An Interview with Kiko Navarro
Mar Piris catches up with the legendary DJ
The Soul of House with Mallorcan Roots - From the vibrant neighbourhoods of Palma to the dance floors of Tokyo, Atlanta, and Athens, Kiko Navarro has carried the spirit of House music across the globe. A pioneer in soulful and globally infused electronic music, his name is synonymous with rhythm, depth, and authenticity. Yet no matter how far his travels take him, Kiko’s creative compass always points home. Mallorca isn’t just his birthplace—it’s his muse. In this exclusive conversation with In Mallorca Magazine, the legendary DJ and producer revisits his early days in the booth, reflects on the evolution of his sound, and reveals why the island remains the heart of his artistic process. This is the story of over three decades dedicated to music, connection, and roots.
Words by Mar Piris | Photos by Max Segura
01/07/25
What inspired you to become a DJ and producer?
Honestly, I always say the same thing: it started with my brother Arcadio, who’s 12 years older than me. Through him, I began to truly feel music. I spent countless hours listening to his records, and I’ll never forget those “unauthorised” nights he covered for me so I could sneak into “Luna,” one of Palma’s most iconic clubs. Those early influences—English pop, soul, funk, disco, Simple Minds, David Bowie, hip hop, breakdance—shaped my tastes. I was only 12, dancing in the neighbourhood with friends, and by the summer of 1988, just shy of 15, I encountered the House and Acid House explosion. That was a game-changer.
One afternoon at Luna, the club manager approached me and said, “I need someone to help the resident DJ.
Are you interested?” I started as an assistant in the booth—on my birthday, August 24th. From that moment,
everything changed. Initially, I was in charge of the first set and managing the lights—a common start in Mallorca’s early ’90s club scene. Over time, I earned more minutes behind the decks. I learned to mix by myself, observing, experimenting. Later, thanks to Pedro Trotz,
I began learning music production. At around 17, I got my own gear, and by 22, I had my first vinyl release.
That’s how my journey began—through passion, curiosity, and a lot of trial and error.
Beyond music, how does Mallorca influence your creative process? Where does it all begin?
My creative energy is deeply connected to my emotional state, and my surroundings play a huge role in that. Mallorca is everything to me—it grounds me. I was born here, and I want to die here. I’ve toured four continents (still waiting to get to Australia!), but I always return to the island to recharge and reset.
Inspiration hits in the most unexpected moments— walking through Palma, being in nature, or even during
mundane routines. Sometimes an idea, a sound, or a feeling takes hold, and I follow it. Creating music is about materialising those sparks—turning something abstract into something you can feel. And when that
feeling resonates with others? That’s magic.
How has your sound evolved over the years?
Like most producers with three decades under their belt, I’ve evolved with the tools. Today, with AI, high-powered computers, synths, and plugins, we can achieve levels of clarity and power we could only dream of 20 years ago. That said, I’ve always remained true to myself.
While I adapt and explore trends, integrity is nonnegotiable. I want people who heard me 25 years ago to still recognise my essence. Music, to me, is about emotion—nostalgia, joy, energy—and that’s what I strive to convey. I like to say I play House with a capital H. House that’s open to all cultures and styles—Latin house, Afro house, funky house, jazz house, techno house. What matters most is that it has soul.
Which artists or genres inspire you today?
I’m drawn to anything with authenticity—what the English call “rooted music.” Sounds that reflect cultural heritage resonate with me: Indian, Arabic, African, Spanish, Moroccan, American... I absorb these influences and fuse them with House to create something new. As for artists, I admire many for how they produce, how they tell stories. Carl Craig, Radio Slave, Osunlade, DJ Spen, Masters at Work (Louie Vega & Kenny Dope), Robert Hood... the list is endless. These are people who pour passion into their craft, and that fuels me to keep pushing creatively.
You’ve played around the world. What’s been your most unforgettable live experience?
