&friends

&friends is the musical brainchild of Sean Thomas, a San Diego-raised, Dubai-based DJ and producer, celebrated for his innovative fusion of Afro-house and global sounds that create immersive, culturally rich musical experiences.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Sean Thomas's journey into music began in San Diego, where he was deeply influenced by hip-hop and the vibrant underground rave scene. His early foray into music production saw him crafting hip-hop tracks and attending underground raves, which ignited his passion for electronic music. This passion led him to explore house music, a genre that resonated with his desire to create cathartic and unifying musical experiences. 

Formation of &friends

In 2022, Sean Thomas launched &friends, a project inspired by the rich musical traditions of African culture. Collaborating closely with Nigerian vocalists such as Phina Asa, Oluwadamvic, eL Jay, and Dotun Oladesemola, &friends aims to merge global cultures through music, crafting intimate landscapes where listeners can experience healing, unity, and self-empowerment on the dance floor. 

Musical Breakthrough

The debut single, "Gbagbe e," featuring Oluwadamvic, was released in July 2022 under Sean's label, Hidden Hands. The track, whose title means "Letting Go" in Yoruba, blends dynamic Afro-house rhythms with soulful vocals, encapsulating the project's ethos of cultural fusion. The song garnered significant attention, setting the stage for subsequent releases.

Continued Success and Artistic Evolution

Building on the momentum of their debut, &friends released a dynamic Afro-house cover of Armin Van Buuren's "This Is What It Feels Like" in 2023, marking their first major label release with Armada Music. This rendition showcased their ability to reinterpret classic tracks through a global lens, infusing them with fresh, cross-cultural energy. 

The project's evolution is marked by collaborations with distinguished labels such as MoBlack Records and Tomorrowland Music. Live performances have spanned globally, with notable shows in Beirut, Dubai, Egypt, Madrid, Marrakesh, Mexico City, New York, and Brazil during Carnival. These performances highlight &friends' commitment to creating immersive, culturally rich musical experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. With a mission to redefine global music connections, &friends continues to weave deep narratives through their unique approach to Afro-house, fostering a sense of global community and cultural appreciation through the universal language of music.