From the smoky energy of late-night dancefloors to the limitless archives of SoundCloud, HAIVAI B’s journey into electronic music is anything but ordinary. Rooted in curiosity and driven by cultural diversity, her sets are more than just playlists — they’re conversations, stories, and spaces for connection.
In just a few short years, HAIVAI B has carved out a sound that transcends genre labels, blending everything from Baile Funk to GQOM, Amapiano to UK Garage. But beyond the groove, there’s intent: a mission to represent the unrepresented, to amplify unheard voices, and to build dancefloors where everyone feels welcome — no matter their background, age, or bank balance.
In this interview, she opens up about her origins, the pivotal moments that shaped her artistry, and what it means to hold your ground in a male-dominated industry. We also get a sneak peek into what’s next — from her ADE debut to a bold step into Asia.
Get ready to meet a rising force who’s not just DJing — she’s storytelling.
Connect with HAIVAI B on Instagram / Youtube / TikTok / Soundcloud
The Beginning – Origins & Influences
Let’s start at the beginning — what first sparked your connection with electronic music, and how did that journey evolve into DJing?
I grew up around music, but I didn’t fully connect with what my sister listened to; it was mostly rock. That led me to search for sounds that resonated with me, and I gravitated toward hip-hop. As I grew older, so did my love for exploring music more deeply. Clubbing introduced me to electronic music on a whole new level, and I realised how broad the genre really is: from German electronic giants to global styles like Brazilian Baile Funk, Batida, UK Garage, Miami Bass, Ballroom, Amapiano or GQOM. If you really look at it, they’re all subgenres of electronic music. That diversity really shaped my perspective and sound.
Your sets carry a strong identity. How did you find your way into the specific genres you play today? Was it a natural evolution or a conscious choice?
More than anything, it was a natural evolution. The dancefloor raised me, and being surrounded by a diverse group of friends with open minds and different backgrounds taught me to always listen and learn. Music is everywhere; you just have to listen. I’ve always had a natural curiosity to dig deeper and represent the unrepresented. For me, it’s about exploring beyond boundaries; if I could, I’d even explore music from other planets.
Were there any artists, events, or personal experiences that shaped your early sound or inspired you to dive deeper into the scene?
I felt my first real spark when I saw Kanye West’s Stronger video on MTV at my grandma’s house. I still remember the weekday and the smell of her house. I’d never heard or seen anything like it. I was completely glued to the screen. Around the same time, producers like Timbaland and Missy Elliott blew my mind with how futuristic and boundary-pushing their sounds were. That’s when I realised music could be more than just a beat – it could create whole new worlds.
Later on, a club in South Germany/Stuttgart, called Freund & Kupferstecher, became my home base. It’s where I discovered genres like GQOM, Baile Funk, and Amapiano, and where I found my people. That’s when I shifted from simply loving music to asking myself, what if I could actually do this too. In my own way?
After that, I dove headfirst into SoundCloud, digging for hours and months. Opening up a whole new universe of sounds. DJs like Jarreau Vandal, FS Green, DJ Maphorisa, and Jyoty influenced me heavily in those early days. Now, I’m continuing to explore further, always pushing myself to find new sounds and fresh inspiration.
Your Role in the Industry
As a female artist in a still male-dominated industry, what’s been your experience carving out space and staying true to your voice?
My “handshake got stronger,” so to speak. My tone got more determined. To be honest, it’s not easy. Oftentimes, people underestimate you or assume you’re only in a certain position because of how you look. That mindset still exists. But I’ve learned to stand my ground, to work twice, if needed, thrice as hard just to make my presence undeniable. I believe the only thing that truly matters is how much work you put into your craft. You just have to be so good they can’t ignore you anymore.
Do you feel a sense of responsibility or mission through your work — whether it’s representation, storytelling, or building community?
Yes, absolutely. I see my role as amplifying voices that aren’t always heard. Not that they needed my voice, but I’ve been given a platform, and I feel the right thing to do is to tell stories properly and create space for others. Storytelling is my strength – I want to take people on a journey. My mission is simple: the dancefloor should be home for everyone. Whether you have two pennies in your pocket, are going through a divorce, or are celebrating your 88th birthday, the dancefloor shall welcome you. It’s a place beyond understanding of language or background – it’s universal.
How do you approach building your sets or curating your sound — is there a message or mood you try to communicate to your audience?
I approach it like storytelling. I want to create a journey that feels both surprising and deeply familiar to people from different places around the world. Weaving genres and influences together while keeping the dancefloor in mind. Every set is a conversation between me, the music, and the people in the room.
Outside of DJing and producing, are there other ways you’re involved in the scene — events, mentoring, label work, or something else behind the curtain?
I’m still early in my career – about two years in – but I’m already starting to get involved in events, and I’d love to expand more behind the scenes. Currently working on my producing skills. Mentorship is something I see myself stepping into in the future as well.
Looking Ahead
What’s currently fueling your creativity — any ideas, moods, or sounds you’re excited to explore in your next chapter?
Lately, I’ve been inspired by going back to the roots: old classics, the building blocks of today’s sounds, the godfathers of your favourites favourite. I also draw inspiration from unexpected places, such as cartoons or flowers. Staying curious is my biggest driver.
Are there any upcoming releases, collaborations, or gigs we should keep an eye on?
Yes! I’ve got a fun bootleg EP coming out soon on Bandcamp and SoundCloud. I’m also incredibly excited about my ADE debut in Amsterdam and an upcoming Asia tour, which will explore brand-new territories like India and China.
If we zoom out a bit — where do you hope to see yourself (and your sound) evolve in the next few years? What’s the bigger picture for HAIVAI B?
The beauty is, I don’t know exactly – and that excites me. I do have big plans, but I also want to stay open to where the journey takes me. Sometimes, there are bigger plans ahead of you than what you’ve planned for yourself. What I can say for sure is: I’m here to stay!
Thank you.