INTRODUCING TAFARI WORLD A STREETWEAR MOVEMENT ROOTED IN ART, MUSIC, CULTURE AND CREATIVITY

HUGEL Joins Forces With TAFARI To Debut a Visionary New Label Transforming Fashion into Wearable Art

, international house music sensation HUGEL and creative visionaries TAFARI and KAMALI unveil TAFARI WORLD, a forward-thinking new apparel label that reimagines streetwear sensibilities through an uniquely artistic lens. Fusing together innovative design and high-end style with an avant-garde edge, TAFARI WORLD arrives on the scene as more than a contemporary clothing brand; it is a movement, a celebration of the connective power of creativity that harnesses fashion as its medium.

The debut of TAFARI WORLD signals the HUGEL’s first serious foray into the fashion realm, offering a testament to his unstoppable drive to carve out his space in popular culture, on his terms.

"I’ve always dreamed of launching a clothing line, but it had to be something truly different—rooted in art, culture, and authenticity,” said HUGEL. “TAFARI WORLD is the realization of that vision: a brand where creativity leads the way, not trends or hype. From the moment I met Tyler, his raw talent and artistic originality were undeniable. To combine our respective strengths to bring this project to life - from design concepts and materials, to the brand’s continued evolution - has been an incredible fusion of our creative energies. TAFARI WORLD is more than just streetwear; it’s wearable art that fills a gap in the market with something fresh and unapologetically real. This is only the beginning — together we’re redefining the way fashion is experienced, unlocking an entirely new world of possibilities”

TAFARI: “HE WHO INSPIRES AWE”

The TAFARI WORLD philosophy is simple, yet profound: creativity is a universal language and tapping into its frequency unlocks endless possibilities for self-discovery. Whether through fashion, music, or art, TAFARI WORLD is a next-generation platform encouraging a global community to explore their potential and connect with a higher artistic plane. Guided by these principles, TAFARI - which translates from Amharic to “He Who Inspires Awe” - honors the ancient connection between humanity and its creations, evoking a powerful, timeless energy that resonates through every piece.

The brand’s inaugural collection will deliver a visually arresting assortment of styles that feel both grounded in tradition and transcendent in nature. Drawing influence from TAFARI’s South African roots, the exclusivity of streetwear culture and the furthest reaches of its founders’ creative depths, each design is a fusion of tribal patterns, psychedelic visuals, and luxurious craftsmanship. Hand-dyed shirts, vivid prints, and precisely tailored jackets create an aesthetic that feels both raw and refined—capturing a sense of untamed energy and elevated sophistication.

The TRIBE Pants stand as a standout example—velvet-lined pockets and a sleek, luxurious silhouette make them as functional as they are artistic. With prices ranging from $90 USD to $495 USD, the collection features T-shirts, outerwear, pants, and accessories, all crafted for those who dare to wear their identity with confidence.

Every TAFARI WORLD piece is a statement designed with intention, offering an invitation to step into a world that celebrates creative freedom, individuality, and connection to something deeper. Further bridging the gap between artistic realms TAFARI WORLD will be popping up for the first time in Miami at Factory Town from Thursday, December 05 to Sunday, December 08 during Art Basel to deliver an immersive shopping experience for style enthusiasts and party-goers alike.

BEHIND THE BRAND

TAFARI WORLD is as much about the artistry behind it as it is about the clothes themselves. The brainchild of Tyler Beejan Adibi - artistically known as TAFARI - TAFARI WORLD is the physical manifestation of his own artistic evolution, commitment to craftsmanship and a relentless pursuit of individuality. A self-taught designer inspired by the world of visual arts, TAFARI’s approach to fashion has been driven by an insatiable need to create something truly authentic in a traditionally trend-dominated market from the onset.


Before TAFARI WORLD, TAFARI’s work existed as bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces crafted for friends and cultural tastemakers including the likes of Diplo, Dillon Francis, and Manuel Turizo. His early designs—psychedelic prints, tie-dye, and tribal patterns—were infused with personal meaning and energy. To TAFARI, each garment was more than just fashion; it was a work of art, a tangible expression of the world he felt around him. This philosophy would soon capture the attention of DJ and producer HUGEL, whose own creative vision and personal passions aligned seamlessly with TAFARI’s ethos.

“TAFARI WORLD is a movement to awaken your creativity and tap you into its frequency - The brand is founded on the notion that we are all artists, no matter the form or medium,” said TAFARI. “I’ve always been an artist, drawn to the style of brands with distinct identities that resonate with my own creative vision. After spending years looking for clothing that I felt captured who I am, I decided it was time to translate my own energy into not only the visual arts, but into wearable pieces. Taking inspiration from my South African roots and my love for 70s culture, combined with HUGEL’s dynamic brand of artistry, we are presenting a new wave of tribal streetwear and psychedelic luxury.

The collaboration between HUGEL and TAFARI is rooted in a natural synergy of artistic vision that transcends categorical confines. Following a chance encounter during one of HUGEL’s festival sets in 2022, the phenomenon quickly became captivated by the ingenuity behind the designer’s work and soon after was wearing custom TAFARI pieces at almost every one of his tour stops around the world. What began as a stylist-client relationship, quickly evolved into a full-fledged collaborative endeavor that merges TAFARI’s innovative craftsmanship with HUGEL’s discerning eye and business acumen.

