Evka Live from Kyiv: A Special The Booth Set for International Women’s Day

This International Women’s Day, DJane Mag proudly presents a powerful and inspiring feature on Evka, a DJ and producer whose artistry transcends borders. Streaming directly from Kyiv, Ukraine, Evka’s set for the BOOTH brings a fresh perspective on life, music, and resilience in a time of uncertainty

the BOOTH is a special event by DJane Mag, where female DJs showcase their talent through decks from around the world. This platform highlights the creativity, skill, and unique perspectives of women in the electronic music scene.

Evka is a talented DJ and sound producer who excels in the realms of Afro House and Electronica. Her musical journey is a fusion of artistry and electronic beats, creating a unique experience that captivates audiences worldwide.

With a captivating stage presence and a finely tuned ear for music, Evka has performed at renowned venues and festivals across the globe. From the vibrant clubs of Kyiv, Athens, and Abu Dhabi to international hotspots like Mykonos, Tulum, and Miami, her performances resonate with energy and style.

Evka has shared the stage with notable names such as WhoMadeWho, Monolink, Jan Blomqvist, Korolova, Zoo York, Brina Knaus, Birds of Mind, Angelos, Salome le Chat, Ariel Vromen, Ten Walls, and many more. Her journey as a DJ began in 2016, and since then, she has evolved, blending Afro House with Indie and Electronica influences. Check out our exclusive interview below.

How does music, particularly Afro House, serve as an escape in difficult times?

As a girl, I have the privilege to travel outside of my country. I would say music, in general, is a great escape for a heavy heart, but Afro House in particular is not too popular back in Ukraine. People seem to prefer harder, darker beats—it feels like they can convert their inner despair and tension into energy and release it somehow. So yes, techno and progressive are more common here. Afro House is happy music for happy people.

How has the electronic music scene in Ukraine evolved over recent years?

The electronic music scene in Ukraine skyrocketed during COVID times—we got new places to party, new festivals, and we adjusted to the rules, which were not too strict. I would say we were the last rule-benders! It gave us hope, we saw a bright future, and we felt we had power. I remember when the government tried to tighten lockdown regulations, hundreds of young people protested outside our parliament building by throwing a huge rave—I even brought my kids with me! And you know what? We won. Now, it feels like something from another lifetime, because the moment the war started, everything turned upside down.

When did you first discover Afro House, and who are your biggest influences?

My first introduction to Afro House was in 2017, when I had a residency in Mykonos. Back then, I was playing downtempo—slow, electronic, mantra-like music. I went to Scorpios to see Black Coffee, and I loved it. That was when I started to swing between those two genres. Some of my biggest inspirations include Bedouin, Pablo Fierro, Christian Löffler, Adam Port, Hyenah, Themba, Zigan Aldi, Dandara, and Hot Oasis.

Do you see Afro House continuing to evolve globally?

Oh yes, Afro House is getting more and more popular! It’s dividing into sub-genres, merging with other styles. I see it blending with melodic techno, becoming more electronic or groovier with tech-house beats. It’s a creative process—mixing makes the prettiest babies!

What do you want people to see in Kyiv beyond the war headlines?

I’m happy to show Kyiv from another perspective, beyond the war news. That’s all people abroad have been hearing for the last three years. I want them to see that Ukrainians are still trying to enjoy life, we are not broken down. The sunsets are still as pretty as before, the city is still alive. When it comes to international performances, I don’t think people care much about where you’re from—they care about the music.

What challenges have you faced as a female DJ?

In the beginning, it felt weird that people were surprised I could actually mix, that I didn’t use a sync button. There’s a stigma that if you’re pretty, you must be playing pre-recorded sets. Guys get the credit of trust from the start, but as a woman, you have to prove yourself first.

As a female DJ, you also have to pay attention to how you look—not too overdressed, not too underdressed, not too much makeup, because you might look like a bimbo. Meanwhile, a guy can just put on a black T-shirt and go. So yeah, I try not to be too pretty.

What is your biggest personal challenge in the music industry?

I’m an introverted person, which is why I love DJing—you’re in the crowd, but you’re alone in the booth. It’s the perfect interaction without words: you’re seen, heard, and accepted without having to explain yourself.

However, today, you can’t just be a DJ. You have to be a content creator, a social media manager, and a promoter. That’s where I step out of my comfort zone. Music production is another challenge—it’s not always a fun, flowing process. Most of the time, you’re sitting in a studio for hours just trying to pick the right snare.

Can you tell us about your latest releases and upcoming projects?

My latest release ‘Pebbles’ came out on GoDeeva a few months ago, and I have two new releases coming on March 28 on Vibora and 3000grad. I’m exploring a more electronic sound in my Afro tracks, sampling my own voice a lot and using it as an instrument.

You’ve played alongside many big names, but is there an upcoming collaboration you're particularly excited about?

I’ve shared the stage with many big names, but as a producer, I’m extremely excited about an upcoming remix of my track ‘Rhythm’ by Mollono Bass. I’ve followed this artist for years, and he has influenced my style.

Who would be your dream collaborators?

I would say: Arodes, WhoMadeWho, Blond:ish, Bedouin, Pole Position, Sabo, Angelos, and Maga. But honestly, we definitely need more female artists in Afro House!

What advice would you give to aspiring female DJs?

Oh, girl, you got this. Just do your thing, express yourself, and don’t worry about how it looks to others. Do it for yourself first, and you’ll find your crowd eventually. We are allowed to fail as many times as we need before we succeed.

What was the inspiration behind your set for The Booth?

I know not everybody will get this, but for someone who grew up experiencing four seasons, summertime sadness feels way too real. So in this set, I just wanted to capture the feeling of summer. I hope you feel it too. It starts with one of my latest releases, ‘Sunlit’—for a reason.

Join us in celebrating Evka’s journey and the power of women in music. Tune in to her special set for the BOOTH, streaming straight from Kyiv, Ukraine—a story of music, resilience, and the unstoppable energy of a woman who refuses to be defined by circumstances. Happy International Women’s Day!  Watch her exclusive performance on DJane Mag TV!

Follow Evka

Instagram — SoundCloud — Beatport