Guest mix 007: AMZ – Magic Clit

With the landscape of queer PoC-focused nightlife changing, there are many collectives, groups and brands carving their own spaces to tun up. This year we have seen the likes of BBZ, Siren and Betty Mama growing in popularity, demonstrating a lack of safe spaces for queer and non-binary women to shake a leg.

To add to that list, is Magic Clit: “a lesbian night primarily aimed at black women but welcoming to everyone”. We caught up with AMZ, who has provided us with the latest installment of our guest mix series, ahead of BBZ x Magic Clit Volume 2.

gal-dem: Tell us about Magic Clit. When and why was the collective started up?

AMZ: I wouldn’t really describe it as a collective as such, noticing how bad and overwhelmingly white gay nights insisted on being I asked a few friends to help me out with organising a party at The Yard (Hackney Wick) in April. It just started there and is now a regular night at Rye Wax now.

At the core of the night really is friendship, everyone on the line-up usually knows each other, very grateful to BBC AZN NETWORK, Ikonika, Mr Charzima, Girl-Unit, Shy One and A.G for all agreeing to play!

Which artists have you featured in this mix and why?

I just wanted to have some fun with this mix, play music people can dance too. Obviously Opal – ‘I Said It’, is an important track – the lyrics really mean a lot to me. Jacki-O, Tink, Kelela, Lady Chann, Lady Saw, Pamputtae are all essential listening too.

What do you think of the current landscape of queer nightlife? Who do you think is doing a good job of representing?

I think a couple of years ago I’d have been far more pessimistic about what is missing from queer nightlife but the spaces people are carving out for themselves highlights a positive change. BBZ (Tia & Nadine) consistently throw the best parties, also Batty Mama are a welcome change away from rubbish overpriced Soho club nights.

How big a part do you think music plays in uplifting and/or suppressing the LGBTQIA community?

Of course, House music’s roots in gay black culture is understated but our favourite genres are often spawned on the dance floors of gay black and brown people. In regards to suppressing I think what we’re seeing now with the proliferation of ballroom culture everywhere is a lack of regard for just where the culture comes from. I’ve seen plenty of blatant homophobes “throwing shade” and wanting to “spill the tea”. Widespread appropriation rarely translates itself into acceptance for LGBT people which is pretty sad.