austin’s borders.
The Birth & Community Building of Baraza Musiq
Baraza Musiq was born from DJ Ferno’s childhood experiences at school assemblies, where communities gathered to learn and share. This concept evolved into assembly events he organized in Philadelphia and New York. After moving to Austin, DJ Ferno gradually reconnected with his Mother’s early teachings to shape the mission of Baraza Musiq.
“We gather around music - spelled with a ‘Q’ as a nod to Philadelphia like Musiq Soulchild!” DJ Ferno claims. “That’s how Baraza, which means ‘gathering’ in Swahili, came to be. It’s all about using music to bring people together.”
Baraza Musiq fosters unity among diverse cultural influences in Austin, celebrating a variety of origins - from Latin and African influences to Southeast Asian traditions. The Anniversary Party last Friday, featuring Kunal
Merchant from Indo Warehouse at The Courtyard ATX, exemplified Baraza Musiq’s commitment to unity and cultural celebration.
“It’s about bringing the core of our diverse cultures together in a melting pot and showcasing it through house music,” DJ Ferno says. “This creates a unique vibe for Austin and globally!”
Spotlight on DJ Ferno
DJ Ferno’s journey in the music industry is remarkable, as he’s established himself as a key figure in Austin’s EDM scene. He began DJing at 16, receiving turntables for his birthday, and playing at parties and events, eventually connecting with Dayne Jordan. While DJing and producing with Dayne, they sold out shows in Philadelphia, where he toured with Lupe Fiasco, catching the eye of DJ Jazzy Jeff. Ferno spent seven years with Jeff’s Vinyl Destination crew, honing his skills across various music genres. A pivotal moment in his career came when he witnessed Kenny Dope and Terry Hunter perform at the Chosen Few Picnic in Chicago, where 50,000 people were rocking to house music.
“That sparked something in me, and it set me on this path,” DJ Ferno says. “During a tour stop in Austin, I visited places like the old Kingdom and experienced rave culture for the first time. Even though I moved here in 2020, I’ve been coming to Austin since 2015.”
DJ Ferno’s sets radiate a distinct energy that captivates audiences in Austin and beyond. He describes his sound as the “sound of love,” emphasizing his role as a conduit for that love to flow through his music.
“Love is undeniable, and I believe that if I play what I truly love, you’ll feel it too - because it comes from love,” he says.
Baraza Musiq’s 1st Anniversary Event with Kunal Merchant
On Friday, October 4th, Baraza Musiq’s 1st Anniversary was a celebration rooted in love, marked by a strong sense of community, safety, and inclusiveness. It all began with the intention of playing music rooted in love. Kunal Merchant was also an exciting addition, especially as a global artist, playing a crucial role in DJ Ferno’s music discovery journey.
“This extends to the design of the artwork and other elements, allowing us to communicate love and community,” DJ Ferno says. “Once you arrive, it’s all about the decor, the energy, the music, the lighting, etc. all contributing to the experience! Kunal is a key part of discovering the music I love. When I lived in New York, he was one of my closest friends,” DJ Ferno says. “We would see Dixon at the Brooklyn Mirage and catch Black Coffee on Halloween. His influence has significantly shaped what Baraza represents. Having him here is incredible; our conversations in the studio and what we create together symbolize that we are on the right track!”
Looking ahead, Baraza Musiq is elevating the Texas EDM scene by playing from a place of love and authenticity, free from ego. DJ Ferno’s commitment to pouring love into their craft raises the Austin music scene’s vibrational energy.
As Baraza Musiq celebrates a year of growth and cultural fusion, their journey exemplifies the power of music to unite diverse communities in Austin and beyond. From DJ Ferno’s childhood inspiration to the vibrant sounds of Afro House and South Asian influences, the collective has created a unique platform for connection and celebration. Join Baraza Musiq on this exciting path by following their journey, engaging with their mission, and being part of future events that continue to elevate the Texas EDM scene!
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