Ankho

Ankhoï is a Moroccan-born DJ and music producer based in Paris, renowned for his emotive blend of progressive house, afro, and melodic techno that incorporates traditional Moroccan percussion influences such as the bendir.^[1][2][3] He began playing guitar and djembe at age 12 in local folk groups during high school, later discovering progressive music and synthesizers at age 15, which led him to pursue a professional career in electronic music.^[1][2] His distinctive sound fuses groovy beats, evocative melodies, and organic rhythms drawn from his Moroccan heritage with modern electronic elements, aiming to stir emotions and guide listeners on a journey, as he has stated: "I always try to create music that stirs up emotions and takes listeners on a journey."^[1] Notable remixes include his rework of Keinemusik's "Before the Flood" featuring Cubicolor, which received airplay on BBC Radio 1 and support from artists including Black Coffee and Pete Tong, as well as his remix of Mayra Andrade's "Afeto," which has exceeded 3 million streams on Spotify.^[1][2][3] Key original releases include "Hallelujah" on MoBlack Records, his debut EP After All / Hidden Place on DHB Records (a label he co-founded), and "The Future," a collaboration with Luch released on Ninja Tune.^[2][3][4] Ankhoï has earned endorsements from Keinemusik, Black Coffee, Diplo, and Pete Tong, and his work has contributed to his growing presence in the global house and afro house scenes through performances at venues such as Djoon in Paris and international festival appearances.^[1][2][3]

Early life

Background in Morocco

Ankhoï was born in Morocco, where he spent his childhood and formative years before relocating to Paris.^[1][5] He has described Morocco as the center of his narrative, with the country's cultural environment and traditions shaping his early experiences.^[1] He has resided in Paris for over a decade.^[1]

Musical training and early influences

Ankhoï began his musical training at the age of twelve, when his parents gifted him a guitar and a djembe, sparking his early affinity for music.^[1][6][2] He performed in local folk groups during high school, collaborating with friends and gaining initial experience in group music-making.^[1][6] At age fifteen, Ankhoï discovered progressive music and was introduced to synthesizers and other electronic instruments, which marked a pivotal shift in his musical development and ignited his interest in electronic sounds.^[1][2] This teenage exposure to progressive elements and electronic production tools laid the foundation for his later transition into professional electronic music.^[1]

Career

Transition to electronic music

Ankhoï's transition to electronic music occurred during his mid-teens, marking a shift from his acoustic and folk roots to DJing and production. At the age of 15, he discovered progressive music and was introduced to synthesizers and other electronic instruments, igniting his interest in electronic genres.^[1][5] After several months of practice with these new tools, Ankhoï developed a passion for DJing and made the decision to pursue it professionally, moving away from his earlier involvement in local folk groups where he played guitar and djembe.^[1] This period represented his initial entry into electronic music, with an early focus on progressive sounds that would later evolve into his signature style.^[6] Relocating to Paris around 2013, Ankhoï further solidified his professional path in electronic music, using the city as a base to craft and produce his tracks.^[1]

Breakthrough remixes and radio exposure

Ankhoï achieved a significant breakthrough with his remixes, which brought him widespread attention through radio airplay and streaming platforms. His remix of Keinemusik's "Before the Flood" marked a key milestone, earning a feature on BBC Radio 1.^[1][7] The track also received support from prominent figures in electronic music, including Black Coffee and Pete Tong.^[7] Another pivotal release was his remix of Mayra Andrade's "Afeto," issued via Sony France under the Columbia label.^[1] This rework has accumulated over three million streams on Spotify, underscoring its broad appeal and contributing to Ankhoï's rising profile in the global electronic scene.^[1][7][8]

Major releases and collaborations

Ankhoï has developed a notable discography through original productions and collaborations, primarily in the realms of progressive house, afro house, and melodic techno, released across independent labels. One of his early key singles is "Ohiboki", featuring vocalist Rita Kassid, released on Elbaraka Family in March 2021.^[9][10] This was followed by "Hallelujah", issued on MoBlack Records in October 2022 as part of the label's "UNRELEASED x ADE" compilation.^[11] In November 2024, Ankhoï debuted on DHB Records with the two-track EP "After All / Hidden Place". The title track "After All" originated from ideas he began developing in 2020, while "Hidden Place" features vocalist Coulson and was produced in 2024, emphasizing deep, progressive atmospheres and emotive storytelling.^[12] He has also collaborated with Ahmed Spins on "Mood", featuring singer Caroline Byrne and guitarist Neyl, released on DHB Records in July 2025 as a summer house-oriented track blending organic instrumentals and groovy melodies.^[13] Among his other original productions are "Closer To The Floor" on Chaos Records.^[14] In November 2025, Ankhoï collaborated with Miami-based producer Luch on "The Future", released on Ninja Tune as a digital single highlighting their joint production approach.^[4]

Musical style and influences

Genre fusion and production approach

Ankhoï specializes in a unique blend of progressive house, afro, and melodic techno.^[1] His production approach centers on fusing progressive and afro elements to create evocative tracks that prioritize emotional impact and coherence across genres.^[1] Ankhoï describes his style as "evocative" and emphasizes crafting music that stirs emotions and takes listeners on a journey, stating: "I always try to create music that stirs up emotions and takes listeners on a journey."^[1] This philosophy drives his work toward deep, emotionally resonant productions that maintain dancefloor energy while fostering personal connection.^[1]

