Brazilian funky-house DJ-producer Mochakk’s 49 seconds of TikTok fortune came at the age of 23. In the viral video, the camera traces his fast flicks of the wrist as Mochakk lip syncs to DJ PAWSA’s tech-house belter “Role Play”. His unique dance movements – backed, it turns out, by a serious background in dance – helped propel the video to viral status, but it is Mochakk’s artistry that held fans long after the video ended.

Now 26 and firmly cemented as one of Brazil’s biggest DJ exports, Mochakk credits his unique, globetrotting selections to a diverse musical upbringing in Sorocaba, Brazil. “I was always surrounded by music in the house,” says Mochakk. “My parents were both really musical. My dad listened to a lot of rock, and my mom played a lot of 70s and 80s classics. Later on, I got into hip-hop and beat making because I started breakdancing.” 

He continues: “I just became addicted and started learning more and more. Now I listen to everything from Brazilian funk to soul, techno to jazz. I think when you only stick to one genre, things can start to feel a little flat. When you stay open and appreciate the thought and creativity behind different styles, it really broadens your perspective.”

His most recent EP, From the Stars, samples British synthpop outfit RAH Band's “Message from the Stars”, punctuating reverbed vocals with 2-step garage rhythms. Though his inspirations are global, much of his work is anchored in enriching the Brazilian musical landscape from which he came. Responding to a chronic club shortage across the country, he founded the OBLIQO venue in his Sorocaba hometown in order to bridge local and global talent. 

“I’m constantly getting sent tracks by some really young producers that are mindblowing, which is why me and my friends decided to try and give back to the community by opening up OBLIQO,” Mochakk tells Dazed. “Since it opened, we´ve been able to have some upcoming DJs on line-ups with international artists like Seth Troxler and Lovefoxy, which is huge. For me, it’s important that we grow as a scene by lifting each other up, otherwise we miss out on so much potential.”

Continuing in this spirit, this year sees Mochakk launch the first edition of his own festival, Mochakk Calling, in Malta. Spanning the full breadth of Mochakk’s diverse inspirations, the line-up features international superstars like Bonobo, Haai and MALL GRAB, alongside local Brazilian acts like funk DJ Badsista and funk-disco duo Solarce Brothers to soundtrack two days of sun-soaked boogieing.

In honour of his flagship event, below, Mochakk breaks down how he likes to party on the rare night off he gets to dance in front of the decks.

MOCHAKK’S SECRETS FOR A GOOD NIGHT OUT

What day of the week is this?

Mochakk: Usually Thursdays in São Paulo are when people start going out during the week, and on the weekends I’m working so, yeah, Thursday!

What essential party supplies are you bringing out with you?

Mochakk: Wallet, phone, bad intentions, and a lighter.

Where are you heading for pres?

Mochakk: Usually, people go to my place cause I live close to the bars.

What are you drinking?

Mochakk: Gimme a whiskey sour!

Where’s the main event?

Mochakk: The main event is the post-bar drink at Mere. If you want to know where that is, travel to Brazil and ask a local to take you there, because it’s meant to be discovered. It’s pure beauty.

What time are you getting there?

Mochakk: 9pm bar, 1:30am at Mere.

Are you DJing? If not, who’s on the lineup?

Mochakk: No, I want to go out! I’ll DJ tomorrow

What songs are you requesting from the DJ?

Mochakk: None! DJs are not jukeboxes and we already have a jukebox at Mere. 

When’s the right time to leave the club? 

Mochakk: When no one’s looking.

Right, the rave’s done. Where are you heading for some food?

Mochakk: Can’t really go wrong with a goated pre-sleep McDonald’s.

Mochakk launches his Mochakk Calling festival in Malta this year. Grab tickets here.