West African afro-house innovator AMÉMÉ has been making waves this summer, capping off a transformative season with his latest single, “Chulo”, released under the banner of Altra Moda Music. Released alongside the conclusion of One Tribe’s five-week residency at Ibiza’s iconic Cova Santa, these events mark a significant milestone in AMÉMÉ’s journey as he immerses himself in the vibrant and eclectic atmosphere of the island for the first time.
The track “Chulo” has been generating excitement for months before its official release, quickly becoming a fan favorite within AMÉMÉ’s summer sets. Those who attended his performances this season will recognize it as a staple that enlivened dancefloors and brought crowds together, and now, with its release, fans can finally have a studio version to relish—a perfect encapsulation of the summer’s euphoric moments.
The Cova Santa residency, which ran from late July until late August, played a pivotal role as One Tribe’s formal introduction to Ibiza. This five-week celebration featured an impressive lineup of both hopeful newcomers and established talents, all set within the intimate, open-air atmosphere of the venue. The charismatic energy of performers like Honeyluv, Kitty Amor, Da Capo, LP Giobi, and Coco & Breezy made each event a unique experience, paving the way for what’s to come as One Tribe continues to evolve after successful showcases in cities like Amsterdam, Berlin, London, and New York.
For Hubert Sodogandji, who is better known by his stage name AMÉMÉ, this moment is the culmination of a journey that began far from the flash of festival lights. Hailing from Benin, West Africa, AMÉMÉ’s earliest experiences with rhythm stemmed from childhood competitions among his siblings using mixtapes. It wasn’t until he discovered electronic music through French house tapes that he began to see a path forward. His career transitioned from a structured life in banking to the creative and free-spirited realm of music, a shift that he attributes to his analytical background, which enables him to thoughtfully cultivate his artistic community.
This community spirit is embodied in One Tribe, the collective AMÉMÉ founded in Brooklyn in 2017 with the mission of uniting people through afro-house music. What began as an intimate event series has blossomed into a vibrant global entity and boutique record label, with the summer residency at Cova Santa being its most ambitious initiative yet.
One of AMÉMÉ’s defining characteristics is his magnetic presence behind the decks. His energy is infectious, creating a palpable connection with the crowd that can shift the pulse of any dancefloor. This unique flair directly influences his studio productions, where he creatively merges elements from afro-house, tribal beats, and deep house. Tracks like “Wait For You” in collaboration with Franc Fala, and his 2026 reimagination of the classic trance anthem “Greece 2000” alongside Baggi and Three Drives, exemplify his knack for bridging distinct musical eras and cultural influences.
The past year has seen AMÉMÉ perform across some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including summer sets at Miami’s Jungle Island, Barcelona’s Brunch Electronik, and New York’s Knockdown Center. Other noteworthy performances included a special Pop Up on the Roof at LA-YAM in London, alongside appearances at Hï Ibiza and UNVRS sharing the stage with heavyweights like Marco Carola and David Guetta.
In every venue, whether at a packed festival or an intimate club, AMÉMÉ typically transforms rhythm into a universal language, making a powerful statement about community and connection in his music. Through “Chulo” and the success of the One Tribe residency, he firmly reminds us that, at our core, we are all part of the same collective spirit—One Tribe.
AMÉMÉ’s “Chulo” is available now via Altra Moda Music.