That’s a tough one. I’ve been fortunate to play so many amazing sets. But if I had to choose, I’d say Tokyo, 2006. It was my first time in Japan—a place I’d longed to visit. The audience was so engaged: dancing, watching the booth, connecting with the music. It was electric. Another key moment was Atlanta, 2001—my first U.S. gig. It happened in a very 2000s way: I was active on a DJ forum where I shared weekly tracklists, and a promoter reached out. DJing in the birthplace of House was a milestone. Then there was the Southport Weekender in England, one of the most iconic House festivals. Sharing the stage with DJs I deeply admire was unforgettable. But honestly? One of the most special moments has been my birthday parties in Banyalbufar. We’ve been doing them for almost a decade now—an unmatched vibe. And I can’t forget my long sessions at Bol.var Beach Bar in Athens—five, six hours of pure connection with thousands of people. Truly transformative.
If you could play a back-to-back with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?
Back-to-backs are intimate. It’s not just about musical chemistry—it’s emotional, human. You can admire a DJ immensely, but if there’s no connection, it won’t work. I think I’m good at adapting to the moment, but for a truly special B2B, there has to be mutual understanding. That said, my most unforgettable B2B was with my son Hugo, last year. He was 13. We produced a cover of Ludovico Einaudi’s Una mattina, which he’d learned at school during piano lessons. We released it together on my label, Afroterraneo. A month later, I played the Palma On Season Festival in Parque del Mar, right by the cathedral—a place that’s very close to my heart.
I played for 90 minutes and shared the final 45 with Hugo. Seeing him drop our track in front of hundreds
of people... It was emotional, nerve-wracking, magical. One of the most beautiful moments of my musical life.
Mar Piris catches up with the legendary DJ
The Soul of House with Mallorcan Roots - From the vibrant neighbourhoods of Palma to the dance floors of Tokyo, Atlanta, and Athens, Kiko Navarro has carried the spirit of House music across the globe. A pioneer in soulful and globally infused electronic music, his name is synonymous with rhythm, depth, and authenticity. Yet no matter how far his travels take him, Kiko’s creative compass always points home. Mallorca isn’t just his birthplace—it’s his muse. In this exclusive conversation with In Mallorca Magazine, the legendary DJ and producer revisits his early days in the booth, reflects on the evolution of his sound, and reveals why the island remains the heart of his artistic process. This is the story of over three decades dedicated to music, connection, and roots.
Which artists or genres inspire you today?
I’m drawn to anything with authenticity—what the English call “rooted music.” Sounds that reflect cultural heritage resonate with me: Indian, Arabic, African, Spanish, Moroccan, American... I absorb these influences and fuse them with House to create something new. As for artists, I admire many for how they produce, how they tell stories. Carl Craig, Radio Slave, Osunlade, DJ Spen, Masters at Work (Louie Vega & Kenny Dope), Robert Hood... the list is endless. These are people who pour passion into their craft, and that fuels me to keep pushing creatively.
You’ve played around the world. What’s been your most unforgettable live experience?
That’s a tough one. I’ve been fortunate to play so many amazing sets. But if I had to choose, I’d say Tokyo, 2006. It was my first time in Japan—a place I’d longed to visit. The audience was so engaged: dancing, watching the booth, connecting with the music. It was electric. Another key moment was Atlanta, 2001—my first U.S. gig. It happened in a very 2000s way: I was active on a DJ forum where I shared weekly tracklists, and a promoter reached out. DJing in the birthplace of House was a milestone. Then there was the Southport Weekender in England, one of the most iconic House festivals. Sharing the stage with DJs I deeply admire was unforgettable. But honestly? One of the most special moments has been my birthday parties in Banyalbufar. We’ve been doing them for almost a decade now—an unmatched vibe. And I can’t forget my long sessions at Bol.var Beach Bar in Athens—five, six hours of pure connection with thousands of people. Truly transformative.
If you could play a back-to-back with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?