Moroccan roots and percussion elements

Ankhoï's music is deeply shaped by his Moroccan heritage, which he integrates into his electronic productions through traditional percussion elements. Born in Morocco and later relocating to Paris, he draws on the rhythmic traditions of his upbringing to infuse his tracks with organic, culturally resonant textures.^[1] A key aspect of this influence is his use of the Bendir, a traditional Moroccan frame drum known for its distinctive noisy and resonant qualities. Ankhoï has cited his admiration for the Bendir sound as a direct inspiration for the distorted, noisy percussion patterns found in his drum arrangements, adapting these traditional timbres to fit within progressive house, afro, and melodic techno frameworks. He explains that "in my drum patterns, you might notice some noisy, distorted percussion, which is likely influenced by my love for the ‘Bendir’ sound."^[1] This incorporation extends beyond specific instruments to broader Moroccan cultural practices, such as communal dancing and singing at family gatherings, which he seeks to evoke in his work to foster moments of togetherness on the dancefloor. Ankhoï bridges his Moroccan roots with the contemporary electronic music scene in Paris—where he has lived and produced for over a decade—by blending these heritage-derived rhythms with modern synthesis and grooves, creating a sound that honors his origins while engaging global audiences.^[1]

Discography

Original productions

Ankhoï's original productions blend progressive house, afro house, and melodic techno with influences from Moroccan percussion traditions, particularly the bendir, creating emotive, journey-oriented tracks that emphasize emotional depth and dancefloor energy. His early original work includes "Ohiboki" (featuring Rita Kassid), released in 2021, and the "Wait for Me" EP in 2022.^[15][16] He gained wider recognition with "Hallelujah", released on MoBlack Records in 2022, showcasing his signature fusion of afro elements and electronic grooves.^[11][17] In 2024, Ankhoï released the "After All / Hidden Place" EP on DHB Records, featuring "After All" (with Coulson) and "Hidden Place" (featuring Coulson), which further explored melodic and evocative soundscapes.^[18][16] His more recent productions include high-profile collaborations: "Mood" (with Ahmed Spins, featuring Caroline Byrne and Neyl) on DHB Records in 2025, described as a summer house anthem with groovy melodies and organic instrumentals; "Closer To The Floor" (with Jazzy) in 2025, which has exceeded 17 million streams; and "THE FUTURE" (with Luch) on Ninja Tune in 2025, a track inspired by themes of transformation and supported by artists such as Keinemusik and Adriatique.^[13][16][4] These releases reflect Ankhoï's evolution as a producer bridging his Moroccan heritage with contemporary electronic scenes, earning placements in major playlists and support from industry figures.^[16][4]

Notable remixes

Ankhoï's remixes have garnered significant attention for their seamless integration of Moroccan percussion elements, such as Bendir influences, with progressive house and melodic techno frameworks, often earning support from prominent artists and platforms. His remix of Keinemusik's "Before The Flood" (featuring Cubicolor), released in April 2023 as part of the Send Return Remixes Pt. 3 on the Keinemusik label, stands out as one of his most recognized works. The track received airplay on BBC Radio 1 and has been widely performed at clubs and festivals worldwide, underscoring its impact in the electronic scene.^[1] Another key remix is of Mayra Andrade's "Afeto", released in February 2024 on Sony Music France (Columbia). This rework, which preserves the original's captivating vocals while layering Ankhoï's signature afro and emotional electronic textures, has achieved substantial streaming success and broad recognition.^[19][20] Ankhoï has also contributed remixes such as the extended version of "Sanba Yo Pran Pale" by Lakou Mizik & Joseph Ray on Anjunadeep, further illustrating his range in reinterpreting diverse musical sources.^[14]

Reception and achievements

Industry endorsements

Ankhoï has received endorsements and support from several prominent figures in the electronic music industry, underscoring his growing influence in progressive house, afro, and melodic techno. His remix of Keinemusik's "Before the Flood" (featuring Cubicolor) attracted backing from Black Coffee and Pete Tong, and was featured on BBC Radio 1.^[2] Keinemusik has offered substantial ongoing support, including releasing the "Before the Flood" remix as part of their Send Return Remixes series and endorsing his debut EP After All / Hidden Place on DHB Records.^[2] His remix of Mayra Andrade's "Afeto" (released via Sony France/Columbia) gained support from Diplo, Keinemusik, and Carlita.^[21] Event listings and profiles have repeatedly highlighted his continued backing from Keinemusik, Black Coffee, and Pete Tong, positioning him as a rising talent in deep and afro-house scenes.^[22]

Streaming milestones

Ankhoï's tracks have achieved notable streaming success on Spotify, reflecting his growing reach in electronic and afro house genres. His remix of Mayra Andrade's "Afeto," released via Sony France (Columbia), has surpassed 7 million streams on Spotify.^[16][2] The collaborative single "Closer To The Floor" with Jazzy has accumulated over 17 million streams on the platform, marking one of his most prominent streaming milestones to date.^[16][2] These accomplishments contribute to Ankhoï's overall catalog exceeding 48 million streams across Spotify.^[2]

Critical recognition

Ankhoï has emerged as a rising talent in the electronic music scene, recognized for his innovative fusion of progressive house, afro, and melodic techno.^[1][6] His productions are noted for bridging Moroccan heritage with the contemporary Paris-based electronic music community, incorporating traditional percussion influences to create evocative tracks that emphasize emotional depth and cultural cross-pollination.^[1][6] Music publications describe him as an emerging artist gradually gaining traction through larger audiences, passionate communities, and an ever-growing international following, highlighting his potential in house and afro house genres.^[1][6] He has received endorsements from prominent figures such as Keinemusik, Black Coffee, Diplo, and Pete Tong, contributing to his growing reputation within the industry.^[1]