Together, they forged a powerful, unified vision for TAFARI WORLD, transforming it from a niche, artisanal label into a dynamic force reshaping contemporary fashion. With HUGEL’s strategic insight and creative edge, the brand is set to break boundaries, blending uncompromising artistry, deep authenticity, and bold innovation to redefine streetwear on its own terms.

Revered as the instigator of the Latin House movement with his hit "Morenita", HUGEL has earned global recognition for his category-blurring, sultry compositions that command movement. Drawing inspiration from his Mediterranean upbringing and time spent in the Balearic Islands and Ibiza, HUGEL masterfully blends Latin, Oriental, and tribal rhythms to create a distinct sound uniquely in a category of its own. Since bursting onto the scene in 2015, the serial chart-topper has amassed an international following and over 1 Billion cumulative streams for his widely adored releases ranging from “Marianela (Que Pasa)” and “Morenita,” to his recent viral hit in collaboration with Topic and Arash - “I ADORE YOU” (feat. DAECOLM) - which currently boasts over 134 Million streams. The Latin House producer has also landed collaborations with electronic music heavyweights such as Diplo, Marshmello and J.Balvin, further solidifying his position as a major player in the dance music space.

The inaugural TAFARI WORLD drop arrives today via https://www.tafariworld.com/. For more information, please visit https://www.tafariworld.com/ or @tafariworld on Instagram.

ELROW TEASES 2025 ANNOUNCEMENT WITH AN ENIGMATIC GLOBAL CAMPAIGN

  • Cinematic poster for ‘2025: A Space Rowdissey’ appears in prominent locations in more than a dozen cities across four continents.

  • London’s Leicester Square, New York’s Brooklyn, Miami’s Winwood, and Tokyo’s Shinjuku Tower, among the iconic global locations hosting the new creative.

  • The title 2025: A Space Rowdissey, and the date 18.12.2024 point to a ‘giant leap forward’ for the beloved events series, with details to be revealed next week.

  • The campaign pays homage to the sci-fi film posters of the 70’s and 80’s, with a strongly defined retro-futuristic aesthetic.

Today the world has awoken to strange visitors, in the form of an enigmatic Out Of Home campaign by international party series elrow

The events producer, renowned for its fun-forward  thematic events with a heavy focus on practical effects and costume designs point to a ‘giant leap forward’ in 2025, with details to be announced on Wednesday 18th December. 

2025: A Space Rowdissey

A rocket ship sits in orbit around a strange planet, on the cusp of an interstellar journey. A modern take on  posters for classic films by sci-fi masters, most notably Robert McCall’s work for Kubrick’s 2001, this mysterious new creative points backwards to the analogue design and practical effects of the past, and forward into new realms of technological possibility. 

The poster campaign was featured simultaneously in major cities around the world. Spanning 4 continents: Europe, America, Africa and Asia, iconic locations include Tokyo’s Shibuya Tower, London’s Leicester Square, Miami’s Wynwood, and the New York City Subway

The full list of cities: Barcelona (ES), Cape Town (ZA), Ibiza (ES),  Lima (PE), Lisbon (PT),  London (UK), Madrid (ES), Milan (IT), Miami (US), New York (US),  Seville (ES), Tokyo (JP)

The poster is already generating significant noise on social media, with questions raised about what the next steps could mean, ranging from a move into cinema to other out of this world pursuits. While the organization remains tight lipped, and will not be responding to requests for comments, all will be revealed on the 18.12.24.

A banner year for an extraordinary success story 
This early xmas present will cap off an banner year for the international events producer,  which has brought their unique, theatrical take on clubbing to a record number of cities in 2024. 

A unique focus on custom made costumes and sets, professional acrobats and trained actors for each themed event, has set them in a category apart from other club brands. 

With sold out shows in some of the world’s hottest venues - from London’s Drumsheds to Miami’s Factory Town, as well as events in more than 40 cities,, 2024 marks another highpoint for a brand that continues to go from strength to strength.

About elrow 
Founded in 2010 by Cruz and Juan Arnau, elrow is an innovative leading brand in global entertainment and festivals. It belongs to the sixth generation of the Arnau Family, known for creating the legendary Monegros Desert Festival and the iconic Club Florida 135 in Fraga. From a unique fusion of the best electronic music, stunning stage design, impossible architectures, and extravagant performances, elrow has established a global standard of nomadic and thematic festivals that are one hundred percent immersive. With residencies in Ibiza, Madrid, London, Dubai, Las Vegas, and Amsterdam, as well as the successful itinerant festival elrow Town, the brand has captivated more than 6 million people and conquered more than 40 cities and 20 countries, establishing itself as a globally recognized entertainment powerhouse. 

