City Nomads Radio: Rah

RAH’s distinct eclectic style has reached out to a discerning international audience in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia, and she has since played alongside DJ Storm (Metalheadz) , Goldie (Metalheadz), Mykki Blanco (UNO Records), J ROCC (Stones Throw / Beat Junkies), KUTMAH (IZWID) and LeFtO (Brownswood, Studio Brussels).

Affiliated to independent label Darker Than Wax (SG), RAH constantly reinvents herself by exploring the diaspora of black music. Without dedication to any specific genre; a typical set may include a variation of Hiphop, Drum and Bass,  Footwork, Dub, Future breaks, Afro-Caribbean – based on the common ground of percussive patterns, melodic rhythm, and bass. This special blend marks her distinct style of always keeping sounds fresh, feet move and souls content.

In this edition of City Nomads Radio, we speak to RAH about her sound, Revision Music and the upcoming plans of Darker Than Wax.

Photo by Ungku Ibrahim

You’ve played at countless number of gigs, what’s the most memorable?

Overseas gigs are always fun. Bali earlier this year during my birthday week was dope, celebrating and gigging with all my favourite people who happen to be on the beautiful island at the same time..hard to beat.

I just got back from Japan and played for Tokyo Melt at this intimate spot, with Fauxe, William J, Yukibeb, Alta, Stupid Kozo, and Go Yama (a handsome little noodle who will be playing live with us this weekend for Do Hits Singapore showcase at Canvas, event page here).

The party had great vibes and a few oddballs, we stayed till sunrise, took the first train and bought MacDonald’s breakfast on the way home. Perfect. Thanks to Miki for making that happen!

Photo by Marisse Isabel Caine

Describe your sound in ten words.

Sexy, groovy, black, oishii af, dancing, head nodding, swaying.

Apart from DJing, what do you dabble in?

I dabble in the dark arts of freelance public relations, a little in copywriting, and being an overall good Mimi.

Photo by OSG Photography

Apart from Darker Than Wax, you’ve started Revision Music last year. Tell us more.

Revision Music is something that I started with my partner, Nez (aka Senja). Both of us are into the same kind of music, he taught me everything there is to know about DJing.

So I guess we are trying to work together to fill a void that’s missing in Singapore. Sub City for example, spearheaded by him because there wasn’t any drum and bass parties for us to get down to anymore. That was taking off really well at HPL Building for a few months, we were really digging the space, but it’s not gonna be happening there for now due to renovation. We will hopefully be announcing a special Sub City party in August at one of Kult Kafe, so look out for that!

Photo by Ungku Ibrahim

Any upcoming plans for Darker Than Wax that we should be looking out for?

For our 5 year anniversary, we’re collaborating with Casio for an exclusive DTW and G Shock piece – more news to come for that!

Photo by Ungku Ibrahim

Tell us more about your curated mixtape for City Nomads.

It is my first all vinyl mix, I picked up some gems from my travels that I wanna share. Got a mix of Japanese, Brazilian, Turkish, Columbian and Jamaican bits in there. Finished with Homeboy Sandman, who will be in town 5th August at Blu Jaz whuuuuuuuut tickets here. Hope you guys like it!
[mixcloud https://www.mixcloud.com/citynomadsradio/city-nomads-radio-19-rah/ width=100% height=120 hide_cover=1 light=1]

Any shouts?

To my Mimi, Nez for mastering the mix, and teaching me whatever that I know about music. So glad to be the groupie that made it – YES!

It’s also the birthday of late MC Roz this coming Sunday, dedicating this mix to him. Shout out to him and his family. Always thinking of you bro, much love!

To stay updated on RAH’s news, follow her here:
FacebookDarker Than Wax | Soundcloud

Top photo by Matin Latif


Sharmaine has a discerning ear for the latest tunes, an appreciation for the visual arts, and carries an unwavering passion for culture and holistic wellness. A big lover of nature and a familiar face at music gigs, she’s always eager to explore the scene!