Where to Go in Lisbon, According to DJ Marfox
Where to Go in Lisbon, According to DJ Marfox
A pioneer of Lisbon's batida sound, DJ Marfox is a producer who needs no introduction.
Over the past few years, Lisbon's underground scene has been well-documented with DJ Marfox seen as its leading light. Born in Lisbon to parents from São Tomé e Príncipe, Marfox started DJing in 2002 and later formed the DJs di Guetto crew with DJ Pausas and DJ Fofuxo. The trio released a seminal self-titled batida compilation in 2006, which was later re-released by Príncipe Discos in 2013.
Marfox's raucous blend of batida, kizomba, tarraxinha and funaná has been instrumental in shaping the success of Príncipe Discos. The Lisbon platform kickstarted their label with Marfox's EP Eu Sei Quem Sou in 2011, and has since pushed the fiery batida sound from Lisbon's underground to the wider world.
As the elder statesman of Lisbon's thriving electronic scene, DJ Marfox is someone who's got his finger on the city's pulse. If you're in Lisbon, check out the producer's favourite spots below.
In this Guide
B’Leza
“Once located in the Santos area, now in Cais do Sodré. Still a one of a kind house for music, dancing and meeting all kinds of people from various backgrounds.”
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Flur Discos
“One of the most revered independent record stores in Lisbon, owned by three good friends of mine. Best spot to try to score any copies still available of the Príncipe back catalogue.”
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Tabernáculo do Hernani Miguel
“A space concept by Hernâni Miguel, a major player in supporting the African nights in Lisbon and its affirmation in the city.”
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Restaurante O Cantinho da Ameixoeira
“Whoever comes into O Cantinho da Ameixoeira is immediately immersed in a truly lusophone African embassy in the Ameixoeira Velha area, from its decorative motifs that not only embellish the place but also symbolise the restaurant’s long history and identity. I recommend getting the peixe andala and the molho de fogo – both are typical of São Tomé e Príncipe, where my parents are from.”
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Restaurante Nozinha
“World-famous joint of nozinha, the mistress of Cape Verdean food. It’s a place to get together, enjoy live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and a cachupa (recognised as one of the best in the greater Lisbon area). I especially recommend chanfana de cabra (a goat Stew typical of the south of Portugal), cachupa (Cape Verdean traditional dish of slow-cooked stew of corn, beans, cassava, sweet potato, meat and morcela) and congo (also a Cape Verdean dish of a stew based on a typical kind of bean called congo).”
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Arroz Estúdios
“This non-profit cultural association opened in the Beato area as a space for co- working for emerging artists, but also with a programme to the public that has been steadily winning traction with pop-up markets, exhibitions, various music and outdoor film sessions at night.”
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Galeria de Arte Pública (Quinta do Mocho)
“Since 2014, Quinta do Mocho – where I have my home studio and where my mamma still lives – started what is now over half a hundred of works of street art displayed on the walls of its social housing project buildings, created and made by acclaimed artists. The guided visits take place in the last Saturday of each month at 10am; meeting point being the Casa da Cultura de Sacavém.”
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