Back-to-backs are intimate. It’s not just about musical chemistry—it’s emotional, human. You can admire a DJ immensely, but if there’s no connection, it won’t work. I think I’m good at adapting to the moment, but for a truly special B2B, there has to be mutual understanding. That said, my most unforgettable B2B was with my son Hugo, last year. He was 13. We produced a cover of Ludovico Einaudi’s Una mattina, which he’d learned at school during piano lessons. We released it together on my label, Afroterraneo. A month later, I played the Palma On Season Festival in Parque del Mar, right by the cathedral—a place that’s very close to my heart.
I played for 90 minutes and shared the final 45 with Hugo. Seeing him drop our track in front of hundreds
of people... It was emotional, nerve-wracking, magical. One of the most beautiful moments of my musical life.
What projects are you working on right now?
On April 11th, I released a remix of “So.ando Contigo,” my most popular track with Buika, in collaboration with my great friend DJ Fudge. We’d talked about it for years, and it finally happened. There’s also a new project with Pere Navarro, a brilliant Ibizan trumpeter, keyboardist, and DJ (no relation despite the last name!). We met last year and instantly clicked. Our first EP, a three-tracker, was released on May 2nd on Radio Slave’s label, Rekids. We’re thrilled about that. I also have a collaboration with DJ Pippi and Willie Graff coming out on Peppermint Jam (Mousse T’s label), a track called “Get On Down.” Then there’s “Uva Umbe,” another collaboration with Pere and South African vocalists Zano and Zama, which drops in early June on Afroterraneo.
Can you share some upcoming releases and confirmed dates?
The single “Uva Umbe” with Pere Navarro, Zano, and Zama will be released on June 6th. Fridays are key in our world—it’s when DJs check the latest drops. I also have a track called “Gozando” with Pippi and Willie,
which we’re currently pitching to labels, hopefully out before summer. And there’s more to come with Pere as well. In terms of gigs, I’ve got confirmed dates in Greece: Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini—at “Wet Stories” on June 8th and August 3rd. In Palma, I’m doing monthly vinyl-only sets at Hostal Cuba and Es Mol., plus sessions at Amok and L.o. And a personal milestone: the grand opening of Cala Petita, a new bar I’m closely involved with. It’s going to be special.
WWW.KIKONAVARRO.ES | @ KIKONAVARRODJ
What projects are you working on right now?
On April 11th, I released a remix of “So.ando Contigo,” my most popular track with Buika, in collaboration with my great friend DJ Fudge. We’d talked about it for years, and it finally happened. There’s also a new project with Pere Navarro, a brilliant Ibizan trumpeter, keyboardist, and DJ (no relation despite the last name!). We met last year and instantly clicked. Our first EP, a three-tracker, was released on May 2nd on Radio Slave’s label, Rekids. We’re thrilled about that. I also have a collaboration with DJ Pippi and Willie Graff coming out on Peppermint Jam (Mousse T’s label), a track called “Get On Down.” Then there’s “Uva Umbe,” another collaboration with Pere and South African vocalists Zano and Zama, which drops in early June on Afroterraneo.
Can you share some upcoming releases and confirmed dates?
The single “Uva Umbe” with Pere Navarro, Zano, and Zama will be released on June 6th. Fridays are key in our world—it’s when DJs check the latest drops. I also have a track called “Gozando” with Pippi and Willie,
which we’re currently pitching to labels, hopefully out before summer. And there’s more to come with Pere as well. In terms of gigs, I’ve got confirmed dates in Greece: Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini—at “Wet Stories” on June 8th and August 3rd. In Palma, I’m doing monthly vinyl-only sets at Hostal Cuba and Es Mol., plus sessions at Amok and L.o. And a personal milestone: the grand opening of Cala Petita, a new bar I’m closely involved with. It’s going to be special.
WWW.KIKONAVARRO.ES | @ KIKONAVARRODJ