In the heart of Amsterdam, at the prestigious 2024 edition of the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), magic unfolded at the Nexus Lounge, brought alive by the presence of the enigmatic Hanna Hais. Known for her soulful beginnings and an illustrious career bridging continents and genres, Hanna Hais stood resiliently under the spotlight alongside her charismatic interpreter. Their conversation offered not only a glimpse into her rich music journey but also the principles that fuel her art.
Hanna’s enchanting love for music reverberated as she expressed a profound admiration for Barbra Streisand, highlighting “Memory” as a favorite track she’d choose to remix or produce. “I love Barbra Streisand very, very much,” she shared with a smile that translated across languages and cultures.
As the dialogue unfolded, Hanna unveiled the meaning behind her label, Dunkella. It harks back to the Bamabarian language, representing a dance that invites happiness and togetherness in the streets. This sense of unity was palpably present in her explanation: “It’s for the dance, for people in the street…very happy.”
The conversation moved into Hanna’s inspirations, her journey to ADE, and her passion for fostering connections with the global music scene. Hanna admitted, “I come here to stay in touch with the people from my scene and to create new music.” Her interpreter detailed her performance agenda, painting Hanna as an artist tirelessly committed to her craft and audience.
Rich in influence, Hanna's South African collaborations became a highlight as she proudly shared her work with King Dona and Leo Guardo. She spoke of the rewarding experiences throughout her career, mentioning Larry Hurd, her transition from singing to the Afro House, and the longstanding bonds she's nurtured along the way.
For aspiring musicians, Hanna’s advice was clear and firm, “Work, work, and work…spend less time on TikTok and Instagram, more in the studio,” accentuating the importance of dedication. Her encouragement extends to young South African producers, signaling hope and growth for the Afro Tech genre she so dearly supports.
With her candid thoughts on dance music’s evolution, she reflected on global tensions and music’s role as an escape, predicting a continued growth in the dance music scene, driven by people’s need for solace and unity. “Dance music can only grow because of that,” conveyed the profound connection between world events and art.
Among her mentors, Black Coffee emerged as a towering influence, not as her mentor per se, but as a stalwart of the music scene whose growth she has keenly observed. In her upbringing, Hanna’s familial ties, seasoned with music, shaped her destiny—an early exposure bolstered by a talented brother and a lineage of musical artistry empowered her path.
With a career blossoming through deep ties to the soul of music, Hanna Hais continues to enchant audiences worldwide. Her story is an inspiration to many, and her journey of connecting through dance is a testament to her enduring legacy. Listen to the full interview below.
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