UPCLOSE ANNOUNCES LINE UP FOR THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RETURN

CATCH DONATO DOZZY X JANE FITZ, JEFF MILLS, KI/KI, BEN KLOCK X IGNEZ, MARRØN X RØDHÅD, LUIGI TOZZI (LIVE), CHRIS STUSSY X SALLY C AND MANY MORE ON MAY 17-18 AT SPAARNWOUDE-PARK 

After an electrifying sold out debut that left artists, fans, and the community hyped, Upclose is back for its highly anticipated second edition. The festival will once again transform Spaarnwoude-Park into a pulsing sanctuary of sound, connection, and collective movement on May 17 and 18, 2025.  

Upclose, the newest festival by Awakenings and an ode to the dance floor, captures the raw essence of dance floor culture: sweaty, steamy, and intimate, where the front row feels like the only row and every beat connects the crowd. Building on the incredible momentum of its first, sold-out, edition, this year’s festival dives even deeper into the progressive and niche edges of techno, curating an experience for those who live and breathe this side of the genre. 

 

Where visionary sounds meet the dancefloor

Upclose 2025 stays true to its ethos of pushing boundaries. This year’s line-up is a seamless blend of techno’s vanguard. While some names on the line-up may seem unfamiliar, they rank among the most respected and groundbreaking within this niche. Expect live performances, artists stepping out of their comfort zones, and innovative b2b’s that promise to make you forget time. Each set is meticulously curated to immerse dancers in a spectrum of sounds—hypnotic, relentless, and forward-thinking—designed for those who chase moments of transcendence and ecstasy on the dance floor. 

 

A Celebration of Global Icons and Local Heroes

This year’s line-up brings together global icons, exclusive collaborations, and local heroes, offering a kaleidoscope of sounds that defines today’s underground. Jeff Mills, a living icon and pioneer of techno, graces the stage, while Donato Dozzy, one of last year’s highlights, returns alongside Jane Fitz for the very first time for a weave of deep ambient and hypnotic techno. EZ, the godfather of UK Garage, adds his legendary influence to the weekend. Thunderstorm KI/KI, master of the harder sounds DJ Rush, and Berlin powerhouse Kobosil, known for his brutal energy, add their unmistakable artistry to the mix, ensuring a powerful presence on the dance floor.  

Upclose also thrives on delivering unique, boundary-pushing performances. 999999999 presents a special acid set, DJ Fuckoff delivers an eclectic mix of house, breaks, techno, and bass fused into one adventurous unfiltered, boundary-crossing techno journey with attitude. Atsuo the Pineapple Donkey (live), a Dutch debut, showcases an eccentric techno performance from Japan, where improvisation and a plethora of studio gear take center stage. Luigi Tozzi (live) enchants with deep, hypnotic techno and immersive soundscapes, while Stigmata (live) marks the return of Andre Walter’s iconic project. Expect early 2000s stripped-down techno grooves with a raw edge, reimagined for today’s dance floor. Cristian Varela x Marco Bailey face off in a thrilling 6-deck battle setup. Traumer (live) presents an exclusive debut performance, blending minimal perfection with a touch of French finesse, and Zisko (hybrid live) surprises with a genre-defying hybrid performance that pushes boundaries in every sense. 

Dynamic pairings shape this year’s line-up, with explosive collaborations like Ben Klock x Ignez, where Berlin’s rawness meets Dutch minimalism, Philippa Pacho x JakoJako, blending melodic subtleties with raw beats and Surgeon x Rrose on stage together for the first time with an exclusive liveset. Marrøn x Rødhåd deliver groove in its most danceable forms while Chris Stussy x Sally C bring house excellence to the forefront. Other highlights include Adiel x Ogazon, Yanamaste x Beste Hira, Anetha x Patrick Mason, Shoal x Loek Frey, Mac Declos x Akua and Benwal x Janis Zielinski. 

 

Anchoring the line-up are local legends who embody the festival’s raw energy. From Cynthia Spiering, a staple of the Dutch underground, to veteran Benny Rodrigues with a special four-hour warm-up set, these artists bring undeniable presence. Unique collaborations like Moody Mehran x Ineffekt highlight Dutch creativity, while Stef Mendesidis (live) delivers his signature cinematic techno. Rising talent Nelly cements her place as a driving force in the scene. Other names like Hitam, Tekna, Cybersex, Grace Dahl, Lobster, Isaiah, Client x Shoob, Genex, Vromo and Thoms Traxx prove the underground thrives locally as much as globally. 

 

Community and culture

At Upclose, community and culture take center stage. With global legends of the underground and key figures from local communities setting the pace and energy, the festival creates a dynamic blend of international influence and local authenticity. Its intimate scale dissolves the boundaries between the booth and the dance floor, fostering a shared energy that defines club culture at its purest. From forward-thinking stage designs to a crowd that’s as fashion-forward as it is music-savvy, Upclose invites attendees to connect through sound, sweat, and shared passion. 

 

Last year’s feedback reaffirmed Upclose’s mission to create a space where dance floor culture reigns supreme. This year, the festival takes it a step further, refining its progressive soundscape and amplifying the connection between music, collective movement, and the moment. 

 

On May 17 and 18, 2025, Spaarnwoude-Park becomes the beating heart of the progressive niche side of techno. Upclose is not just a festival — it’s a celebration of community, and a platform for progressive sounds that demand attention.