H.NOT is a Tangier‑born Moroccan producer and DJ shaping the underground Afro‑house and melodic house spheres. He first gained attention through his “Views and Beats” series – raw, site‑specific live sets that highlight Morocco’s vibrant landscapes. His electrifying performances and cinematic visuals helped carve a distinct aesthetic thread early in his career. By 2023, H.NOT had begun releasing original material, including “Alma” on AFROKHIN and collaborative gems like “Nakupenda” (with Zakem and Mobek) and “I Can’t Breathe” (with Zakem). The latter track, featured on Zakem’s Klubikon Podcast and Avenoir Music premiere, marries emotive textures with hypnotic Afro rhythms, marking a mature evolution in his sound. Live, he’s shared stages with heavy hitters including DJ Chus, Moblack, Hyenah, Enzo Siffredi, FNX Omar and Zakem, helping weave his narrative into Morocco’s burgeoning deep‑dance movement. DMCWorld goes Trainspotting with H.NOT.
Shimza·AR/CO·Kasango – FireFire – Central Station
Every time I drop this one, the energy in the room just catches fire—literally. It’s got that heavy groove that locks people in, and once the break hits, it’s a moment. I love playing this to switch the night into a higher gear.
Black Coffee & &ME – The Rapture Pt. III – keinemusik
This track is a journey. I usually save it for those late moments when the crowd’s fully dialed in. It creates a space where you can just feel the music breathing.
Zakem & H.Not – I Can’t Breathe – Avenoir Music
This one is special. There’s emotion, tension, and power in it. I made it with Zakem during a phase where I needed to speak through sound more than words. When I play it, it always connects – like the room pauses and listens.
Zakem, H.Not & Mobek – Nakupenda – Bosom
This track came from a real place of love and collaboration with my brothers. “Nakupenda” means “I love you” in Swahili, and that’s the exact feeling it brings. I often use it to open a set or shift into a more emotional direction.
Malumz on Decks & Mpho.Wav – Teka (Maz Remix) – Dawn Patrol
Maz gave this track a whole new life. It has this smooth Afro rhythm that fits perfectly when I want to keep the groove flowing but still melodic. It’s like a bridge between day and night energy.
Everything Is Art & WhoMadeWho – All The Love (WhoMadeWho & Samm Remix) – The Moment
“All The Love” is that kind of track that sneaks up on you emotionally. When I’m building a melodic moment mid-set, this is one I always come back to. It’s warm, reflective, and just beautifully put together.
Salif Keita & Cesária Évora – Yamore (FNX Omar Remix) – MoBlack
This remix carries so much soul. FNX Omar kept the essence of the original—Salif’s voice, Cesária’s emotion—but layered it with a deep, hypnotic Afro-house drive. I play it when I want to bring the room into something more spiritual. It always feels like a moment of truth in the set.
Bedouin & Iveta – Better Than This – Human By Default
A sensual, slow-burner. The vocals have that haunting elegance I love, and Bedouin always knows how to shape a mood. I usually let this one breathe and speak for itself in the mix—it always lands.
Uvita, Osfur & The Scripture – AREA 3344 – Human By Default
This one feels like a secret weapon. Dark, tribal, and immersive. I discovered it recently and now I keep it for those mysterious, unexpected turns in the set. It’s got that underground energy that makes people ask “what was that?”
Juno (DE) – Heat – Magnifik Music
“Heat” lives up to its name. It’s stripped-down, raw, but the groove hits hard. I use it when I want to pull things back and let the rhythm speak – it’s pure attitude.
Zakem, H.Not, Izie ‘I Can’t Breathe’ is out now on AVENOIR Music.
https://www.beatport.com/release/i-cant-breathe/5034441
