or filler words.
This August, award-winning DJ and producer Nia Archives hosted a day rave with an electrifying lineup of female and non-binary DJs. The event, known as the Bad Gyalz rave, took place in East London with a set from Nia Archives herself, along with her mentor and UK dance legend DJ Flight, Pxssy Palace (Nadine Door and Mya Mehmi), Sim0ne, Izzy Bossy and Saint Lude.
Nia Archives told NME that she wanted the Bad Gyalz rave to be a safe space for today’s baddies, the young women under 25 who often attend her ‘Up Ya Archives’ events. Pxssy Palace’s Door and Mehmi added that they love to be in the bubble of comfort that these inclusive environments provide.
The all-female and queer lineup was a milestone for the music and clubbing scenes, with Sim0ne noting that she was excited to be asked to join given the safe space the event was providing. She added that while progress has been made in terms of equality for women in the DJ scene, there is still a long way to go. Nia Archives echoed this sentiment, noting that sisterhood in dance spaces is so important in making people feel welcome.
The day rave was a celebration of the new single ‘Bad Gyalz’, which uplifts women and non-binary people and shows that there is sisterhood in the electronic and dance music spaces. Mehmi said that it was the support of other women within the DJ-musician community that kept her going, while Noor added that while they do their best to support each other, the same 20 pounds are often passed around.
It is clear that the Bad Gyalz rave was an important moment for inclusivity in the rave scene. With Nia Archives’ third EP ‘Sunrise Bang Ur Head Against Tha Wall’ showcasing her songwriting skills, and her A-Trak remix ‘Off Wiv Ya Headz’ released in June, the DJ looks set to be an unstoppable generational talent.
Leave a Reply